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Chemistry, B.S. / B.S.Chem.

College of Arts and Sciences

Master the fundamentals of chemistry and get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment as you prepare for science careers anywhere – from industry to medicine, government to education.

As a chemistry major, you can begin conducting research as early as your first semester, allowing you to learn the tools, techniques and principles that will help you get jobs or pursue graduate studies in chemistry, medicine and related fields. Chemistry is also a popular choice for pre-health students. Choose the B.S. Chem option to meet accreditation qualifications.

Program Highlights

  • Three test tubes icon.

    Undergraduate Research

    Start researching in your first semester through our strong research program in polymer and material sciences.

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    American Chemical Society Accreditation

    Set yourself apart in the job market through our B.S. Chem degree, which expands on our B.S. degree with additional credentials.

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    Forensics Minor

    Open pathways to future work in crime labs by taking interdisciplinary courses from experts in forensic science.

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    Career Pathways

    Prepare yourself for success, whether you are entering the job market or planning to attend graduate school.

What You’ll Study

Some of the most popular chemistry courses include Comprehensive Organic Chemistry, Advanced Organic Synthesis, Introduction to Polymer Synthesis, and Characterization and Application of Polymers and Modern Synthesis. Chemistry majors who participate in research may obtain Graduation with Leadership Distinction through their coursework.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Laboratory Research

    Conducting experiments and analyzing data to gain new knowledge and insights in a scientific field

    Scientific Writing

    Communicating scientific research and findings in a clear, accurate and compelling manner

    Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

  • Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

    Collaboration

    Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

    Organizational Skills

    Planning, prioritizing and managing tasks and resources to achieve specific objectives

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Chemist
  • Laboratory Scientist
  • Organic Chemist
  • Researcher
  • Healthcare Professional
  • Educator

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Scientist
  • Medical Assistant
  • Quality Control Analytical Chemist
  • Forensic Toxicologist
  • Chemistry Technician
  • Analytical Chemist

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $65,039

Workplace Settings

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Industry
  • Patent Law
  • Academia/Teaching

Employers of Alumni

  • Nephron Pharmaceuticals
  • Duke Energy Corporation
  • S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control
  • University of South Carolina
  • Waters Corporation

I chose chemistry because I was interested in understanding more about how the world was made up of all these different elements. I was able to get an internship at WeylChem and do full-time research for ten weeks during the summer.

Kwame Kennedy
Portrait of Kwame Kennedy

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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