What can I do with a degree in chemistry?

Students graduating with a degree in Chemistry have a wide world of career choices. They can choose to begin work immediately in the industry setting. They can choose to teach and research at the university level. They can opt for working with Federal or State Governmental Agencies, especially in the not-for-profit sector. Finally, many chemistry graduates choose the entrepreneurial route and start their own company or consulting business.

Here are some examples of the types of careers in each of the major fields, with links for more information:

Industry

The largest percentage of chemists have careers in Industry. Here are some of the varieties within the field:

Research and Product Development

• Applied Research and Product Development
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Technology
• Crystallography
• Industrial Management
• Laboratory Management
• Project Management

Sales and Marketing

• Technical Sales and Marketing

Quality Control/Regulatory

• Chemical Health and Safety
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Regulatory Affairs
• Quality Assurance
• Quality Control

Manufacturing

• Formulation Chemistry
• Process Chemistry

Support

• Chemical Information Management Specialist
• Human Resources
• Technical Support
• Technical Communication

Government

Careers in governmental agencies at the local, state or federal level are regarded as very stable. Agencies such as the CDC, FDA, NIH, among others look for experienced chemists with effective communication skill.

Law and Policy

• Chemistry and the Law
• Science Policy

Military and Law Enforcement

• Military Science and Technology
• Forensic Chemistry

Environment and Health

• Environmental Protection
• Public Health
• Chemical Health and Safety
• Hazardous Waste Management

Academia

Careers in Academia tend to focus on education of the next generation of scientists as well as conducting scientific research that adds to the overall body of scientific knowledge.

Higher Education

• Academic Professional Staff
• Chemistry Professor
• Chemical information Management Specialist

High School

• High School Chemistry Teacher

Non-Profit

Nonprofit organizations work to improve the overall welfare of mankind through education, charity, and humanitarian aid. Groups such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Chemists without Borders have been effective worldwide.

• Social Impact
• Environmental Protection
• Chemistry and the Arts

Entrepreneurship 

You may decide to start your own company once you have some experience in any one of the other fields. From contracting Research and Development services to researching intellectual property laws, the range of consulting/contracting services you can offer to other agencies is only limited by your experience and imagination.

• Consulting

As you can see, chemistry is a fantastic gateway degree to a large variety of potential employment opportunities. We are finding new applications for chemistry every day, and you can be a part of this exploration!

For more information, visit the American Chemical Society’s College to Career website.