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Chemistry Degree

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that matter undergoes when subjected to changing conditions or environments. Chemistry encompasses all parts of life - everything you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch involves chemistry.

This degree also offers specializations in biochemistry and green chemistry.

What does a chemist do?

A chemist investigates the properties of matter at the atomic and molecular level. They analyze compounds, refine substances, and do testing on chemical products with the goal of improving the quality of products.

With a degree in chemistry from South Dakota Mines, you can work in research and development, quality control, manufacturing, consulting, law, and even environmental fields.

Courses for this Degree

• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Systematic Inorganic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Spectroscopic Analysis
• Polymer Chemistry

Course Curriculum

Catalog Links: Chemistry

Internships and Co-ops

As a chemistry major at South Dakota Mines, you will have the opportunity to intern with such companies as:

• POET
• Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center
• Cargill
• Dow Chemical
• Stanford University

On average, 73% of South Dakota Mines students have applicable work experience when they graduate thanks to internships and co-ops. For these co-ops and internships, students receive an average salary of $22.62/hour.

Career Outlook

The average starting salary of South Dakota Mines chemistry grads is $67,250. Many of our graduates use this degree as a launching pad for graduate school, including medical school or other professional healthcare programs. The job placement rate for 2022 Mines chemistry graduates was 100%.

Careers

Types of careers that chemists might pursue include:

• Forensics
• Medical Chemistry or pharmaceuticals
• Environmental testing
• Patent or environmental law
• Healthcare
• NanoChemistry or chemical research
• Energy production
• Food supplies
• Lab management

Employers

South Dakota Mines chemistry graduates have gone on to work for such companies as:

• Black Hills Energy
• Cargill
• CSL Plasma
• HB Fuller
• Inter-Mountain Labs
• LabCorp
• Mayo Clinic
• Midwest Laboratories
• Southern Minnesota Beet Cooperative
• VaporTech

Chemistry Research

You won’t have to wait for grad school to do research as a chemistry major at South Dakota Mines.

Faculty in the Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences conduct basic and applied research in diverse areas of chemistry and biology, and undergrads have the opportunity to participate.

When you study chemistry at Mines, you will be able to be involved in the following research areas:

• Organic synthesis, polymer chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry; physical chemistry; materials science; electrochemistry
• Nanomaterials for chemistry and biological sensors
• Electrospun polymer, ceramic, metallic, carbon/graphite nanofibers and their applications

Program Offerings

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, BS
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry: Biochemistry Specialization, BS
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry: Green Chemistry Specialization, BS
• Minor in Chemistry

*The BS in Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society.

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