Chemistry B.S.

Degree Overview

A chemistry degree equips you for career opportunities in lab-based science fields, teaching, graduate studies in chemistry, and pre-professional programs such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.

In addition to meeting the liberal arts core requirements for the University, students must take the chemistry courses listed below. Students must also have a 2.25 GPA or higher in chemistry courses by the end of their sophomore year and maintain such an average until graduation. Majors must participate in program assessment activities. 

Outcomes

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry can pursue various career paths, such as roles as research technicians, assisting in laboratory experiments and data analysis, or analytical chemists, conducting tests to identify and quantify chemical compounds. 

They may also work as quality control chemists, ensuring product safety and adherence to regulatory standards, or as environmental chemists, studying the impact of chemicals on ecosystems.

Career Outlook

  • Average Salary: $65,909
  • Job Postings: 5,572

Average salary is based on a 2024 NACE Salary Survey. Job posting data is for chemist positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.

A group of young adults is sitting around a table in a bright library, focused on their laptops and notebooks. Shelves of books and large vertical windows are in the background. The overall atmosphere is one of study and collaboration.

Courses

Required Major Core

Complete the following courses. Students can select CHE403 or CHE406.

CHE403

Advanced Topics

(3.0 s.h)

CHE305

Biochemistry

(4.0 s.h)

CHE406

Bonding and Structure

(3.0 s.h)

MAT204

Calculus I

(4.0 s.h)

MAT205

Calculus II

(4.0 s.h)

CHE111

General Chemistry I

(4.0 s.h)
Loading

Colloquium

Complete four semesters of colloquium during the junior and senior years; one presentation each year.

NSC300

Science Colloquium

(1.0 s.h)

The following courses are recommended:

BIO100

General Biology

(4.0 s.h)

COM205

Intro to Computer Science I

(3.0 s.h)

Visit Campus

The best way to get to know USF is through a visit! Take a virtual tour or sign up for an in-person visit to understand what it's like to be a University of Sioux Falls student.

Visit Options
A group of six young adults, dressed casually, walks outside on a sunny day. They laugh and chat amongst themselves. Trees with sparse autumn leaves and campus buildings are visible in the background.
B.S.

Biology

A Bachelor of Science in Biology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological sciences, covering a wide range of topics from molecular biology to ecology.

Learn More »
Minor

Chemistry

A chemistry minor at USF allows students to complement their major with a strong foundation in chemical principles and laboratory skills.

Learn More »
B.S.

Computer Science

Graduate with a versatile and accredited bachelor’s degree in computer science from a Christian university.

Learn More »