A chemistry degree can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in
the field of natural and material sciences and chemist training
provides both hands-on and classroom instruction for a
comprehensive education. A chemistry education lays the
groundwork for a variety of specializations in the field
including organic chemistry, the study of plastics,
macromolecular studies, and medicinal chemistry. Students must have strong mathematical,
analytical, and research skills. They are often involved in both
fieldwork explorations and in-lab studies where they examine and
identify various elements and compounds. The field of chemistry
is diverse, and many students choose to advance beyond an
associate's or bachelor's to apply for research jobs and
teaching within their field.
Job Description
and Responsibilities with a Chemistry Degree
Chemistry degree programs afford students a chance to develop fundamental
research and critical thinking skills, as well as a working knowledge of
materials, compounds, and chemical reactions. Common job responsibilities of a
chemist may include:
-
Extracting and examining compounds
-
Conducting field research
-
Reporting and analyzing data
-
Developing new materials as a material scientist
-
Working on production and quality control in a chemical manufacturing plant
-
Determining the structure and composition of various elements
-
Synthesizing elements or compounds
Almost all fields of chemistry involve the life sciences and a deep
understanding of the nature of materials and compounds. Many are also involved
with research, development, and the improvement of existing materials and
compounds with new combinations.
What Does Chemist
Training Involve?
The training allows students to explore a range of skills and procedures,
and can take place in a lab setting to conduct experiments, or online where
students walk through tutorials and presentations on each subject. Training may lead to a variety of specializations such as:
-
Polymer chemistry: the study of reactions, properties, and structure
-
Inorganic chemistry: the study of molecule elements
-
Biochemistry: the study of properties and structure
-
Organic chemistry: the study of carbon-based molecules
-
Analytical chemistry: qualitative and quantitative analysis
-
Physical chemistry: the study of chemical kinetics and electrochemistry
Specializations are often the second portion of any chemistry degree program,
and offer their own set of classes in each concentration. Many honors students
and researchers go on to specialize even further within their field, and can
then apply the scientific method, processes, and knowledge learned from basic
training in a variety of fields.
Types of
Chemistry Careers and Job Options
After completing a chemistry degree program, students have many opportunities
for a lifelong career in the study, research, and development of both organic
and inorganic materials. Job options and rewarding careers include:
Chemistry
Education and Courses
A solid chemistry education begins with a background in science and mathematics.
Students are encouraged to take advanced classes in physics, mathematics,
biology, natural science and chemistry through high school and then move onto a
4-year college to pursue their education. Although associate's
degrees are also available, job options and career opportunities are
often limited to assistant positions and teacher's aides. Students who wish to
grow in the field of research and study for a PhD will need to take advanced
courses for a bachelor's or master's chemistry degree.
Common courses available with a chemistry degree include:
A comprehensive training program is a balance of in-lab instruction and
written coursework. Students who choose to pursue a chemistry degree online may
be required to perform lab experiments and other hands-on applications on their
own time, and it is an invaluable opportunity to understand a real-work
environment. With today's advances in technology, courses taken over
the internet are also becoming a popular way to supplement or complete a
chemistry degree program.
Pursuing a
Chemistry Degree Online
An online
degree program offers students the convenience and flexibility to
finish their studies at their own pace, and even from a distance. Some online
programs do require lab attendance so that students can learn
the skills, techniques, and applications needed for a lab environment. However,
today's technological advances with web-based learning allow students to take
part in tutorials and simulations that can mimic lab training. This is an
essential component of chemist training that provides students with in-depth
studies and practice for their specialization.
Online chemistry
degree programs also allow students to work in a collaborative work environment
throughout their courses and related classes. Discussion forums,
website research, and online reporting are just a few elements of an online
chemistry degree that are limited with a campus-based program. Students who
complete their degree online work with their instructors and students
from around the country on a variety of projects.
A chemistry
course taken over the internet offers a few other benefits over campus-based
courses. These include:
-
In-depth
research and analysis
-
Communication
on innovative platforms such as discussion groups and bulletin boards
-
Collaborating
with different students for each project
-
Direct access
to lectures, examinations, and related chemistry course materials
Employment Prospects and Job Options
Job opportunities and careers focused in the pharmaceutical and
medicinal areas look to be the most promising, as technology and research
continues to advance at a rapid pace. Skilled and talented chemists are needed
to continue researching, identifying, and analyzing new compounds and those with
at least a bachelor's degree in their specialization can look forward to
long-term opportunities. Still, employment of chemists is expected to grow
slower than average through 2014. The most attractive chemistry careers can be
found in biotechnological research, pharmaceutical companies, and R&D service
firms for product development.
Median annual earnings of chemists were $56,060 in 2004, with higher salaries
for those with advanced education and experience. Related occupations include:
|