Chemistry - Geology

If you are interested in understanding the various ways in which chemistry may be used for geological discoveries, Whitman's combined chemistry - geology major is the perfect program for you. As a chemistry-geology major, you will:

Focus on the chemical composition of our planet as well as of other planets, and gain a deep understanding of the different chemical processes and reactions at work in the formation of rocks, soil, etc., through a challenging, interdisciplinary curriculum.

Explore how insights and processes in the field of chemistry may be successfully used in determining and/or predicting different geological phenomena, events and processes, ranging from determining the age of the earth to measuring the impact of extraterrestrial bodies if they were to collide with the earth, to predicting volcanic eruptions.

Collaborate closely with faculty mentors and advisors on exciting hands-on experiments and scientific instrumentation and techniques within our state-of-the-art chemistry and geology laboratories that feature everything from ultraviolet spectrometry to seismographs and gravity meters.

Benefit from a wide variety of exciting, collaborative field research opportunities through both the Departments of Chemistry and Geology, including four- and five-day trips to area sites that become topics for classroom geological discussion as well as one- to three-week expeditions to areas of geological interest at more distant locations.

• The Common Application.
• An official transcript of the secondary school record.
• A School Report completed by the applicant’s secondary school counselor.
• An academic recommendation from a secondary school teacher.
• A nonrefundable application fee of $50, remittance made payable to Whitman College. (Using guidelines distributed by the College Board for test fee waivers, applicants suffering financial hardship may have this fee waived by written request substantiated by a counselor or principal.) This fee will also be waived for applicants who submit by December 1.
• Optional: Scores on either of the following tests: the SAT, administered by the College Board, or the ACT, administered by ACT, Inc.
a) Whitman’s Test-Optional policy allows most candidates to choose whether or not they would like to submit an SAT or ACT score for review in the admission process. b) Candidates who were homeschooled or attended secondary schools that provide written evaluations rather than grades are strongly encouraged, but not required to submit SAT or ACT test results c) Early Decision candidates who plan to submit test scores should take one of the tests no later than October (Early Decision I) of the senior year in order that score reports may reach the Office of Admission by November 15. (Scores from the November and December test dates may be submitted for Early Decision II applicants.) d) Regular Decision candidates who plan to submit test scores should take one of tests no later than December in the senior year in order that score reports may reach the Office of Admission by January 15. Arrangements for taking the SAT or the ACT must be made directly with the testing agency, and the responsibility for making these arrangements rests with the candidate.
• Early Decision applicants must submit their Early Decision Agreement, which is available via the Common Application.