About the Department

Western Washington University is a student-centered university where students expand their interests and perspectives. We combine the academic distinction and personal attention of a smaller, private college and the choices and variety of a comprehensive university. We are committed to the notion that outstanding faculty scholarship and inspired teaching can and should go together. 

Western consistently ranks among the top universities in the West and its chemistry and biochemistry programs are among the strongest of their kind in the country.  The Chemistry Department of 17 faculty offers B.S. and M.S. degree programs in chemistry and biochemistry, with the B.S. chemistry degree certified by the ACS.  The department has state-of-the art facilities with 8500 sq. ft. of dedicated research space and a large portfolio of modern instrumentation.  Current external grant support averages $1 million annually.  The department is also active in the development of new educational materials, textbooks, and innovative teaching methods.  More than $2 million in support from Research Corporation, the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and WWU is being used to provide competitive start-up packages, student and faculty summer research stipends, student travel support, and matching funds for new instrumentation. 

Western is located in Bellingham, WA, which lies midway between Seattle and Vancouver B.C. overlooking the beautiful San Juan Islands and adjacent to majestic Mt. Baker and the North Cascades.