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Career Opportunities with a Major in Chemistry





Laura graduated from Penn State in 1997 and ended up at Exxon Mobil where she has put her talent of communication and knowledge of chemical engineering to use.

Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.


Chemistry provides answers to questions about the living and material world around us. Knowledge of chemistry is essential to understanding fields ranging from cell biology to materials science. In addition to careers directly related to chemistry and criminalistics, Chemistry majors find employment opportunities in such diverse fields as medicine, veterinary medicine, chiropractic medicine, osteopathy, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, physical therapy, dentistry, dental hygiene, medical technology, engineering and law. Knowledge of chemistry is crucial to environmental protection efforts as well as to mankind's health and safety.

Skills Related to Chemistry

  • Ability to make critical observations and appropriate decisions

  • Ability to operate scientific equipment

  • Ability to organize and maintain accurate records

  • Good vision and manual dexterity

  • Ability to conduct and clearly explain scientific research

  • Strong mathematical background

  • Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and memorization

  • Sensitivity to the health and safety of others

  • Ability to analyze data and find new ways of doing things
     

Potential Careers Related to Chemistry

The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with a chemistry major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which chemistry majors may consider.

Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.

Agronomist Anesthesiologist Astronomer
Biochemical Engineer Biochemist Bioengineer
Ceramic Engineer Chemical Engineer Chemist
Consumer Protection Specialist Dental Hygienist Dentist
Dietician Doctor Environmental Engineer
Food and Drug Analyst Food Technologist Geneticist
Hospital Administrator Hydrologist Industrial Health Engineer
Information Scientist Inorganic Chemist Laboratory Analyst
Lawyer Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Librarian
Medical Scientist Meteorologist Optometrist
Osteopathologist Patent Examiner Perfumer
Pharmacist Pharmacologist Physical Therapist
Physicist Police Chemist Pollution Compliance Inspector
Public Health Educator Soil Scientist Teacher
Toxicologist Water Quality Analyst  


Employers in Chemistry

  • Beverage Companies

  • Chemical Industries

  • Colleges/Universities

  • Cosmetic Companies

  • Consulting Firms

  • Distributors

  • Engineering Firms

  • Food/Product Companies

  • Government Agencies

  • Hospitals

  • Medical Libraries

  • Medical Supply Companies

  • Professional/Technical Journals

  • Medical Laboratories

  • Petroleum Companies

  • Pharmaceutical Companies

  • Research Firms

  • Technical Libraries

  • Textile Manufacturers

Professional Organizations in This Field

Websites Related to Chemistry

 

The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.


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