How to Become a Chemistry Major

Prospective Freshmen

Students interested in applying for admission to Virginia Tech can request Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or Polymer Chemistry on their application to the university. Information on applying to Virginia Tech can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

High school students with exam credits who wish to major in chemistry are encouraged to accept the non-science credits they have earned, but are strongly recommended to decline credit for Chemistry, Math, and Physics. While this decision ultimately belongs to the individual student, historically, students who decline credit for chemistry and enroll in freshman-level general chemistry perform better than students who accept the credit and enroll in sophomore-level organic chemistry.

Transfer Students

Information for students currently enrolled at other institutions who wish to transfer to Virginia Tech can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

We typically have 10-12 transfer students enter our program, both from the community college system and other four-year colleges and institutions. We work closely with the Virginia Community Colleges to ensure students can make the transition to Virginia Tech with minimal disruptions.

Current Virginia Tech Students

Information for students already enrolled at Virginia Tech can be found below.

Adding Chemistry as your Primary Major

How to Add a major in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or Polymer Chemistry as your PRIMARY Major

Students may add or change their primary major through HokieSpa during the designated Change of Major Application Deadlines. Click the link for step-by-step instructions.

Students are required to meet with Amy Kokkinakos in order to add any major in chemistry as a primary major and to discuss a plan for graduation. A change of major to chemistry will NOT be approved until the student has met with Amy Kokkinakos.

Follow these instructions to make an appointment with Amy Kokkinakos to discuss a change of major to chemistry:

Login to Navigate
Click Schedule an Appointment
Select Advising
Select Explore Other Majors
Select Explore Chemistry

Adding Chemistry as a Secondary Major

How to Add/Change a major in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or Polymer Chemistry as your SECONDARY Major

The Department of Chemistry accepts and processes requests for second majors at any time.

To add or change a chemistry major as your secondary major, you must download and complete the Change of Major/Minor Form and schedule an appointment with Amy Kokkinakos to make a plan for graduation.

To schedule an appointment to add/change to chemistry as a secondary major:

Login to Navigate
Click Schedule an Appointment
Select Advising
Select Explore Other Majors
Select Explore Chemistry

Once you discuss the plan with the advisor you must upload your Change of Major Form to the Document Signature Portal. Your form will then be processed in the College of Science Dean's Office.

Adding Chemistry as a Minor

How to Add/Change a Chemistry Minor

The Department of Chemistry accepts and processes requests for minors at any time.

To add or change a chemistry minor, you must download and complete the Change of Major/Minor Form and upload it to the Document Signature Portal. Your form will then be processed in the College of Science Dean's Office.