Chemistry

Why study chemistry?

Augustana University students will become highly-qualified, experienced chemists who pursue graduate studies or a variety of in-demand careers thanks to individualized, rigorous curriculum and research.

The chemistry & biochemistry department values critical thinking, research, mentoring and safety to provide a comprehensive foundation that well prepares students.
Students research with highly-skilled faculty from the beginning in individualized programs of study based on student interest.

Degree in 3 CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Academics at AU

CHEMISTY MAJOR COURSES

CHEMISTRY (ACS) MAJOR COURSES

CHEMISTRY MINOR

FACULTY

Chemistry FAQs

What makes Augustana University's chemistry program different?

Augustana's chemistry major emphasizes hands-on laboratory experiences, undergraduate research and close faculty mentorship. Small class sizes allow students to work directly with faculty members, while gaining practical experience using modern scientific equipment and techniques.

Can chemistry students participate in undergraduate research?

Yes. Chemistry students have opportunities to conduct faculty-mentored research projects, present findings at conferences and develop the analytical and laboratory skills valued by graduate schools and employers. Research experiences often begin before students reach their senior year. Most research opportunities occur during the summer, but some opportunities may be available during the academic year.

Is chemistry a good major for students planning to attend medical school or other health-related professional programs?

Yes. Many students choose chemistry as preparation for medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, physician assistant programs and other healthcare-related graduate programs. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, physics and scientific problem-solving.

What careers can you pursue with a chemistry degree from Augustana?

Chemistry graduates can pursue careers as veterinarians, researchers, physicians, teachers, genetic counselors, forensic scientists, environmental or patent lawyers and quality control specialists.

What laboratory and learning opportunities are available to chemistry students?

Chemistry students gain extensive laboratory experience through coursework, research projects and collaborative learning opportunities. Students learn techniques in analytical, organic, inorganic, biochemistry and physical chemistry, while developing critical thinking and scientific communication skills.

Related Programs of Study

Biochemistry
Chemical Physics
STEM Composite

Related Pre-Professional Programs

Many chemistry students pursue pre-professional pathways in:

Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Mortuary Science
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Contact Us

Dr. Charles Weiss, department chair

Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, College of Arts & Sciences

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Latest News

Augustana Students, Faculty to Explore 14 Countries During J-Term 2025

A total of 235 Augustana University students are choosing to make the world their classroom for January Interim (J-Term) 2025. Along with the students, 25 faculty members and five guests are traveling to 14 countries and two states.

Augustana University Awarded Grant to Fund Student Research, STEM Education

Augustana University has been awarded approximately $45,000 per year through 2028 to support key initiatives designed to inspire youth education in STEM-related fields in South Dakota.

Engineering the Future: Augustana University Launches New Hybrid Program to Meet Demands of Rapidly-Evolving Field

Augustana University is offering a new 5-year dual-degree engineering program — set to launch in Fall 2025. As part of the new program, students will take foundational courses at Augustana, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry, physics or mathematics at the university. Students will begin taking online engineering courses in their second year — offered through the University of North Dakota (UND).

This is in addition to Augustana's other dual-degree engineering options.

Chemistry Highlights

Chemistry Career Opportunities

Graduates have secured careers as veterinarians, researchers, physicians, genetic counselors, environmental or patent lawyers and quality control specialists.

Hands-On Learning & Internships

Many students in biochemistry undertake paid research, engage in mentorship in research, internship and personalized advanced courses, present at national conferences and co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Internship opportunities include:

Antimicrobial Materials, Inc.
Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN)
Cardiovascular Research Institute
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
SAb Biotherapeutics
Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Facility
POET

Students conduct primary research in Augustana’s science labs containing quality equipment for students, including cutting-edge microscopy and chemical detection instrumentation.

Chemistry students study away in:

Japan — The Chemistry of Japanese Culture — a course that focuses on industrial, academic, research and cultural chemistry.
Florida and the Gulf Coast — focusing on marine biology with AU faculty
Kenya — focusing on global food insecurity and education with AU faculty
Guatemala and Belize — focusing on tropical ecology and Spanish immersion with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Those interested in majoring in chemistry should consider whether to pursue the classic track (44 credit hours) or the American Chemical Society (ACS) track (60 credit hours). The ACS track is highly recommended for those interested in graduate school.

In courses and research, Augustana’s lab equipment includes:

Infrared, UV-visible, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Raman, emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy instrumentation
Liquid and gas chromatography instrumentation
JEOL 400 MHz NMR spectrometer, which allows access to 1D and 2D NMR methods of analysis

Chemistry students often participate in:

Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS)
Paid laboratory assistantships and tutoring positions
Volunteering at Sanford or Avera
Women in STEM
Society of Physics Students
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