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Chemistry (Foundations Chemistry) BS

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry at WKU. Chemistry is often referred to as the “central science” because it helps connect the physical sciences and life sciences. Our department serves students across the college and university and provides chemistry and biochemistry majors with numerous opportunities for engaged learning.

We offer several tracks in our undergraduate chemistry major, serving students who are interested in becoming K-12 teachers, health professionals, professional chemists, or numerous other occupations that require a background in chemistry. Highly qualified and motivated undergraduates may also pursue a joint BS/MS degree in a rigorous 5-year JUMP curriculum (Joint Undergraduate-Masters Program). Together with the Department of Biology, we jointly manage the biochemistry major for students interested in an interdisciplinary degree.

Our graduate program offers a thesis-driven Master of Science degree with traditional and research-intensive tracks. Graduate students gain in-depth experience through a combination of research, traditional coursework, and seminars; most of our full-time students receive financial assistance by serving as teaching assistants in our laboratory courses.

Both undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to work alongside of our faculty in unique research opportunities. Students have the opportunity to share their research findings with the scientific community through publication and/or presentations at the local, regional, or national level. Our faculty combine excellence in teaching and scholarship to provide students with outstanding education and mentoring.

Intakes

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description	IELTS (1.0 -9.0)	TOEFL IBT (0-120)	TOEFL CBT (0-300)	PTE (10-90)
Expert	9	120	297-300	86-90
Very Good	8.5	115-119	280-293	83-86
Very Good	8	110-114	270-280	79-83
Good	7.5	102-109	253-267	73-79
Good	7	94-101	240-253	65-73
Competent	6.5	79-93	213-233	58-65
Competent	6	60-78	170-210	50-58
Modest	5.5	46-59	133-210	43-50
Modest	5	35-45	107-133	36-43
Limited	4	32-34	97-103	30-36
Extremely Limited	< 4	< 31	< 93	< 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a range of job opportunities for international students, especially through on-campus employment, internships, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. The university has a strong career services center that supports students with resume building, interview preparation, and connecting with employers through job fairs and networking events. WKU’s location and industry connections also provide students with access to part-time jobs and full-time career opportunities in various fields such as business, technology, health sciences, and education.

PSW Opportunity

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
Bachelors Degree (After High School)

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)

Minimum academic requirements:

Freshmen: 2.5 GPA (2.25 for Pathway)
Transfer: 2.0 GPA (students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit)

English proficiency requirements (one of the following):

TOEFL, IBT – 71 (61 for Pathway)
IELTS – 6.0 (5.5 for Pathway)
SAT Critical Reading – 450
SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing – 460
ELS – Level 109 PTE Academic – 52
DuoLingo - 100 DET (90 for Pathway)

$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20

All necessary documents, including academic records, financial proof, proof of English language proficiency, AND the application fee must be received before an admission decision can be made.

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Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States