Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at SDSU Imperial Valley and discover the science that explores the natural world around us, from the quantum behavior of electrons to the molecular machinery of living cells.
This hands-on program grounds you in the core subdisciplines of chemistry, modern laboratory techniques, and molecular science. You'll work with advanced instrumentation, synthesize and analyze real compounds, and build the problem-solving skills employers and graduate programs look for.
Accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS), our degree opens doors to careers in high-demand industries and to top graduate programs in chemistry and related fields.
As the only Bachelor of Science in chemistry in Imperial Valley, SDSU offers a unique opportunity to study close to home while gaining access to world-class resources and research.
Why Study Chemistry at SDSU Imperial Valley?
At SDSU Imperial Valley, your education goes beyond the classroom. At SDSU Imperial Valley’s new Sciences and Engineering Laboratories in Brawley, you will apply what you learn through hands-on lab work and research. Our campus sits at the center of some of the most scientifically significant landscapes in the country, including the Salton Sea, the region’s geothermal brines and lithium reserves, the agricultural systems, and waterways of the Imperial Valley. This gives you the chance to learn about and tackle the real environmental and industrial challenges in the region.
Students benefit from:
- Comprehensive training across all major subdisciplines of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry
- Small, supportive classes with individualized attention
- Faculty mentorship and undergraduate research opportunities
- Hands-on experience with modern laboratory instrumentation and techniques
- Exposure to frontier scientific research through course-based research projects
- Networking opportunities with local industry professionals
- Learn in-depth atomic and molecular analysis relevant to lithium detection protocols, environmental monitoring, and agricultural studies
- Development of transferable skills in critical thinking, data analysis, scientific communication, and problem-solving
- Federally funded internships and career pathways
As part of an R1 research university, you will also gain experience that connects directly to industry and graduate study.
Career Pathways with a Chemistry Degree
Pharmaceutical and Biotech Research
Drug discovery, formulation, quality control, and clinical research at companies developing the next generation of therapeutics.
Energy and Sustainability
Battery materials research, renewable fuels, lithium extraction, and green chemistry, including right here in the Imperial Valley's renewable energy sector.
Environmental Science and Public Health
Air and water quality, soil analysis, environmental remediation, toxicology, and regulatory science.
Materials and Manufacturing
Polymers, semiconductors, coatings, and advanced materials used in everything from aerospace to consumer electronics that you use on a daily basis.
Forensic and Clinical Chemistry
Crime laboratories, medical diagnostics, and public health laboratories.
Food and Agricultural Science
Food chemistry, agrochemistry, and the science behind sustainable agriculture, a major industry in our region.
This degree also provides a strong foundation for careers in biotechnology, field analysis, renewable energy, and forensic science.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help make your degree more affordable. Many students qualify for grants, scholarships, or other assistance. Visit the financial aid webpage to learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to apply.
Learn More
Ready to take the next step? Contact Elizabeth Vasquez, SDSU Imperial Valley director of enrollment management, at [email protected].
