Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Contribute to cutting-edge advancements in health and medicine
The Bachelor of Arts in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at The University of Southern Mississippi offers students a strong foundation in the chemical sciences with a specialized focus on drug development and pharmaceutical applications.
Through courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and analytical techniques, as well as metals in medicine and physical chemistry for life sciences, students gain a deep understanding of how chemical compounds interact with biological systems to treat diseases.
This program prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries or for continued studies in pharmacy and medicine. With hands-on lab experience and opportunities for undergraduate research, students are equipped with the skills needed to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in health and medicine.
Getting Ready for What’s Next
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry BA program are well-equipped for a variety of roles in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. Common career paths include:
- Pharmaceutical Research Associate
- Drug Development Scientist
- Laboratory Technician or Chemist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Clinical Trials Coordinator
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
These roles allow graduates to contribute to drug discovery, testing, and regulatory processes that directly impact patient care and public health.
Graduate and Professional School Preparation
This program offers a strong foundation in both theoretical and laboratory-based chemistry, making it an excellent choice for students planning to pursue:
- Graduate programs in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmacology
- Professional schools, including pharmacy, medical, dental, and veterinary programs
Gaining a Competitive Edge
Hands-On Learning
This program emphasizes both academic excellence and real-world experience to help you transition confidently into the workforce or further study.
- Hands-on lab training in synthesis, analysis, and drug interaction studies
- Faculty-led research projects for academic credit
- Conference presentations at regional and national events like the American Chemical Society meetings
Career Preparation
We offer experiences to help you explore career paths and stand out in the job market.
- Internships with pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research labs
- Research assistantships in faculty labs (often for course credit)
- Clinical shadowing for pre-med and pre-pharmacy students
- Pre-health advising to align your coursework with medical, pharmacy, or graduate school goals
Featured Courses
Graduates leave the program with the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and professional preparation needed to make a meaningful impact in their field.
CHE 451: Medicinal Chemistry
A study of the drug discovery process including: drug/receptor interactions, drug and analogue preparation, biochemical assays, drug distribution, metabolism, elimination, and current trends in medicine.
CHE 362: Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
This course will explain how the principles of physical chemistry apply to the processes of life. Covering biochemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics of gas, solution, equilibrium, and biochemical reactions.
CHE 330: Metals in Medicine
You will learn the underlying chemistry behind using metal-containing compounds as drugs to treat disease and as imaging agents for visualizing internal structures in our bodies. For example, the most widely used and affective chemotherapy agent is a metal compound, cisplatin!
CHE 460: Pharmacology
This course covers basic pharmacological principles, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and examines the physiology of drugs affecting the cardiovascular, endocrine, central and autonomic nervous systems, as well as chemotherapeutic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agents.
The Southern Miss Advantage
Highlights
- Affordable tuition with scholarships available specifically for STEM majors
- Personalized advising and mentorship
- Direct access to pre-health pathways, including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and graduate school
- Strong MCAT preparation through a rigorous science curriculum
- Professional development resources, including resume workshops and career fairs
Chemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), ensuring the Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry BA curriculum meets national standards.
Flexible Scheduling Options
While this is primarily an on-campus program due to its lab-intensive nature, students can still build a flexible schedule with support from their academic advisor. Options include:
- Evening lab sections, when available
- Spreading lab-heavy courses across multiple semesters
- Taking general education or prerequisite courses online, in hybrid formats, or during summer sessions
Students who work part-time can often balance their responsibilities with careful planning. However, most major-related coursework will require on-campus attendance due to the program’s scientific rigor and lab requirements.
Student Life and Involvement
Students in the program can connect with peers, expand their networks, and make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
- STEM-focused student organizations
- A new Pre-Pharmacy Society
- STEM outreach programs that bring chemistry to local schools and community events