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.
From nanoparticles to macromolecules, chemistry is the study of matter, its properties and applications. Advances in chemistry have resulted in major improvements to society in the forms of better medicines, new types of energy and superior materials.
At USD, our chemistry faculty are award-winning teachers and internationally recognized researchers who are leaders in their field. Our in-depth curriculum gives students the tools you need to succeed in future careers, postgraduate studies or anything you do next. In the department, you will also have many opportunities to do research with world renowned faculty in the areas of energy, security, catalysis and computational chemistry. Our graduates go onto careers in medicine, dentistry, the chemical industry, secondary school teaching, and become researchers. Chemistry students are among the highest achieving at USD and earn numerous nationally competitive scholarships, including USD's 10th Rhodes Scholar.
If you are looking for a exemplary group of scholars who support and foster exploration and research, the USD Department of Chemistry is the place for you.
University of South Dakota student Blessing Ishola has been awarded a Science Communication Fellowship by the South Dakota Discovery Center and Portal to the Public. This program, supported by the National Science Foundation, empowers researchers to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging experiences for the public.
A three-time graduate of the University of South Dakota, alumna Stephanie Jensen ’11, ’13, ’16 is putting her liberal arts education to work as a senior manager of decision science for Dollar General, where she utilizes data science solutions to inform strategic decisions within the organization.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to extract insights from big data has transformed nearly every part of life. At the forefront of these developments is the University of South Dakota.
With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.
Explore the departments, facilities and centers housed in the Department of Chemistry.
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.
Research, explore and experience the study of life from the molecule to large biomes in the Department of Biology.
The field of sustainability invites us to examine the world we live in and imagine the possibilities for a brighter future. Find solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges through the Department of Sustainability & Environment.
My time at USD helped me grow as a scientist, as a teacher and as a communicator; I would not be where I am today without the support of the faculty at USD. A liberal arts education ensures that the scientific leaders who graduate from USD are able to effectively and elegantly convey the high-level ideas that shape our present and future.
Jade Fostvedt
