Curious about the molecular nature of biological systems? Find the answers to your questions, conduct research and learn from an interdisciplinary team of chemistry, biology and biomedical sciences faculty in the biochemistry program.
Biochemists study the chemistry of life seeking to understand the complex molecules that dictate cellular processes. As a biochemistry major at USD, you will have a strong foundation in chemistry and apply that knowledge to biological systems. Through hands-on learning experiences using research facilities within your coursework and in undergraduate research, our students develop problem-solving skills and think at the molecular level. A biochemistry degree prepares students for a range of professional paths including graduate studies in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or biomedical sciences; professional studies in medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry; and careers in the life sciences, biochemistry, pharmaceutical or biomedical industries. Our faculty will work with you to choose a minor that best complements this degree, keeping your long-term goals in mind.
Understand molecular reactions in living systems and prepare yourself for an in-demand career by majoring in biochemistry at USD.
Biochemistry focuses on the interface between the traditional disciples of chemistry and biology. Modern research, in industry and academia, is more multidisciplinary than ever. This degree will teach you how to approach large-scale problems in biological systems from the perspective of both disciplines. This will set you on a path toward careers in research, to enter professional schools or in jobs in the pharmaceutical or biomedical industries. We have a long history of undergraduate students and faculty performing high-impact research together.
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Faculty in the biology and chemistry departments have active research programs and a long tradition of undergraduate research. Biochemistry majors are strongly encouraged engage in research either in our departments or elsewhere on campus, including in basic biomedical sciences and in collaboration with the medical school. Undergraduate researchers use state-of-the-art instrumentation and are encouraged to lead their portion of the research project. Our faculty have expertise across the areas of biology and chemistry and have been awarded competitive federal research grants and research excellence awards. Apply for the chemistry department’s intensive 10-week summer research program that includes support for a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation. Students can earn up to $6,000 in the summer conducting research in laboratories of USD chemistry faculty mentors on the Vermillion campus. Undergraduate students work side-by-side with an international team of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. They learn science communication skills by presenting their work and are trained to perform research in a collaborative team. Our faculty encourage students to get involved in research as soon as possible. It is never too early to start! The students most engaged in research are often those who go on to receive competitive scholarships and graduate fellowships.
Get involved in both Biology Club and Chemistry Club. These student-led extracurricular groups get together to share their love of biology and chemistry. Chem Club’s activities include making liquid nitrogen ice cream, outreach activities at local schools that help kids get interested in science, participating in the American Chemical Society’s Program-In-A-Box, implementing ideas for improving safety/sustainability in the department, and other social events. They start their meetings with a fun chemistry demonstration and end with the motto “Chemistry has all the Solutions”. The Biology Club decorates a boat for the D-Days parade. Chemistry and Physics Club members help decorate providing a fun way to meet students outside of your department.
Housed in the state's only medical school, the Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences creates an environment of innovative and interdisciplinary research aimed at examining human disease.
Research, explore and experience the study of life from the molecule to large biomes in the Department of Biology.
USD Chemistry is a tight-knit community of scholars. Undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and faculty work together in the classroom and the laboratory to solve some of today's biggest challenges in health, energy and the environment.
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SD Residents, SD Advantage* & Child of Alumni
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Out-of-State
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Tuition (30 cr.)
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9432
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12942
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Fees (30 cr.)
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1659
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1659
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Books (estimate)
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1200
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1200
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Housing
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4890
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4890
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Food Service
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4194
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4194
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Total
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* SD Advantage: The in-state rate is available to new undergraduate students who are residents of South Dakota, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas (starting Summer 2024), Minnesota (starting Summer 2024), Missouri (starting Summer 2024), Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and children of alumni of USD.
This is an estimated annual cost. Other factors may change the cost of tuition.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
I chose to major in biochemistry because it helps me gain knowledge in biomolecules, biological processes, and thereby understand how diseases develop. The program will solidify my background in biological systems and prepare me well for my further study in pharmaceutical science.
Ngan Nguyen
B.S. Biochemistry '23
