Chemistry (BA, BS)

Overview

At SIUE, students learn from faculty members who have earned national and international reputations in their respective areas of expertise. Well-equipped laboratories provide hands-on opportunities where students learn about the disciplines in chemistry and biochemistry. Through the department’s research programs, students also gain experience in the most current techniques to help prepare them for their future career.

What can I do with a degree in chemistry?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a chemist with a bachelor's degree was $80,670 as of May 2022. Graduates of the chemistry program are well prepared to pursue a variety of careers:  

• Analysts
• Environmentalists
• Criminologists
• Librarians
• Patent examiners
• Production foremen
• Researchers
• Writers 
• Teachers
• Sales/working for private companies that produce fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, plastics and semiconductors 
• Public sector careers are found in local, state and federal governments; hospitals, and high schools, colleges, and universities

Laboratory and Research Options

Student participation in research, regular interaction with experts in the field and hands-on experience is of great interest to potential employers and graduate schools. At SIUE, we blend traditional coursework with research opportunities. 

The Department of Chemistry is housed in a recently constructed science building featuring state-of-the-art teaching and research labs with equipment that rivals what is available at PhD-granting institutions. Our students are encouraged to regularly interact with experts in the field and to begin their research experiences early in their academic career in order to get as much hands-on experience as possible. The combination of research experience and faculty interaction ensure our students are well prepared to begin their career or attend graduate school.

Global Experience

The Department of Chemistry is made up of students and faculty from many countries, including Canada, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Taiwan, the United States and others. International collaboration is common and can yield student travel opportunities, including study abroad.

Faculty

View current chemistry faculty