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