Chemistry is a versatile degree that can lead to jobs and careers in many different areas. Visit the department website, watch the videos below, or scroll down and select an option under Related Career Fields to see more information about potential careers you can pursue.
Chemistry
Related Career Fields
Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.
Analytical
Career Areas
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Environmental
- Forensics
Employers
- Federal, state, and local government
- Federal agencies including: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Manufacturing firms in the following industries:
- Textile
- Petroleum
- Food
- Electronics
- Glass
- Paper
- Packaging
- Machinery
- Cosmetics
- Paint
- Drug
- Chemical
- Industrial production and inspection agencies
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Environmental protection organizations
- Colleges and universities
General Information
- 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
Career Areas
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Quality Control
- Medical
- Environmental
- Industrial
- Health & Safety
- Hospital Administration
Employers
- 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
General Information
- 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
Career Areas
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- 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
General Information
- Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
- Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
Geochemistry
Career Areas
- Environmental Remediation
- Research & Development
- Analysis & Testing
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
General Information
- Take geology & environmental science electives.
Inorganic
Career Areas
- Research
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Environmental organizations
- Water processing plants
- Natural resources organizations
General Information
- Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
- Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.
Polymer Chemistry
Career Areas
- Analysis & Testing
- Research & Development
Employers
- Industries involving textiles and plastics
General Information
- Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.
Physical
Career Areas
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
- Federal government
- Colleges and universities
General Information
- Take related courses in social sciences and economics.
- Develop strong mathematical background.
Education
Career Areas
- Teaching
- Research
- Administration
Employers
- Private and public secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
General Information
- 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
Career Areas
- Technical Sales/Marketing
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Management
- Consulting
- Industrial Quality Control
- Research & Development
Employers
- 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
General Information
- 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
Career Areas
- Writing
- Editing
Employers
- Research product development departments and organizations
- Publishing firms including:
- Books
- Scientific and research journals
- Technical press
- Large newspapers
- Wire services
- Internet sites
General Information
- Take advanced technical writing courses.
- Develop word processing and desktop publishing skills.
Law
Career Areas
- Patent Law
- Legislation and Lobbying
Employers
- Manufacturing firms
- Research and development firms
- Law firms
- Private practice
- Environmental agencies
General Information
- Obtain law degree to become an attorney.
Information Specialists/ Technical Libraries
Employers
- Special libraries
- Research organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals
General Information
- Obtain a master's degree in library/information science.
- Develop computer retrieval skills.
- Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division.
Join Organizations
Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.
Student Organizations
Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.
Search for Employers
General Guidelines and Strategies
- Undergraduate degrees are sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
- Master's degrees are 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. 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 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.
- Choose appropriate coursework if you want to specialize in an area.
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