Chemistry Degree

The work of skilled chemists is all around us — from the synthetic fabrics we wear to the fuel we pump into our vehicles to the food we consume. Earning a chemistry degree from Hardin-Simmons University will prepare you to enter the diverse and exciting field of chemistry.

Our hands-on Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree (or Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) is one of the most direct paths for a successful application to medical, dental, and veterinarian graduate programs, as well as advanced programs for the physical sciences. Working closely with experienced and dedicated faculty members, you’ll master the skills and knowledge needed for high-paying careers in fields like petrochemicals, environmental protection, and lab research. Whatever your professional dreams are, reach them with a chemistry degree from HSU.

Pre-Pharmacy Track for Chemistry Majors

One of the top jobs for chemistry majors is pharmacy, thanks to the incredible variety of positions and professional settings in the field. If you’re interested in working at a pharmacy, conducting pharmaceutical research, or working in long-term or home health care, our pre-pharmacy track will make sure you’re well-prepared to excel every day of your career.

Our intensive pre-pharmacy track will prepare you for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and to apply to top pharmacy schools. In addition to preparation for the PCAT, you’ll also gain valuable experience shadowing pharmacists or volunteering at a health center or hospital. You can also benefit from our 3+4 fast track affiliation with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy that enables you to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (or Pharm.D.) while pursuing your degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at HSU, saving you time and money. Build a robust resume as you study chemistry and prepare for some of the most exciting jobs for chemistry majors like you.

Program Contact

Kenny Stephens

Dr. Kenny Stephens

Department Head: Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences; Professor of Physics

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Why Study Chemistry at Hardin-Simmons?

Physics professor interacting with student in classroom

Individual Attention

Thanks to a student-to-professor ratio below 8:1, you’ll receive the attention and support of our exceptional faculty, who hold PhDs in their fields and have more than 100 collective hours teaching and mentoring.

Chemistry students deeply engaged in class experiment

Thriving Community

In addition to getting to know other chemistry majors in class, you’ll get to hang out with your peers in our Lab Rat social club for science majors at HSU. The chemistry department also hosts game nights, National Chemistry Week activities, a chemistry magic show, and more.

Chemistry student reaching for a beaker

Extraordinary Career Preparation

We are incredibly proud of our chemistry majors’ many successes. For example, we boast a 100% employment rate for our graduates, as well as high acceptance rates into prestigious medical, veterinarian, and dental graduate programs. Choosing to study chemistry at HSU means having the best chance of finding a rewarding job in your field.

What Can You Do With a Chemistry Degree?

Chemistry majors work in a wide variety of settings, from schools, to laboratories, to businesses.  They are responsible for some of the most cutting-edge research in fields like cancer therapy, toxicology, and nuclear engineering, to name just a few. Our past graduates have gone on to work as medical scientists and chemists at nationally renowned organizations and universities.

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Chemistry can also offer excellent job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for chemistry majors are expected to grow more than 6% over the next decade, adding over 9,000 new jobs each year. Those wishing to go into healthcare benefit from an even higher growth rate, as healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any other occupational group.

Jobs for Chemistry Majors

If you’re asking yourself, “What can I do with a chemistry degree?” these are just a few of your options.

  • Academic researcher
  • Analytical chemist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Chemical engineer
  • Clinical scientist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Research scientist
  • Scientific laboratory technician
  • Toxicologist

Salary for Chemistry Majors

The estimated annual salary of alumni from our Chemistry program is $66,355.

Program Details

Every chemistry major must have a minor. Recommended minors are biology, environmental science, mathematics, or physics.

We believe that when you decide you want to study chemistry at HSU, nothing should come between you and your dreams, especially the cost of your education. Fortunately, the chemistry department has been blessed with many charitable donors and alumni committed to helping chemistry majors like you afford a high-quality education. In addition to the scholarships available exclusively for chemistry majors, you may be eligible for university-wide financial aid. Learn more about scholarships at Hardin-Simmons University.

If you’re considering a chemistry degree, you may also be interested in learning more about similar programs at HSU, including:

Biology (B.A., B.S.)

Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (B.S.)

Environmental Science Minor

Physics Minor

Forensic Studies Minor