A BS in Chemistry degree leads you through the disciplines organic/inorganic, analytical, physical and biochemistry. Develop analytical skills and a scientific mindset through theoretical coursework, hands-on labs and student-centered research. Chemistry majors can tailor their degree with a concentration in pre-med, forensics or secondary chemistry education.
What is a BS in Chemistry degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BS in Chemistry?
Our program cultivates critical thinking, provides hands-on experiences and grows technical expertise through studying evidence-based practices. Participate in research which may lead to opportunities to present at regional and national conferences.
Research opportunities
Participate in research projects your first year, and as a junior and senior, you’ll lead individual projects.
Lab experience
Gain hands-on laboratory skills by working for the department as a laboratory prep worker.
Professional practice
Showcase research at Chemistry Symposium, Scholars’ Conference, Illinois-Iowa ACS Research or ACS Conference.
Tailored programs
Add a concentration in pre-med, forensics or secondary chemistry education.
Career guidance
We’ll help you explore your options through our Career Exploration in Chemistry course.
Industry-standard equipment
Gain experience with HPLC, GC-MS, AAS, UV-Vis spectroscopy and calorimetry.
What you’ll learn in your BS in Chemistry program
Learn foundational principles of chemistry and laboratory safety, then advance into subdisciplines through inquiry-driven labs and research experiences that prepare you for graduate school.
Core skills:
- Master theoretical and experimental techniques
- Develop quantitative analysis expertise in Excel and PowerPoint
- Gain experience with industry-standard instrumentation
- Build strong reasoning and problem-solving abilities
- Design experiments and apply appropriate analytical methods
- Communicate chemistry effectively in written and oral formats
Concentration Pathways:
- Pre-med: Build a rigorous scientific foundation for medical school with research experience and advanced lab techniques
- Forensics: Develop advanced analytical chemistry skills for careers in crime laboratories and forensic research
- Secondary Chemistry Education: Combine deep content expertise with pedagogical training to become a highly qualified chemistry educator
Explore BS in Chemistry courses
- This degree requires you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 42 gen ed credits, 42-43 Chemistry credits, 34-37 elective credits, and 1 capstone research sequence or internship course.
Sample courses text
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WI-CHEM 314 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 3 credits |
| WI-CHEM 321 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 credits |
| CHEM 319 | Biochemistry | 3 credits |
| CHEM 428/429 | Chemical Research I and II | 2 credits |
| CHEM 440 | Chemistry Internship | 1-2 credits |
How much does a BS in Chemistry degree cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support Chemistry students?
Our Chemistry faculty uses evidence-based practices in the classroom. They're active members of several professional organizations and attend workshops and conferences to keep up-to-date in the field.
Chemistry faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career Services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BS in Chemistry?
SAU believes that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to make college more affordable for our students, providing the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-Based and Institutional Scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Focus on your career. Not debt.
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
Bailey Hird, Fairfield, IA
What’s on campus for Chemistry students?
Join our active chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) here on campus. We meet monthly for activities and speakers, and through community outreach activities, we work to inspire the next generation of chemists.
Friendly atmosphere to help you grow
"The Chemistry Club is one of the closest groups on campus, and one of the best. All of the members are super friendly,"
-Nick Schaffner, BS in Chemistry, 2021
What are the general admission requirements for a BS in Chemistry?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Chemistry program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED.
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5.
- You must provide an official high school transcript.
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a BS in Chemistry degree?
Your degree can help you reach your professional goals. SAU can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. Here are potential job titles, traits and settings a graduate in our BS in Chemistry program could achieve.
Potential Job Titles
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Chemist
- Agricultural Scientist
- Biochemist
- Chemical Engineer
- Lab Manager
Potential employment settings
- Public health agencies
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Institute of Health (NIH)
- Private research labs
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Traits of a chemist
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Analytical
- Communication
- Self-motivating
- Attention to detail
Industry facts
- The median annual salary for Chemists and Materials Scientists is in $86,620 in 2024.
- Employment of Chemists and Materials Scientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034.
For more information on Chemistry employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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