Are you interested in:

• Why and how things work
• Hands-on research experiences
• Solving problems using the scientific method
• Working collaboratively on laboratory experiments
• Collecting and organizing data
• How chemical structures relate to chemical properties
• Health and medicine
• Forensics
• The environment
• Scientific developments
• How chemistry can benefit society

Chemistry is a “central science” that connects biology, engineering, physics and medicine. It serves as a foundational major for many different careers. A major in chemistry is an excellent stepping stone to careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, engineering, government, environmental agencies, and teaching. With a major in Chemistry, careers in a variety of fields are achievable.

Types of jobs:

• Agricultural chemist
• Biochemist
• Biotechnologist
• Chemical engineer
• Chemical management specialist
• Chemical technician
• Cosmetic chemist
• Educational researcher
• Environmental scientist
• Food scientist
• Forensic chemist
• Formulation chemist
• Geochemist
• Health and safety specialist
• Healthcare professional
• Material scientist
• Middle or high school teacher
• Quality assurance/control analyst
• Pharmaceutical scientist
• Sales and marketing professional
• Technical writer
• Textile chemist

Attend graduate school for:

• Agricultural science
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Engineering (chemical, environmental, textile)
• Food science
• Health professions (dentistry, medicine, optometry, podiatry, veterinary medicine)
• Law
• Materials science
• Pharmacy
• Science education
• Technical writing
• Textile chemistry

Options for the major:

• B.A. or a B.S. in chemistry
• Engineering Dual Degree Program
• Double major or minor in any additional related area of interest or include specific electives as needed for licensure requirements if you are interested in middle, or high school teaching
• Experiential opportunities
  • Internships
  • Undergraduate research
  • Teaching assistantships/lab set-ups
  • Tutor at the learning center in the department
  • Summer Program for Women in Chemistry
  • Research experience for undergraduates
• Join the American Chemical Society-Student Affiliate

Professional associations:

• American Chemical Society www.acs.org
• Phi Lambda Upsilon, The National Chemistry Honor Society www.philambdaupsilon.org
• Iota Sigma Pi, National Honor Society of Women in Chemistry www.iotasigmapi.org
• Women in Chemistry www.chemheritage.org/about/index.aspx
• Women in Science & Engineering www.ncsu.edu/wise/
• American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists www.aatcc.org/

Career outlook:

Chemists
Teachers
Higher Education

Additional information:

Meredith’s chemistry major »