Our department offers both the bachelor of science (BS) and bachelor of arts (BA) degrees in chemistry, a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry (jointly with the Department of Biological Sciences), as well as a concentration of study in chemistry in the BS track of the Environment Studies Program. The BS degree in Chemistry at USC is accredited by the American Chemical Society, which means that this program meets all of the guidelines established by this professional organization for chemical training. Graduates with a BS degree in chemistry are well prepared to take a job as a professional chemist, or to continue their studies for an advanced degree, usually the Ph.D., in chemistry or a related area. The BA degree program is designed for students who are interested in chemistry, but intend to pursue a career in another field such as medicine, dentistry, law or business. Because this curriculum is not as restrictive as the requirements for the BS degree, students find it easier to broaden the scope of their studies by either a double major or a major/minor combination. The BS degree in biochemistry may appeal to students with broad interests in the sciences and/or a goal of research career in the biomedical field. Students in all three programs are encouraged to participate in research projects with the chemistry faculty, typically during the junior and senior years. An additional BS degree option is available through the Environmental Studies Program where students with a strong interest in both environmental issues and chemistry may select the concentration in chemistry. This highly interdisciplinary program may lead to a career in the rapidly growing environmental field, or be used as a pre-professional study by students with interests in the health sciences, law or business.

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