BA in Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the changes they undergo. It plays a key role in understanding the natural universe and in the scientific and technological revolution that has shaped modern society. The program offered in chemistry provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of modern chemistry within the framework of a liberal arts education. The major is designed to give students both the theoretical bases of the disciplines and extensive hands-on experience testing theories in the laboratory. We also offer courses that fulfill the physical sciences portion of the core curriculum requirements. These courses are designed to acquaint students majoring outside the natural sciences with the basic principles and methods of modern science and with the history and development of scientific thought. The American Chemical Society (ACS), a national organization that develops and administers guidelines defining high quality undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry programs, has approved USD’s curriculum. This allows majors the option of enhancing their career choices by earning an ACS-certified degree. The department is distinguished by its dedication to undergraduate research and teaching. All full-time faculty members have active research programs in which undergraduates fully participate. These activities lead, in many cases, to new discoveries and publications in major scientific journals with students as co-authors. A major in chemistry prepares a student for a variety of different career possibilities. Professional chemists may select careers in areas such as basic or applied research, production and marketing, consulting, testing and analysis, administration, management, business enterprise, and teaching. They are employed in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petroleum, energy, engineering, and “biotech” industries; by government laboratories and agencies working on health, energy, and the environment; in consulting firms; and by educational institutions at all levels. Undergraduate training in chemistry provides a solid foundation for many other areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, oceanography, geochemistry, chemical engineering, forensics, environmental studies, molecular biology, and law. The chemistry major is designed to qualify students for admission to graduate school in chemistry; positions as chemists; admission to medical, dental, and pharmacy schools; or secondary teaching.