Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | St. Ambrose University Apply Now Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Next semester starts 05/18/2026 Apply now Request information What is a BS in Chemistry degree? 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. Reduce tuition by up to $24k Get the details Program at a glance On-campus classes 120 credits 42 gen ed credits 42-43 chemistry credits 34-38 elective credits 1 capstone research sequence in chemistry or internship course Reduce tuition by up to $24k Get the details 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 Professors invested in your success “The Chemistry Department at SAU is incredible. I transferred from a large university and quickly realized SAU is different: the professors are not in it for accolades or to work on research; they genuinely care about educating others, and they care about my success as a student.” -Madeline Prestegaard '22 BS in Chemistry Start my degree 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. Explore course sequence View all courses 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. Explore campus housing 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. See all of SAU’s accreditations 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 Andrew Axup, PhD Kelly Giddens, PhD Ritu Gurung, PhD 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 Explore academic support services Accessibility Resource Center Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help. Learn about our resources 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. Discover career support 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 Explore Ambrose Advantage 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 Visit campus 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. Apply now 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 News and events at SAU From A(mbrose) to (Gen) Z St. Ambrose University is proud to the host International Conference on Faith, Hope, and Renewal in the Catholic Church on April 24–26, 2026. Sport management degree leads Ambrose grad to MiLB Bailey Conner ’21 became who she was meant to be by being open to any number of unanticipated opportunities, both after enrolling at SAU. Two St. Ambrose alumni named 2026 Great Iowa Nurses St. Ambrose University is excited to announce two nursing alumni were named to the Great Iowa Nurses list. View all news and events Become who you are meant to be With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU. Call: 563-333-6000 Request Information Apply Now