Southern Miss Launches New Program to Expand Career Pathways in Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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.