CHEMISTRY What Can I Do with This Major?

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CHEMISTRY What can I do with this major?

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

ANY CHEMISTRY DISCIPLINE Product Development Government: Develop strong verbal, written, teamwork and prob- Process Development U.S. Food and Drug Administration lem-solving skills. Analysis U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Choose courses with laboratory components to build Testing U.S. Department of Agriculture experimental and instrumentation skills. Biotechnology (using living organisms or cell pro- National Institutes of Health Gain experience in area of interest through intern- cesses to make useful products) Public health departments ships, research with professors and/or complete Consulting Industries: a senior research project. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, Consider taking a course in grant writing. Management feed, cosmetics, agricultural, environmental, Earn master's degree in chemistry for advanced posi- Environmental Analyses petroleum, consumer products tions, greater responsibility and higher pay. Forensics Private research labs and organizations Obtain Ph.D. to direct research projects and lead Colleges and universities research teams. Consulting firms Enroll in undergraduate research early in your college career. (Chem200+Chem400)

Only some of the areas of specialization follow. Most students specialize at the graduate level.

AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY Agricultural Production: crops and livestock Government: Agricultural chemistry addresses the chemical Agrichemicals Development: herbicides, pesticides, U.S. Department of Agriculture processes associated with the production, fungicides, fertilizers, etc. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency protection and usage of crops and livestock. Agrichemicals Testing U.S. Food and Drug Administration Maintain awareness of current environmental Environmental Testing Food and feed industries issues including policy, conservation, and indus- Regulation Agricultural chemical companies try trends. Plant and animal breeders and growers Pursue coursework in biology, biochemistry, water chemistry, soil chemistry, geology, etc. to support understanding of environmental impact. Develop strong verbal and written communication skills for work with interdisciplinary teams. Seek related experience through co-ops, internships, or part-time jobs in specialized area of interest.

(Chemistry, Page 2)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY Qualitative Analysis Government: Analytical chemistry focuses on determining the Quantitative Analysis U.S. Environmental Protection Agency composition and structure of matter and has Instrumentation Design U.S. Food and Drug Administration applications to all areas of chemistry. Experimental Design National Labs Seek extensive laboratory and research experience Separations (mass spectrometry, chromtography) Industries: along with courses in quantitative, qualitative Spectroscopy Chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and instrumental analyses. Chemometrics/statistics feed, cosmetics, agricultural, environmental, Pursue advanced instrumentation and computer petroleum, consumer products, legal, medical skills along with knowledge of statistics. Private research labs and organizations Develop attention to detail and strong problem solv- Chemical instrumentation companies ing skills. Consulting firms Take electives in your field of interest, as some employers seek candidates with expertise in particular areas of analysis such as environment or pharmaceuticals. Obtain knowledge of fundamental business prin- ciples to assist in meeting the goals of industry.

BIOCHEMISTRY Healthcare Government: Biochemistry references the study of chemical Pharmaceuticals Centers for Disease Control and Prevention properties within living systems. Environment U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Consider taking courses to specialize in biology, Agriculture U.S. Food and Drug Administration molecular biology, genetics, biophysics or bio- Food Science U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and physical methods, as this field is often linked to Cosmetics Inspection Service other disciplines. Forensics Industries: chemical, pharmaceutical, waste man- Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills. agement, environmental, food, feed, healthcare, Strong oral and written communications skills biotechnology, plant and animal breeders and are necessary for working with teams of scien- growers tists. Private research laboratories and organizations Seek undergraduate research opportunities with Public health departments professors and plan to complete internships Hospital laboratories related to your area of interest. Commercial medical laboratories Join related professional organizations such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecu- lar Biology. (Chemistry, Page 3)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Bulk Chemicals (mass produced large quantities) Government: Discipline combines chemistry and engineer- Fine Chemicals (custom-produced small quantities) U.S. Department of Energy ing to solve problems involving the use or Consumer Products U.S. Environmental Protection Agency production of chemicals. Biotechnology U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Consider double majors in chemistry and engineer- Pharmaceuticals U.S. Department of Agriculture ing. Electronics Industries: Develop exceptional communication and interper- Environmental Safety and Health Agrichemicals, industrial bulk and fine chemi- sonal skills for work on multidisciplinary teams. Fuels and Energy Conversion cals, food, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, Attention to detail is crucial. Materials cosmetics, environmental textiles, petroleum, Pursue experimental design, data interpretation and consumer products, automotive, pulp and problem solving competence through course- paper, rubber, electronics, plastics, energy work and research with professors. Private research labs and organizations Seek internship or co-op experiences in the chemical engineering field. Join professional associations such as American Institute of Chemical Engineers to maintain current knowledge of opportunities in the field. Research Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam requirements, as this exam is typically the first step in becoming a Professional Engineer (PE). Consider a concentration in Sustainability to pursue field in Green (or Sustainable) Chemistry. GEOCHEMISTRY Geochemistry includes study of the liquids, Analysis Government: gases and mineral deposits of rock to guide Testing U.S. Department of Energy scientific and industrial applications. Environmental Regulation U.S. Geological Survey Build a strong background in analytical, physical Environmental Remediation U.S. Office of Surface Mining and environmental chemistry. Pursue courses Environmental management firms in hydrology, sedimentology, toxicology, plant Consulting firms ecology, oceanography for environmental work. Oceanographic research institutes Plan to take courses with laboratory components Mining companies and seek geochemistry part-time jobs and internships. Maintain awareness of current environmental issues including policy, conservation, and industry trends for entry into environmental management or remediation. Geochemists working with the oil industry may work in areas where deposits are found. The industry is subject to fluctuation making some work contractual. Join the Geological Society of America and other environmental organizations. (Chemistry, Page 4)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Analysis Government: Inorganic chemistry addresses the behavior of Testing U.S. Department of Agriculture inorganic and organometallic compounds Synthesis U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and how these materials can be modified for Environmental Remediation U.S. Geological Survey product applications. Energy National Aeronautics and Space Administration Prepare a strong background in inorganic chemistry Information Technology Industries (inorganic materials): with classes in physics, materials science and Consumer Products Mining, microchip, computer manufacturers, chemical engineering. ceramics, superconductive metals Develop excellent communication skills for work with Private research labs and organizations other disciplines including materials scientists, Environmental management firms physicists and engineers. Consulting firms Seek experimental design and analytical research chemistry experience. Inquire about grant writing training, as the inorganic chemistry job market is tight, and some scientists are required to solicit monetary support for their work through government, industry and private foundations.

MATERIALS SCIENCE Metallurgy Government: Materials science focuses on the development Ceramics U.S. Department of Energy of new materials and the improvement of Plastics/Polymers U.S. Department of Defense existing ones. Composites National Aeronautics Space Administration Earn an undergraduate degree in chemistry, engi- Semiconductors and Electronic Materials National Labs neering or physics for entry into the materials Optical Materials Industries: science field. Biomaterials Automobile, appliance, electronic, aerospace Build laboratory and research experience as an un- Nanomaterials equipment, machinery, biomedical, communica- dergraduate through coursework, projects with Extraction/Synthesis tions, sporting goods, security, paint/coatings, professors, co-ops or internships. Processing alternative energy production Develop effective problem solving, communica- Private research labs and organizations tion and teamwork skills for collaborating with Airlines, railroads and utility companies professionals in other fields. Seek undergraduate membership in professional organizations such as the American Society for Materials to learn more about opportunities in the field and to build professional contacts. Plan to pursue a graduate degree to specialize in a particular material, process or characterization technique. (Chemistry, Page 5)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Synthesis Government: Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, Healthcare U.S. Department of Agriculture properties and reactions of natural and Pharmaceuticals U.S. Department of Energy synthetic carbon-containing compounds to Materials Science U.S. Environmental Protection Agency create uses for existing or new materials. Consumer Products Industries: Cultivate attention to detail, curiosity and problem Biotechnology Chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, solving skills. Strong oral and written communi- Agrichemicals feed, cosmetics, agriculture, environment, cation skills are also essential. Food Science petroleum, consumer product, rubber, plastics, Seek chemistry-related research experience through Fuels elastomers, detergents, paints/coatings, dyes work with professors, co-ops, internships or Private research labs and organizations part-time jobs. Develop effective technical laboratory skills for work with instruments including chromatography, spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance. Knowledge of computer programs with 3D modeling capabilities may be advantageous.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY Materials Science Government: Physical chemistry is a broad, interdisciplinary Chemical Biology U.S. Department of Energy field applying techniques and theories from Nanoscale Science U.S. Department of Defense physics to study chemical systems. Molecular Modeling National Aeronautics Space Administration Develop a strong background in chemistry, math Quantum Computing National Labs and physics. Interest in study at the atomic Biosensors Industries: level is central to physical chemistry. Pharmaceutical, electronics, ceramics, plastics, Enhance knowledge of quantum mechanics, ther- surfactants and colloids, environmental, modynamics, kinetics, structure, electronics consumer products and optics through additional classes. Private research labs and organizations Seek coursework with laboratory components to build technical skills with both instruments and computers. Pursue physical chemistry internships, co-ops and/ or research projects to learn about practical applications of the field and increase job market- ability. (Chemistry, Page 6)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

POLYMER CHEMISTRY Synthetic Macromolecules Government: Polymer chemistry is an interdisciplinary field in Biological Macromolecules U.S. Department of Defense which molecular structures are modified by Analysis National Aeronautics Space Administration chemical processes to develop a material’s Testing National Labs functionality. Synthesis Industries: Plan to take courses in polymers to specialize but Blending Adhesives, paints/coatings, synthetic rubber, be aware that most polymer chemists begin as Compounding synthetic fibers, agricultural chemicals, packag- organic chemists. The market for environmen- Consumer Products ing, automobile, aerospace equipment, biomedi- tally-friendly products will likely influence this cal field in upcoming years. Develop effective communication skills for work on teams with scientists and industry professionals. Seek exposure to business fundamentals, as polymer chemistry deals closely with end-products. Gain research experience through internships, part- time employment and summer jobs.

EDUCATION Teaching Universities and colleges Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and Educational Research Medical and other professional schools written. Public and private schools, K-12 Gain experience working with age group of interest through volunteering and tutoring. Become skilled in the use of computers and laboratory equipment. Certification is required for K-12 school teachers and varies by state. Master's degrees may be sufficient for teaching at community or two-year institutions. Pursue Ph.D. for teaching opportunities at colleges and universities. Gain teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant during junior and senior years. (Chemistry, Page 7)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES HEALTHCARE Medicine Hospitals Research various fields within healthcare to deter- Dentistry Medical centers and clinics mine a particular career goal. Optometry Private and group practice Plan to attend medical school or other related grad- Podiatry Health networks uate program. Meet with a pre-health advisor Pharmacy Nursing homes periodically to evaluate progress toward goal. Veterinary Medicine Rehabilitation centers Maintain an outstanding grade point average, par- Allied Health: Colleges or universities ticularly in the sciences. Occupational Therapy Correctional facilities Seek experiences in hospital or healthcare settings Physical Therapy Large corporations through volunteering, shadowing, part-time posi- Medical Technology Armed services tions, or internships. Nuclear Medicine Government agencies Join related student organizations. Demonstrate State and local public health departments leadership abilities. Secure strong faculty recommendations for graduate and professional school admissions. Develop a back-up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied. OTHER PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Sales Medical/Pharmaceutical companies Develop strong verbal and written communication, Marketing Product development departments in industries: interpersonal and organizational skills. Technical Writing Chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, Supplement chemistry degree with coursework or Scientific Journalism feed, cosmetics, agricultural, environmental, minor in chosen field (e.g., business, journal- Scientific Illustration petroleum, consumer products ism, technical writing). Intellectual Property/Patent Law Publishing firms: Seek sales experience through internships, part- Informational Specialists Books, scientific and research journals, technical time work or summer jobs. press, large newspapers Become familiar with desktop publishing and other Software firms software packages for scientific journalism and Regulatory agencies technical writing opportunities. Pursue experi- Environmental management organizations ence writing for a school or local newspaper. Waste management firms Join related student organizations (e.g., American Law firms Marketing Association, Financial Management Legal departments of corporations Association, Public Relations Student Society Private practice of America, Society for Technical Communica- Colleges and universities tion, etc.) Special libraries Obtain an MBA or Ph.D. for advancement. To pursue a J.D., participate in mock trial and pre- law associations, learn law school admissions process. Earn master's in library and information science, M.L.I.S., for college, university and specialized librarian positions, and join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division. (Chemistry, Page 8)

GENERAL INFORMATION • Undergraduate degree is sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator/manager, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales or service representative. • Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school admission. • Undergraduate research experience at home institutions and/or NSF-REU summer programs at other universities is highly beneficial for future career steps • Master's degree is sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work and some community college teaching. • Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience may be required for research positions in industry, universities and government. • In the United States, doctoral students typically receive full tuition waivers and annual salaries to attend graduate school because there is a strong need for Teaching Assistants in General Chemistry classes. There is also federal and industrial monetary support available for research. • Develop strong computer, mathematics and science skills/knowledge. Consider electives in computer science, math, physics, engineering, business, public speaking and writing. • Seek coursework and opportunities to enhance laboratory skills. • Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship and/or research opportunities with professors to gain relevant experience. • Develop contacts at government laboratories, research organizations or in industry. Schedule informational interviews to learn about the profession and spe- cific career paths. • Read scientific journals to stay current on relevant issues in the field and join related professional organizations.