What Are Some Careers in Chemistry?

Career job information for job seekers and find good employment job

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By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide

Question: What Are Some Careers in Chemistry?

Answer: The career options in chemistry are practically endless! However, your employment options depend on how far you have taken your education. A 2-year degree in chemistry won't get you very far. You could work in some labs washing glassware or assist at a school with lab preparation, but you wouldn't have much advancement potential and you could expect a high level of supervision. A college bachelor's degree in chemistry (B.A., B.S.) opens up more opportunities. A 4-year college degree can be used to gain admittance to advanced degree programs (e.g., graduate school, medical school, law school). With the bachelor's degree, you can get a bench job, which would allow you to run equipment and prepare chemicals. A bachelor's degree in chemistry or education (with a lot of chemistry) is necessary to teach at the K-12 level. A master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or other field opens up far more options. A terminal degree, such as a Ph.D. or M.D., leaves the field wide open. In the United States you need at least 18 graduate credit hours to teach at the college level (preferably a Ph.D.). Most scientists who design and supervise their own research programs have terminal degrees. Chemistry is a part of biology and physics, plus, there are lots of categories of chemistry! Here's look at some of the career options related to chemistry:

• Chemistry (chemist profile)
• Ethnobotany
• Environmental Law
• Patent Law
• Technical Writing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Oceanography
• Software Design
• Space Exploration
• Government Policy
• Forensic Science
• Biotechnology
• Metallurgy
• Ceramics Industry
• Plastics Industry
• Paper Industry
• Medicine
• Teaching
• Engineering (chemical engineer profile)
• Geochemistry
• Agrochemistry
• Military Systems

This list isn't remotely complete. You can work chemistry into any industrial, educational, scientific, or governmental field. Chemistry is a very versatile science. Mastery of chemistry is associated with excellent analytical and mathematical skills. Students of chemistry are able to solve problems and think things through. These skills are useful for any job! 

 

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