Chemistry is more than the study of matter and the changes it can undergo. It is the central science, sitting at the interface of biology, physics, math, medicine and environmental science. Immerse yourself in this field with hands-on learning and research experiences.
Chemistry is everywhere. In what we touch, what we see, what we hear, and it drives physiological processes. Chemists explore the many ways the elements combine to make something new, seeking to control these unique properties. It is more than beakers and laboratories. It is about discovering, starting at the molecular level, how the world works. As a chemistry major at USD, you will develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are crucial to obtain a job in the modern world. Our program will help you expand your interests in chemistry, make connections to coursework in other disciplines, and gain hands-on research experiences that will prepare you for success in a range of careers in science and medicine.
Our majors most often pursue three career tracks: attend graduate school in a STEM discipline, pursue professional careers in medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry, or obtain jobs in the chemical industry, medical laboratories or as teachers. The chemistry department offers degrees that will prepare you for your goals, while offering flexibility to pursue other interests in the spirit of a liberal arts education. Faculty will work with you to choose a minor, or double major, that best prepares you for your future.
Prepare yourself for a broad spectrum of careers in the chemical industry, academia, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and secondary school teaching as a chemistry major at USD.
A degree in chemistry prepares you for a broad spectrum of careers in the chemical industry, academia, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and secondary school teaching. Hands-on training and flexible degree options to allow students to choose the best curriculum to ensure success upon entering a global workforce. For those interested in graduate programs in chemistry or careers in the chemical industry, we offer a B.S. degree certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). For those interested in careers at the interface of chemistry and another discipline, the Coordinate Major offers flexibility for double majors or choosing multiple minors.
For those interested in graduate programs in chemistry or careers in the chemical industry, we offer a B.S. degree certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
For a teaching major in chemistry, complete the chemistry degree along with the appropriate teaching certification courses.
A minor in chemistry will help you think at the molecular-level, a skill complementary to many fields. Interested in biology? Take courses focused on biomolecules? Interested in physics? Take thermodynamics or quantum mechanics from a chemistry perspective. Interested in sustainability? Take environmental chemistry. This program will enable you to expand your knowledge from your major and approach your studies with an interdisciplinary perspective.
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Faculty in the chemistry department have active research programs and a long tradition of undergraduate research. Majors in our American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degree all perform research as a requirement for the degree, while the vast majority of coordinate majors engage in research either in our department or elsewhere on campus. Undergraduate researchers use state-of-the-art instrumentation and are encouraged to lead their portion of the research project. Our faculty have expertise across the areas of chemistry and have been awarded competitive federal research grants and research excellence awards. Apply for our intensive 10-week summer research program that includes support for an Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation. Students can earn up to $6,000 in the summer conducting research in laboratories of USD chemistry faculty mentors on the Vermillion campus. Undergraduate students work side-by-side with an international team of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. They learn science communication skills by presenting their work and are trained to perform research in a collaborative team. Our faculty encourage students to get involved in research as soon as possible. It is never too early to start! The students most engaged in research are often those who go on to receive competitive scholarships and graduate fellowships.
Join the Chem Club, an extracurricular group of like-minded individuals interested in expanding their knowledge of chemistry. Chem Club activities include local field trips, outreach activities at local schools that help kids get interested in science, charity involvement and other social events. You will meet a network of new people and broaden your understanding of chemistry outside the classroom.
USD offers a wide range of scholarships for students, including scholarships specifically for chemistry majors. The Department of Chemistry annually awards over $20,000 in scholarships and grants awards to about 30 undergraduate students. This is a testament to the generosity of our alumni and friends of the chemistry department. Our alumni include numerous nationally competitive scholarship winners, including a Rhodes Scholar, two National Science Foundation Graduate Research fellows, and two Goldwater scholars. Not only do the faculty support students in these applications, but our alumni play a critical role in this continued success. Together, they mentor the next generation of scholars through the application process.
USD Chemistry is a tight-knit community of scholars. Undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and faculty work together in the classroom and the laboratory to solve some of today's biggest challenges in health, energy and the environment.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Undergraduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
My time at USD helped me grow as a scientist, as a teacher and as a communicator; I would not be where I am today without the support of the faculty at USD. A liberal arts education ensures that the scientific leaders who graduate from USD are able to effectively and elegantly convey the high-level ideas that shape our present and future.
Jade Fostvedt
