Wed,
09/24/2025 – 10:18am | By: Dr. Theofanis Kitsopoulos
The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
has announced a new Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry degree. Designed to provide
students with a flexible, interdisciplinary foundation in chemical sciences, the program
prepares graduates for careers in pharmaceutical, medicinal and health-related fields.
The new program, formally titled the Bachelor of Arts in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, is tailored for students seeking broader academic options and career readiness beyond
laboratory-intensive tracks. It is particularly suited for those planning to attend
medical, dental or pharmacy school, or to pursue careers in pharmaceutical sciences,
regulatory affairs and medicinal chemistry.
“This new BA program reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students
and the job market,” said Dr. Theofanis Kitsopoulos, director of the School of Mathematics
and Natural Sciences. “It offers a broad foundation in chemistry while allowing students
the flexibility to pursue minors or double majors in fields such as biology, public
health, business or foreign languages—making them even more competitive in the global
workforce.”
Why Choose a BA in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry?
- Broader Academic Flexibility: The degree allows elective credits to be applied to complementary fields such as
psychology, economics or healthcare management. - Ideal for Pre-Med and Pre-Pharm Students: The curriculum covers prerequisites for medical school and provides a more balanced,
less lab-intensive schedule than the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, leaving room
for MCAT preparation, shadowing and clinical experience. - Pharmaceutical Industry Preparation: With targeted coursework in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, graduates are
prepared for roles in drug development, formulation, quality control and regulatory
science. - Seamless Path to Public Health Careers: The BA in Chemistry can be paired with USM’s accelerated five-year Master of Public
Health program, allowing motivated students to complete both degrees in a reduced
timeframe. This combination prepares graduates to address complex challenges at the
intersection of chemistry, medicine and population health. - Strong Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for professionals with chemical and pharmaceutical expertise continues to
rise, especially in the Southeast’s growing biomedical and healthcare sectors.
Students pursuing the medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry BA at Southern Miss gain
the skills and experiences that prepare them for a wide range of careers—from laboratory
research and toxicology to pharmaceutical sales, patent law, science communication
and healthcare administration. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate
and professional school.
Through their studies, students contribute to discoveries, testing and regulatory
processes that directly impact patient care and public health, positioning them to
make meaningful contributions in science and society.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Undergraduate Programs | The University of
Southern Mississippi.