Chemistry
What can I do with this major?
Analytical
Area
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Environmental
- Forensics
Employer
- Federal, state, and local government
- Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and chemical industries
- Industrial production and inspection agencies
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Environmental protection organizations
- Colleges and universities
Information / Strategies
- Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application processes.
- Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
- Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
- Take electives in your area of interest.
Biochemical
Area
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Quality Control
- Medical
- Environmental
- Industrial Health & Safety
- Hospital Administration
Employer
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Pharmaceutical and medical research firms
- Biotechnology firms
- Plant and animal breeders and growers
- Food processors
- Industrial production and inspection agencies
- Environmental protection organizations
- Federal, state and local government, such as the Centers for Disease Control
- Colleges and universities
Information / Strategies
- Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and physiology.
- Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
- Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
- Join related professional organizations.
- Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Organic
Area
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employer
- Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood products, plastics, textiles, and food
- Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic materials and new production processes
- Research organizations
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
Information / Strategies
- Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
- Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
Geochemistry
Area
- Environmental Remediation
- Research & Development
- Analysis & Testing
Employer
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
Information / Strategies
- Take geology & environmental science electives.
Inorganic
Area
- Research
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employer
- Environmental organizations
- Water processing plants
- Natural resources organizations
Information / Strategies
- Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
- Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.
Polymer Chemistry
Area
- Analysis & Testing
- Research & Development
Employer
- Industries involving textiles and plastics
Information / Strategies
- Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.
Physical
Area
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employer
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
- Federal government
- Colleges and universities
Information / Strategies
- Take related courses in social sciences and economics.
- Develop strong mathematical background.
Education
Area
- Teaching
- Research
- Administration
Employer
- Private and public secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
Information / Strategies
- Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools.
- Acquire a master's degree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities.
- Take courses in public speaking.
Business
Area
- Technical Sales/Marketing
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Management
- Consulting
- Industrial Quality Control
- Research & Development
Employer
- Manufacturing firms
- Drug stores
- Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies
- Industries including textiles, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals.
- Agricultural product companies
- Environmental management organizations
- Waste management firms
Information / Strategies
- Obtain a minor in business.
- Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Hold leadership positions in campus organizations.
- Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, etc.
Technical Writing
Area
- Writing
- Editing
Employer
- Research product development departments and organizations
- Publishing firms including books, scientific and research journals, technical press, large newspapers, and wire services
- Internet sites
Information / Strategies
- Take advanced technical writing courses.
- Develop word processing and desktop publishing skills.
Law
Area
- Patent Law
- Legislation and Lobbying
Employer
- Manufacturing firms
- Research and development firms
- Law firms
- Private practice
- Environmental agencies
Information / Strategies
- Obtain law degree to become an attorney.
Information Specialist/Technical Libraries
Employer
- Special libraries
- Research organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Information / Strategies
- Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
- Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
- Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
- Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
- Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for research positions in industry, universities, and government.
- Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
- Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
- Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
- Complete an undergraduate research project.
- Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
- Join related student professional organizations.
- Read related professional magazines and journals.
General Information and Strategies
- Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
- Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
- Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
- Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
- Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for research positions in industry, universities, and government.
- Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
- Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
- Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
- Complete an undergraduate research project.
- Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
- Join related student professional organizations.
- Read related professional magazines and journals.