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What is Chemistry?

Along with physics and biology, the field of chemistry is known as one of the three foundational sciences often called the ‘central science’ as it provides a link between other natural sciences.  A chemistry degree is defined as the study of matter which includes its structure, composition, properties, along with understanding how and why substances interact with energy or other matter.  The study of chemistry can help us explain natural and man-made chemical phenomena and the key to understanding the world around us.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$80,820

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

54.14%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

86,660

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Chemistry Degree

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University offers three concentrations for their undergraduate students such as, Chemistry, Chemistry and physics and chemical and biology. Their teaching Laboratory safety Program consists of safety training, and policies that ensure the safety of both the students and the laboratory teaching staff. Harvard University makes sure that their teaching staff are expert in the particular hazards involved in each experiment. Their labs are regularly inspected and audited to make sure they meet Harvard’s rigorous safety standards. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Princeton University’s Department of Chemistry is an academic department founded in 1975. Though it is one of the oldest departments of chemistry it is still consistently funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and the national institutes of health. But in 2010 the department moved to a new location, the Frick Chemistry Lab. It oversees the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral programs in chemistry. 

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

As one of the top ranked Chemistry degree programs in the world, Yale University is very proud of their history, faculty, of their laboratories and many more. But what impresses the people is their students and their research. That is because their graduates have occupied leading positions in academia and industry. One of their techniques in training the students is letting them take classes and teach. They also prepare independent proposals that will manifest their creativity and scientific vigor. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York claims that whether you choose to major in chemistry or not, their Department of Chemistry will still provide a host of opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in department life. Their department keeps their list maintained to keep its undergraduate students apprised of events and seminars that are of special interest to them. It is undeniable that the Columbia’s Chemistry Department played a major role in the development of the study of chemistry in the US for more than a century. This department is especially famous for its lively intellectual atmosphere and for the manifested intensity of effort put forth by its faculty and students, that’s why it is said to be one of the best graduate research and training programs in the country. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Student-centered learning is what Brown University is seriously committed to. In their chemistry graduate degree program, they encourage the Ph.D. candidates to choose research groups and elective courses based on their goals and interests to be fully equipped for a successful in this career though this world is rapidly changing. The critical questions in molecular behavior and reaction dynamics are entertained here and they strive to answer even the questions about the interface of human health and chemistry. To meet their goal of shaping students that will succeed in a complex and changing world, they made sure to have their concentrators undertake an academically rigorous course of study. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The best students from the United states and around the world are attracted to University of Pennsylvania because it is a renowned search institution.  Specially to the students who dream of earning a Ph.D. in Chemistry while still undertaking cutting edge research. It is because their program provides the students the necessary theoretical background and hands-on training to shape a highly successful scientist.  With the help of courses in different subdisciplines, graduate students reached mastery of advanced chemistry topics. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The outstanding Graduates of MIT are being recognized in the industry. One of their graduates (Kenny Chen) said that he had been surrounded by the most influential people during his most formative years training in MIT. He also said that there was never a shortage of creativity or motivation to do his best. That is true because MIT experience will lead you to a critical thinker and innovator. Their Chemistry major has pushed many to their limits and achieved awe inspiring advancements. 

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

The faculty and students of Chicago University conduct research in several major areas of chemistry. As a matter of fact, 15 Nobel laureates in chemistry have been associated with the University of Chicago. The Department of Chemistry does not have a system of cumulative examinations nor a written major examination. But there are relatively few course requirements and flexibility in the course of study. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

To the benefit of science and society, the students and faculty members in the Chemistry Department of Stanford University explores a broad range of atomic and molecular systems. They even create new forms of matter and develop experimental and theocratical tools. Some of their groups are studying hard on physical and synthetic chemistry. All of these efforts have one goal, to develop the next generation of scholars in the chemical sciences and to build an inclusive learning environment. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The five major programs that the Chemistry Department of Dartmouth College requires an average of GPA of 2.0 in all courses counted toward the major. Three of the Major programs are offered as majors in the field of chemistry. Plan A, Plan B and a modified major which is similar to Plan B. The details about this can be found by visiting the school’s primary web portal.  Dartmouth College gives a thorough explanation about their programs to help you make a wise decision. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Duke University’s Doctoral degree in Chemistry and examination procedure emphasizes research and research accomplishment as early as possible. One noticeable arrangement of this university is that students generally remain in residence during the summer. That is because graduate courses are not offered during summer session, so this time is used for exclusive research. But Independent study at Duke provides an intensive and demanding research experience to meet the expected standard. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

To develop the students into a future investigator that is driven to understand and appreciate foundational principles of chemistry and apply them to solving pressing societal problems and create new knowledge through high-quality research at the frontiers of the field is what the Chemistry Department of Bowdoin is committed to. Chemistry major serves as a preparation for many career paths after college, so Bowdoin’s Chemistry Department offers Program that is based on the interests and goals of the student, therefore, discussion of the plans of the prospective major with the department should be done as soon as possible. But whatever career goals you might have, you will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through participating in a collaborative student-faculty research project. American Chemical Society-certified major in chemistry is also offered at BC. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The pride of Amherst University is that their faculty in Chemistry Department is committed to undergraduate education. So, in their classrooms and teaching labs, students learn directly from the people who truly care about their advancement. To make sure the needs of the students are being given, class sizes are kept small except for the introductory courses, but even those courses are broken up to small discussion and laboratory sections. That’s why they can proudly claim that within the department and in interdisciplinary projects, research opportunities abound. 

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

There is an increasing importance of molecular understanding in many fields of science, that is why chemical research at Caltech is highly interdisciplinary. You can expect a depth in the traditional areas of chemistry on their program at Caltech. This University aims to produce graduates that are articulate in the fundamental concepts of the molecular sciences. Through a combination of coursework and laboratory experiences, the graduates reach the goal of Caltech for career-minded students. 

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Just like other universities, Pomona College teaches the fundamental processes of the chemical world through collegial classrooms and real-world lab experiences that their Department of Chemistry provides. They conduct a thorough education to foster creative and critical thinking. You will be introduced to an understanding of chemical phenomena and transformations from the atomic and molecular level to the macroscopic level. Some of the foundational courses include analytical, biological, inorganic and organic, all with state-of-art- labs. 

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Providing sound training in the fundamental principles and basic techniques of science is the goal of Swarthmore Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. They also provide opportunities for advanced work in the main subdisciplines of modern chemistry and biochemistry for students that shows interest in this field. They encourage their students to include research as part of their undergraduate education to take advantage of the active research program at Swarthmore. They also conduct seminars for upper-level courses, which provides them an in-depth exchange between students and faculty. 

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Northwestern University’s Department of Chemistry is blending descriptive, conceptual and mathematical elements in lectures and laboratory work in order to train the students in chemistry. They believe that if chemical knowledge is essential, the progressive honing of analytical abilities is important as well. The courses that they offer are carefully designed to provide an introduction to chemistry for science or non-science students. What is also admirable at this University is that their chemistry faculty conducts original research that includes undergraduates, graduate students and visiting scholars from other countries. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

A program that leads to a Master of Science degree is what the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology initiated. The teaching/research facilities of Cornell University will design a personalized graduate program, so students with interests in all subfields of Chemistry are very much invited to apply. This Department designed a program that can provide an opportunity to refresh and upgrade skills relevant to molecular sciences for the undergraduate degrees or in a closely related field. The M.S. program attracts students with their program that is individually tailored to the needs of each applicant. They also made sure that they can fill the gaps in their students’ educational backgrounds prior to advanced studies that they will conduct. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

As a chemist, an educator and as human beings, the Williams College pledged to lend their voices and actions to the growing movement for racial justice. According to them, Chemistry as a field have been slow to commit itself to anti-racist practices. But their Department reflects their outrage and sadness into productive change. So, Williams College is committed to acknowledging, identifying and combating racism within their chemistry community, from their offices to laboratories and classrooms. 

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Notre Dame has two combination programs for their Chemistry Department. But in addition to that are the Chemistry with Business and Chemistry with Education. Since this curriculum is flexible it will allow the students to have many opportunities to take supplemental minors. They strongly encourage research for undergraduates and receive credit. The programs they offer are very flexible and allows you to consider many options for studying abroad. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Department of Chemistry at Rice University provides undergraduate chemistry majors that lead to BS degree and BA degree. The BS program is designed to prepare students for advanced work in chemistry as well as in other related disciplines. The BA degree offers a more flexible program that gives a comprehensive overview of all areas of chemistry. Both degree programs are expected to provide a solid background in the fundamental principles of chemistry.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Solutions to many important problems require interdisciplinary training, so students under the Chemistry degree program at Vanderbilt University are given the opportunity to learn techniques, tools, perspectives and concepts from multi discipline as the background in specialized knowledge. They have an increasingly broad range of instrumental techniques in order to reach an advanced scientific knowledge since chemical research becomes more sophisticated and interdisciplinary. It is done through collaborations within the university and medical school. Particular emphasis on chemical biology which results in exceptional opportunities for highly motivated graduates are available at VU. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Department of Chemistry at Georgetown University is an academic department that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the features of this department is, it participates in international exchanges and dual-degree programs. The undergraduate majors available are B.S. in Chemistry and B.S. in Biochemistry. A minor in Chemistry is also offered and a Doctoral degree in Chemistry.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Excellence is the normal tradition of the Department of Chemistry at Washington University. They combine deep commitments to fundamental research and classroom teaching which made them outstanding. Their Department provides a superior education in chemistry since their faculty is made up of a close-knit group of teacher-scientists so students can really gain a strong foundation in the core areas of chemistry. Some of the special emphasis in the said department are, emerging interdisciplinary fields as organometallic, bioorganic and biophysical. They also have a newly renovated Bryan Hall, 28,000 square feet for research space, that is only one of their many state-of-the-art facilities. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The very first American Institution that emphasized graduate education and established a top rated degree in chemistry conferred as a Ph.D. Excellence in research and education has always been the overarching academic tradition at Johns Hopkins. If you desire to have a PhD in chemistry while advancing scientific knowledge for humankind, then the JHU graduate program is designed for you. The graduate program will shape you to become the future leader in your field and pursue independent research by providing you the background and technical expertise. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Top Chemistry Degrees

Whether you are considering a chemistry degree online or in a classroom, it is important to understand the degree options available. Many accredited colleges and universities offer a wide range of degrees online for a number of reasons. The benefits of earning an online chemistry degree include cost savings, flexibility, access, pace, accreditation, and quality. Online programs closely mirror classroom-based degree programs and will often be extended to students as a hybrid program allowing for distance learning and lab time or classroom time to marry academic work with vital hands-on learning. Online chemistry degrees or on-site chemistry degrees can be found in a course catalog in three different forms:

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry

The online bachelors chemistry degree can be found in a schools course catalog in a number of forms including as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.Chem). Bachelor programs are 4-year programs providing students with an array of general education courses such as communication, English, and philosophy along with core science classes. The core program for chemists will often include such classes as: introduction to chemistry, organic chemistry, introduction to physics, linear algebra, differential equations, statistics and probability, analytical chemistry, biomass conversion, materials chemistry, polymer chemistry, colloid science, organic synthesis, inorganic chemistry, drug design, computational chemistry, and a host of fascinating electives in the field of chemistry. Students graduating with a bachelors degree can launch a career in a variety of industries depending on area of specialization and market demands.

Master’s Degree in Chemistry

The masters degree program in chemistry is conferred as a Master of Science (MS) and is a two to three-year program after all lower-level academic requirements are met. The masters chemistry degree track will combine classroom learning with labs, research, and hands-on projects to provide students with a number of learning modalities. Students in a MS program may study a variety of disciplines in chemistry or elect to specialize in sub-fields such as organic, inorganic, materials, analytical, computational, experimental, or polymer chemistry.

Doctorate Degree in Chemistry

The doctorate degree in chemistry is conferred as a PhD in Chemistry or as a Doctor of Philosophy depending on the school and its curricular design. The PhD track in chemistry is a four to six year terminal chemistry degree program that includes a board approved dissertation designed to substantially contribute to your field of study as a chemist. Doctoral students will find themselves teaching at the college level, performing research for public or private companies, or entering the workforce in a variety of capacities in an organization.

Chemistry Students Requirements

An education in chemistry prepares individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and utilize chemical processes in a variety of contexts, including experimentation, manufacturing and pharmacology. Students will study a variety of subdivisions in chemistry as well as some other sciences, in order to better understand and build upon the field of chemistry. Students will become familiar with timings, mixtures, temperature and other factors that may affect a chemical process and learn the methods by which to control them.

Students may pursue associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees as a chemist, with associate level educations limiting individuals to assistant positions in laboratory settings. A bachelor's chemistry degree will allow for entry level positions as chemists, and graduate degrees will allow greater freedom to pursue work while specializing in one of the many areas of chemistry.

Courses in a chemistry curriculum may include:

Featured: UW Bothell

UW Bothell and the University of Washington main campus in Seattle have been lauded for their chemistry program. The undergraduate and graduate degrees offered at UW Bothell are clearly tier one options for students serious about a career in the field. The reputation of the school, alumni support, and industry feedback have been overwhelming. Make sure to include UW on your short list of chemistry universities to visit prior to applying to college.

Top Specializations in Chemistry

There are five primary branches of chemistry that include biochemistry, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical.  Within each branch of chemistry, there are a number of subdisciplines which leads to unique jobs and careers for chemists.  Below you will find a cross-section of various areas of specialty in chemistry to help you better understand the breadth and depth of the field of chemistry.  Top specializations for chemists include:

Analytical-Chemistry: Classification of chemistry emphasizing the methods and instrumentation used to assess and identify matter.

Organic-Chemistry:  The study of the physical and chemical properties, reactions, and structure of organic materials and organic compounds.

Inorganic-Chemistry: A division of chemistry concerned with the behavior and synthesis of organogold and inorganic materials.

Medicinal-Chemistry: The arena of medicinal chemistry is a sub-field of chemistry providing insight into the testing, design, and creation of drugs for treating various diseases.

Physical-Chemistry: Various atomic, subatomic, particulate, and macroscopic phenomena in chemical systems and physical concepts.

Biological-Chemistry:  Also known as biochemistry, biological chemistry is a field analyzing chemical reactions relating to and within living systems.

Nanotechnology: The study of nanotechnology or nanotech is the study of matter on a molecular and atomic scale.

Polymer-Chemistry: Also known as macromolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry emphasizes the study of synthetic polymers, plastics, and elastomers.

Food-Chemistry: Food science or food chemistry works to understand the quality, safety, taste, and storage of food including the three components of food which are proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Nuclear-Chemistry:  A division of chemistry focused on nuclear processes, radioactivity, and various nuclear processes.

Agricultural-Chemistry: Agrochemistry or agricultural chemistry works to understand and optimize the chemical reactions associated with the processes, protection, and production of farm animals and crops.

Electrochemistry:  As a discipline of chemistry, electrochemistry analyzes the chemical reactions between an electrode and ionic conductor.

Phytochemistry:  The branch of chemistry known as phytochemistry is the study of chemicals derived from plants known as phytochemicals.

Colloid Science: As a branch of chemistry, colloid science is the study of heterogenous particles between a solution and a state of suspension.

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Employment of Chemistry Students

Individuals interested in finding employment in the field as a chemist will find that work opportunities will be minimal and competitive, due to a restructuring of research projects in the pharmaceutical industry. As such projects begin to partner with research universities and institutions, the demand for professional chemists is expected to decrease, though some jobs will be available through retirement, managerial positions, and government employment. Students may seek employment in a variety of locations, though most positions will be through research institutions, private manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, government facilities and test laboratories.

Chemists who pursue graduate level degrees or higher will have more employment opportunities, particularly if their area of specialization is in demand. Specialization allows scientists to focus on a particular area of interest, and to obtain a greater understanding of the processes belonging to that sub-field.

Popular Careers in Chemistry

The average wage for a chemist is nearly $69,000 per year, though individuals with graduate or doctoral educations, or those who have experience in the industry will earn more than others. Chemists may work in potentially dangerous environments, and those that do may also receive salaries in the higher end of the spectrum due to risk.

Given sheer number of areas of specializations, it should come as no surprise the myriad career options available to trained, motivated chemists. After earning a chemistry degree from an accredited college or university, students can find an array of primary duties chemical industry. In fact, a chemist can find themselves working for a cosmetics conglomerate working to make a newer, safer eye liner or working with specialized physicians in a hospital setting to understand and improve the effects of radiation treatments for cancer patients. The career options and number of industries that benefit from specialized chemists are seemingly boundless. The top careers for chemists include the following fields of study:

Agronomy Public Policy
Forensic Science Petroleum and Natural Gas
Materials Science Military Systems
Textiles Healthcare
Chemical Engineering Technical Writing
Medicine Environmental Law
Surface Chemistry Agrochemistry
Environmental Chemistry Oceanography
Crop Science Pharmaceutical Sales
Polymers and Plastics Geochemistry
Cosmetics / Perfume Industry Biochemistry
Metallurgy Chemist
Research and Development Government Policy
Biotechnology Chemical Technology
Software Design Ethnobotany
Consulting

How Much Do Chemistry Majors Get Paid?

The amount of compensation you can expect as a chemist will depend on a variety of factors that include your experience, degree type, organization type, geography, hours worked, area of specialization, demand, contributions, and options work experience in the field. As a means to provide you with an overview of the industry, the list below represents a scientist national average salary across a wide swath of careers associated with chemistry as reported by the BLS:

  • Chemical Technicians: $45,840
  • Food Science Technicians: $37,550
  • Nuclear Technicians: $79,140
  • Clinical Lab Techs: $50,930
  • Biological Technicians: $42,520
  • Chemical Engineers: $98,340
  • Material Scientists and Chemists: $75,420
  • Environmental Scientists: $44,190
  • Forensic Science Technicians: $56,750

Resources for Chemistry Students

Chemists interested in industry insights in chemistry may also be interested degrees in physics, biology and environmental science. Additional resources such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the International Council of Chemical Association (ICCA) may be sources of information and professional growth in the field. Networking and continuing education opportunities also may be found with top-tier associations to help advance your career in the field.

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