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Study Abroad for Chemistry Majors

The Chemistry Department appreciates that study abroad complements a liberal arts education and is a compelling option for meeting the COLL 300 requirement. Students who choose to study abroad gain maturity, self-knowledge and appreciation of the cultural differences among people, and develop international connections, all of which contribute to professional success. Chemistry majors interested in study abroad should start discussions with their advisors early to develop a plan to navigate curricular demands. 

W&M faculty-led winter programs and embedded programs minimize the impact of study abroad on completing a chemistry degree. All W&M Study Abroad programs provide credit for COLL 300; some W&M programs also provide credit for language proficiency courses or COLL 200.

The Global Education Office (GEO) at the Reves Center manages all aspects of study abroad programs for W&M. Advisors will guide you from pre- to post-program with research, advising, financial aid opportunities, procedures, academic credit, and more. 

This table has drop down lists detailing semester abroad scheduling for chemistry majors, summer abroad scheduling for chemistry majors, which degree requirements chemistry majors satisfy with study abroad, and additional guidance for pre-health career students.

Semester Abroad scheduling for chemistry majors Study abroad during the academic year requires careful navigation of the hierarchical sequence of courses required for the Chemistry major. Satisfying General Chemistry degree requirements with CHEM 205 and earning credit for PHYS 101/PHYS 101L – PHYS 102/PHYS 102L during summer school at W&M, or elsewhere, facilitates study abroad during the spring semester of the second year. Semester abroad during the third year is possible, but postponing required 300-level courses to the fourth year makes some 400-level elective options unavailable. Transfer credit is rarely possible for 300 and 400 level chemistry courses. Discuss options with your academic advisor or the Chemistry Department Transfer Credit Approver.

Summer abroad scheduling for chemistry majors The summer months of your undergraduate years are key times for professional development activities such as study abroad, employment, clinical experience, and research. Students planning on pursuing an Honors Thesis are often advised to perform research at W&M over the summer before graduation, therefore the summer after second year can be a better option for study abroad. Discuss options with your academic advisor and, if relevant, research advisor.

What degree requirements have chemistry majors satisfied with Study Abroad? All study abroad experiences arranged through the Global Education Office satisfy COLL 300, including third-party programs. Recently, Chemistry majors have earned credit toward other minors, other majors, or elective credit towards the 120 credits needed to graduate.

Additional guidance for pre-health career students All prerequisite coursework required for domestic medical, dental, pharmacy and veterinary school is best taken at an accredited American college or university – check with the relevant professional schools before deciding to take ANY prerequisite courses abroad. Required prerequisite coursework taken abroad may have to be retaken at an accredited college or university in the United States prior to matriculation at some medical schools. Consult the Health Professions Advisor for additional guidance.