Learn About the Careers Available to Chemistry Majors

The career options in chemistry are practically endless. However, your employment options depend on how far you have taken your education. A 2-year degree in chemistry wont get you very far. You could work in some labs washing glassware or assist at a school with lab preparation, but you wouldnt have much advancement potential and you could expect a high level of supervision. A college bachelors degree in chemistry (B.A., B.S.) opens up more opportunities. A four-year college degree can be used to gain admittance to advanced degree programs (e.g., graduate school, medical school, law school). With the bachelors degree, you can get a bench job, which would allow you to run equipment and prepare chemicals. A bachelors degree in chemistry or education (with a lot of chemistry courses) is necessary to teach at the K-12 level. A masters degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field opens up far more options. A terminal degree, such as a Ph.D. or M.D., leaves the field wide open. In the United States, you need at least 18 graduate credit hours to teach at the college level (preferably a Ph.D.). Most scientists who design and supervise their own research programs have terminal degrees. Chemistry is involved with biology and physics, and there are many career options in pure chemistry as well. Careers in Chemistry Heres a look at some of the career options related to chemistry: AgrochemistryAnalytical ChemistryAstrochemistryAtmospheric ChemistryBiochemistryBiotechnologyCatalysisCeramics IndustryChemical Engineering (chemical engineer profile)Chemical Information SpecialistChemical SalesChemical TechnologyChemist (chemist profile)Colloid ScienceConsultingConsumer ProductsEnvironmental ChemistryEnvironmental LawEthnobotanyFood ChemistryForensic ScienceGeochemistryGovernment PolicyHazardous Waste ManagementInorganic ChemistryMaterials ScienceMedicineMetallurgyMilitary SystemsOceanographyOrganic ChemistPaper IndustryPatent LawPerfume ChemistryPetroleum and Natural Gas IndustryPharmaceuticalsPhysical ChemistryPlastics IndustryPolymer IndustryRD ManagementScience WriterSoftware DesignSpace ExplorationSurface ChemistryTeachingTechnical WritingTextile Industry This list isnt complete. You can work chemistry into any industrial, educational, scientific, or governmental field. Chemistry is a very versatile science. Mastery of chemistry is associated with excellent analytical and mathematical skills. Students of chemistry are able to solve problems and think things through. These skills are useful for any job. Also, see 10 Great Careers in Chemistry.