What can I do with a major in...CHEMISTRY

www.sc.edu/career

chem·is·try

The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems.*

*"Chemistry." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 24 Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Chemistry>.

Last updated 3/2011 by A. Bervine

Chemistry Majors Study

• The basic laws of the physical world and the investigation of the composition and properties of matter

• Both classroom and laboratory learning integrate to prepare the student in the advancement towards specializations in chemistry

...and more

Specializations

• Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level – laboratory technician– quality control technician – associate chemist– technical sales

representative – analytical chemist – clinical technician

• Further Education Required– chemist – pharmaceutical researcher – research chemist – chemical safety engineer – clinical chemist – pharmacologist – toxicologist– forensic chemist– food technologist

Most undergraduate programs offer a general course of study as well as many specializations that can be pursued with additional study. These include, but are not limited to:

Chemistry Degrees Available At The University Of South Carolina

Ph.D

MS

BS

Chemistry At The University Of South

Carolina

Undergraduate Options

Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)Major: ChemistryMinors: Chemistry

Chemistry At The University Of South

CarolinaMaster of Science (MS) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.)

AnalyticalBiologicalInorganicOrganicPhysicalThe Master of Arts in Teaching in Science (Chemistry and Biochemistry Option)Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Science (Chemistry and Biochemistry Option)

AnalyticalBiologicalInorganicOrganicPhysical

Graduate Options

Chemistry Majors Develop Skills In

• Developing theories • Conduct research • Attending to data • Curiosity • Science and math

ability• Remain objective• Process data

• Work independently and in groups

• Oral and written communication

• Utilizing formulas• Technological skills

Chemistry Majors Develop Skills In

• Perseverance • Analytical skills • Follow through skills • Perform experiments • Observation and

decision making

• Chemistry education majors should also develop skills involving planning and the ability to adapt teaching methods and modalities to the various learning styles of students

Employment

• The undergraduate degree alone in chemistry does not directly lead to a career as a chemist or other professional occupation.

• The degree does provide you with an excellent chemical science background and is valuable for almost any type of work involving both physical and life sciences.

Employment Settings

• Business & Commerce: Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business &

Commerce

• FDA Inspector• Industrial Buyer• Perfumer• Quality Assurance

Manager• System Analyst• Environmental Health

Specialist• Hospital Administrator• Risk Manager

• Cephalometric Analyst• Cooperative Extension

Agent• Inspector• Occupational Health

Specialist• Pharmaceutical Sales

Representative• Lawyer• Product Development

Manager

Employment Settings

• Outdoor Field Work:

Includes both studying and working with and in the outdoors. Encompasses everything from management to wildlife resources working.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Outdoor Field

Work

• Agricultural Scientist• Biochemist• Forensic Chemist• Hydrogeologist• Water Purification

Chemist• Toxicologist• Veterinarian• Soil Scientist• Water Scientist

• Clarifying Plant Operator

• Environmental Engineer• Fire Protection Engineer• Hydrologist• Inspector• Scientific Photographer

Employment Settings

• Research:

Includes technicians, researchers, and technologists. Also incorporates laboratory work and the education of peers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Research

• Biochemist• Chemistry Technologist• Color Development

Chemist• Cytotechnologist• Medical Technologist• Perfumer• Science Lab Technician• Tissue Technologist

• Water Purification Chemist

• Chemical Oceanographer

• Crime Lab Analyst• DNA Analyst• Food Scientist

Technician• Underwater Technician• Wastewater Treatment

Chemist

Employment Settings

• Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing.

Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education

• Administrator• Admissions Evaluator• Author/Writer• Career Counselor• College or University

Professor• Financial Aid Director• Guidance Counselor• Health Educator • Lecturer

• Primary School Teacher• Program Manager• Residence Hall Director• Secondary School

Teacher• Student Affairs

Professional • Text Writer• Medical Librarian

Employment Settings

• Health Services: Includes healing, both physical and mental, hospital/doctor’s office services, and some technician positions.

Most physician and counseling positions require the completion of a certification or advanced study program.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Health

Services• Medical Technologist• Nurse• Physician• Tissue Technologist• Anesthesiologist• Dentist• Radiologist• Veterinarian• DNA Analyst

• Medical Librarian• Pharmacy Technician• Chiropractor• Coroner• Medical Illustrator• Pharmacist• Genetic Counselor• Physical Therapist• Hospital Administrator

Other Possible Employment Settings For Chemistry Majors

• Beverage Companies• Chemical Industries• College/Universities• Cosmetic Companies• Consulting Firms• Distributors• Engineering Firms• Food & Drug

Administration• Professional/Technical

Journals

• Food/Product Companies

• Government Agencies• Hospitals• Medical Labs• Medical Libraries• Medical Supply

Companies• Petroleum Companies• Pharmaceutical

Companies• Research Firms

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want

• Pursue an excellent academic record

• Obtain part-time, summer, or internship work experience

• Volunteer with service and counseling organizations

• Become fluent in a foreign language

• Obtain an advanced degree and/or certification in order to perform substantive counseling work

• Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, education)

• Develop strong writing and speaking skills

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want

• Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills

• Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures

• Acquire sales experience

• Become active in peer mediation groups if available

• Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups

• Obtain teaching certification

• Shadow the work of a professional

Books And Web Resources

BooksGreat Jobs for Chemistry Majors — by Mark Rowh

Nontraditional Careers for Chemists — by Lisa M. Balbes

Careers in Science — by Thomas Easton

Web Resources

The American Chemical Society - http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content

Chemistry & Industry Magazine - http://www.chemind.org/CI/index.jsp

Resources for more information

Department of Chemistrywww.chem.sc.edu/default.asp

Career Center Libraryhttp://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html

Chemistry Related Websiteswww.sc.edu/career/la/chem.html

CAS Career Development Websitewww.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html

Career center contact information

University of South Carolina Career Center6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building)Columbia, SC 29208Phone: (803) 777-7280On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)