Chemistry

About this Major

VCSU's Chemistry degree is designed for those interested in working as laboratory scientists or pursuing research or graduate studies. The program is thorough and rigorous, and a wide variety of career possibilities in research areas are possible. There are two well-equipped research labs and students are encouraged to be involved in research.

Meet a Student

VCSU is where I found my place, my role and myself.  I’m sure every student here can say the same, that their passions for what they love and are interested in has been supported while attending VCSU. I transferred to VCSU my sophomore year. I remember visiting the chemistry lab on campus and thinking “you’re telling me I can be in here working with these things?” Not only have I had many opportunities to learn from amazing professors, but I have also been able to teach and tutor chemistry, physics and STEM students. - Lindsey Kiecker, Jamestown, N.D., 

Get Involved in your Major

Pre-Professional Club You are invited to join the VCSU Pre-Professional Club. This club is for students interested in continuing their education in the medical field (including nursing), law, accounting, and graduate school. This club provides support for students going through the application process and provides opportunities to practice aptitude tests such as the GRE, mCAT, LSAT, and DAT. Volunteer work, job shadowing, and educational and leadership opportunities are also part of the club’s activities. The goal is for students to support each other, learn from other students’ experiences, thus making your applications stronger, and increase your chance for successful admission into your program of choice.

Jobs with a Chemistry Degree

• Biochemist
• Chemist
• Crime Lab Analyst
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Food Scientist/Technologist
• Forensic Chemist
• Industrial Hygienist
• Medical Technologist
• Optometrist
• Patent Agent
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Pharmacist
• Physician
• Quality Control Manager
• Science Laboratory Technician
• Soil Scientist
• Technical Writer
• Toxicologist
• Veterinarian
• Water/Wastewater Plant Manager

Practical Experience

Opportunities that are not part of any regular program exist on and off campus to provide sound practical experience, such as student assistants, participation in the campus-tutoring programs, and field studies. Internships at numerous facilities are available to students to develop and apply their skills. Students can do (and have done) internships at Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah, N.D.; American Crystal Sugar in Hillsboro, N.D.; and Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories in Bismarck, N.D. They also have completed summer REUs (Research Experience for Undergrads) at NDSU and UND.

Contact Information

Department Chair 

Dr. Nicholas Galt, nicholas.galt@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7459

Faculty Contact

Dr. Teather Sundstrom, teather.sundstrom@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7458

Department Location

Rhoades Science Center 203, (701) 845-7452

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/ (701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

Plan of Study

Fall start - even years

Fall start - odd years

Please note:  This plan is intended for general information only.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the major concepts in chemistry.
2. Exhibit critical thinking skills by applying the scientific method to solve problems.
3. Exhibit the ability to read and communicate in a scientific style.
4. Exhibit the ability to collaborate
5. Understand the importance of chemistry to themselves and society.