What can I do with a major in chemistry?

Fact Box: Common job titles Salary Information

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems.

A person with a bachelor's level education in chemistry is able to assume a variety of positions in industry and government. Chemists are also employed in a range of related professions, such as biotechnology, materials science, forensic science, and hazardous waste management.

What kinds of jobs do chemists get? What do they do?
The field of chemistry is huge, so there are many different types of chemists. For detailed descriptions of each specialty field, including job outlooks and salary info, visit the American Chemical Society website.

While laboratory research is the traditional career of chemists in industry, not all chemists working in industry are active researchers. Some chemists do quality analysis and testing; some do research outside of the laboratory. A chemistry degree can also lead to work in areas such as sales, marketing, consulting, purchasing, health and safety, and environmental science. Chemists are also in demand as secondary school teachers.
About 40% of recent MSU chemistry graduates went on to graduate school or professional school, 20% went into teaching, and 40% found employment in industry or governmental agencies. (2002 CERI data)

What do I need to learn to prepare for a career as a chemist?
Students planning careers as chemists or materials scientists need strong mathematical skills, and should like working with computers. Curiosity and the ability to concentrate on detail and to work independently are essential.

Because chemists are increasingly expected to work on interdisciplinary teams, understanding of other disciplines, especially business, marketing, and economics, is desirable, along with leadership ability and good oral and written communication skills. Experience through internships, undergraduate research, or co-op programs is highly valued by employers.

There are many career opportunities for chemists with a BS. However, many professionals hold either a Masters degree or a Ph.D. For this reason, individuals interested in careers in chemistry should give careful consideration to graduate study. Research the different jobs available at the BS, MS, and PhD levels as a part of choosing your major.

Majors you can choose in this field at MSU are:
Chemistry (Adobe Acrobat required)
Computational Chemistry
Chemical Physics
Biochemistry

Resources for further exploration:
The American Chemical Society has a huge reference area for career research!
Sloan Foundation Profiles of Chemists
Chemical Jobs has career profiles from forensics to wine production
Green Chemistry discusses careers in Environmental Chemistry
National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
American Chemical Society Mentoring Program for Women

A related area of interest: Materials Science

Some interesting news sites with career info:
Today’s Chemist Magazine
Modern Drug Discovery
Chemical and Engineering News Career Section; particularly these tips

Some typical job titles for MSU chemistry graduates:
Analytical Chemist
Biochemist
Chemical Demonstrator
Clinical Chemist
Customer Service Representative
Environmental Chemist
Industrial Chemist
Laboratory Manager
Laboratory Scientist
Laboratory Technician
Organic Chemist
Paint Technician
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Process Project Engineer
Product Chemist
Project Chemist
Quality Assurance Associate
Quality Controller
Research Associate
Research Chemist
Research Project Leader
Research Scientist
Senior Electrochemist
Technical Sales Representative

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