Careers

A chemistry degree can act as a powerful springboard to launch graduates into fascinating careers with immediate employment opportunities.

Chemical Technicians

Those with two or more years of chemistry preparation can often find employment conducting chemical analysis and testing, and in assuring the quality of products in various industries. Research and Development Chemistry majors who earn a bachelor’s or advanced degrees often find employment in research. Here chemists apply their knowledge to solve problems and discover new or improved products for a variety of applications. Those trained to do chemical research find employment in industry, government agencies, and universities. Often chemists work in teams with other scientists and contribute to the solutions of problems and the discovery of new principles and products. While laboratory research is the traditional career of many chemists, some chemists are employed as executives who manage production facilities, businesses, research groups or laboratories.

Teaching

Chemistry majors who earn a bachelor’s degree and a secondary education certificate can teach in high schools. Those who receive a master’s degree can teach in two-year colleges and those with a doctorate in chemistry are eligible to teach in a four-year college or university. Many of these teaching positions may include chemical research as part of their job description.

Chemical Engineering

Those interested in chemistry can branch into chemical engineering and find jobs in many areas including oil refining, chemical production, food processing, power generation, waste management, and environmental areas, to name a few. Engineering courses will also be required. See the Engineering Department for a schedule.

Crossover Science Fields

Those with significant knowledge in chemistry find jobs in such areas as law, marketing, sales, consulting, purchasing, and in many health professions. Other more obvious crossover science fields are biotechnology, forensic science, environmental science, hazardous waste management, and material science, metallurgy, cosmetics, pharmacology, and medicine.