The coordinate major is intended for students who anticipate going to medical school or some other professional school, but would like to major in chemistry. The coordinate major provides more flexibility to take non-chemistry courses recommended by professional schools and the chemistry coursework can be completed in three years.

The Department of Chemistry has been recognized by University of South Dakota for extraordinary academics by receiving the Award for Academic Excellence and Innovation. The National Science Foundation has awarded us with our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, aimed at providing intensive research experiences for students during the summer.

University of South Dakota is one of only ten former Gov. Rounds' 2010 Research Centers emphasizing the importance of research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All their faculty members are actively engaged in research, providing opportunities for students to learn and grow outside of the traditional classroom.