Chemistry
Chemistry is a major branch of the physical sciences and involves the study of substances and energy. It focuses on their composition, characteristics, changes, reactions, uses, and the benefits and dangers to humanity. *
Sample Occupations
- Research & Development
- Microbiologist
- Chemist
- Toxicologist
- Lab Technician
- Petroleum Researcher
- Government
- Environmental Scientist
- Crime Lab Analyst
- FDA Inspector
- Drug Application Reviewer
- Healthcare
- Epidemiologist
- Medical Technician
- Toxicologist
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Industry
- Quality Control Analyst
- Pharmaceutical Salesperson
- Precision Agriculture Tech
- Chemical Engineer
- Wastewater Treatment Specialist
- Chemical Plant Operator
- Product Development Mgr
- Education
- High School Teacher
- University Professor
Types of Employers
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Food & Drug Administration
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Crime Labs & Police Depts.
- Private Research Labs
- Health Care Facilities
- Agricultural Companies
- Biotechnology Firms
- U.S. Department of Energy
Preparing for your career in
Any Chemistry Discipline: The undergraduate degree is sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, product testing, or technical salesperson. The master’s degree is needed for most applied position, industrial work, or community college teaching. The Ph.D. is required for advanced positions in management and research and development
Specializations: Most people specialize at the graduate level in areas such as Agricultural, Analytical, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Geochemistry, Inorganic, Materials Science, Organic, Physical or Polymer
Research & Development: Seek opportunities to gain laboratory experience, keep abreast of trends and innovations in the industries that interest you by reading trade and academic journals, take time to learn about the opportunities available in private industry and with the government, develop strong writing skills
Healthcare: Take electives in subjects related to health and human anatomy, volunteer at a hospital to gain experience, pursue certification or graduate study to become licensed in a specific healthcare field, maintain high GPA
Education: Gain research experience by working with faculty, develop comfort making presentations to small and large groups, keep abreast of trends in chemistry-related research by reading academic journals, develop strong verbal and written communication skills, plan to pursue a doctorate in chemistry or a related specialty field
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.