The study of matter. A career that matters.
Sister Carol Meyers sums it up best when she said: “Chemistry is the study of matter and its transformation. And what do you see in all of creation but transformations of matter? It’s the base and core of everything.”
Chemistry intersects with many other fields of study, from environmental science to public health. This opens chemistry majors up to a wide range of career opportunities behind the microscope and beyond.
A rich research experience for undergraduates is a hallmark of USF’s chemistry program. Not only will you gain the technical and scientific knowledge you need for today’s workplace, but our liberal arts foundation will also allow you to develop solid communication and collaboration skills employers are looking for.
WATCH: Chemistry in Action at USF
of USF chemistry students from the Class of 2019 found employment or were accepted into graduate school within six months
National median materials scientist and chemist salary (BLS, 2019)
Expected job growth for chemists by 2028
You’ll embark on a faculty-mentored research project in an area you’re passionate about, and you can share your findings with the campus community at our annual USF Research Exhibition.
Additionally, you might even get to present a paper or poster at an industry meeting or conference. Our chemistry majors travel with faculty members to events such as:
Chemistry majors can gain experience as faculty research assistants, or apply for summer fellowships through the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, which offers programs at:
Chemistry majors also gain real-world experience in industrial settings through internships with local companies such as:
Sometimes our project-based scientific research benefits the greater community. Since 2017, USF chemistry majors have teamed up with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health to test and analyze area homes for lead-based paint. To learn more about this award-winning community-based research project, led by Dr. Geyer read the full story.
You will learn, experiment, collaborate and discover in state-of-the-art facilities. USF’s Achatz Hall of Science features high-tech classrooms and chemistry labs equipped with modern tools and instrumentation, such as spectrophotometers and fluorometers.
Our dedicated chemistry faculty has a diverse range of research interests and professional experience, including forensic, inorganic and organic chemistry.
Join your fellow science- and math-minded Cougars in Sigma Pi, an active student organization that:
The professors and staff at USF are driven to making sure students find their paths. It starts the second you come to campus and continues all the way through. There are so many people there who will help you find the opportunities that match who you are and what you want to do with your life.
Erin Skinner ’19
Master’s candidate at Miami (Ohio) University
With a chemistry degree, jobs are plentiful. You can work in product development, research, quality control, health and safety, education, lab management and regulatory affairs in settings such as:
As you advance in your career as a materials scientist or chemist, salary potential can also grow.
USF chemistry majors and minors also pursue graduate and doctoral programs such as:
Your first step to becoming a USF Cougar is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.
Apply NowWhether you know what you want to see, who you want to meet or are just exploring your options, we will personalize your campus visit to fit your needs.
Visit USFAn academic plan is a general blueprint showing how one might complete the degree, semester by semester. Get an idea on what each semester could look like.