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Degrees and Schools
There are a lot of colleges and universities that provide bachelor's, master's and doctoral chemistry degree programs. Graduate students studying chemistry commonly specialize in a subfield such as polymer chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry or analytical chemistry. Students usually don't have to select an area of specialization at the undergraduate level. Also, experience acquired in academic laboratories, or via fellowships, internships and work-study in industry can be very useful.
Classes
Some of the subjects studied are shown below:
- Analytical chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Biological sciences
- Physics
- Computer science
Online Classes and Programs
There are some undergraduate and graduate online chemistry programs. However, the on-campus programs are more popular due to acquiring knowledge through laboratory procedures. Online programs may not offer externships and fellowships.
Prospective online students should look for schools which have received accreditation from agencies approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
Employment Requirements
Entry level chemist jobs typically require at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Many research positions require a master's degree or more often a Ph.D. Those with a bachelor's degree working in government or industry typically work in quality control, conducting analytical tests or assisting a senior chemist in a R&D laboratory.
The major employers are chemical manufacturing companies, scientific research and development services, and testing labs. Chemists are also employed by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and colleges and universities.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
While evaluating schools, prospective students should consider getting answers to the following questions:
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation with the chemical manufacturing industry?
- Training - Does the program include externships? Does the program include externships with chemical manufacturing companies, scientific research and development services and testing labs? Do students have to find their own externship?
- Curriculum - Can students specialize in their area of interest?
- Job Placement - Does the school provide job placement services? How does the school's job placement rate in the field of chemistry compare to other schools? Do representatives from chemical manufacturing companies, scientific research and development services and testing labs recruit graduates at the school?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Has the school been approved to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Has the school been provided accreditation by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Chemists Job Description
Chemists search for new ways to use chemicals to improve life. Chemical research has led to new and improved drugs, synthetic fibers, electronic components, cosmetics and thousands of other items. Chemistry research of living things helps to make advances in agriculture, medicine, food processing and other areas. Chemists also create processes such as improved oil refining and petrochemical processing that reduce pollution and save energy.
Many chemists specialize in a specific field such analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry, or materials chemistry. Many chemists work in research and development. They often work in teams with other chemists, other scientists, chemical technicians and chemical engineers. Some chemists are involved in production and quality control in chemical manufacturing plants.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Create new products and processes
- Develop, improve and customize products, processes, formulas and analytical methods
- Collaborate with other scientists and engineers to perform analysis of research projects, develop nonstandard tests or interpret test results
- Analyze organic and inorganic compounds
- Write technical papers and reports
- Direct, coordinate and advise personnel regarding test procedures for analyzing physical properties of materials and components
Resources
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