Chemistry
Chemistry is everywhere! Actually everything we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell has a firm basis in Chemistry. The high quality of life that we experience today is due in no small part to many significant chemical discoveries over the past 150 years. Chemistry, as a Pure Science, seeks to describe and make comprehensible the nature and transformations of matter. As an Applied Science, it provides society with knowledge and tools to achieve its material purposes. By coupling creative thought and critical thinking skills with experimentation, the study of Chemistry contributes to a liberal arts education. The courses in Chemistry are designed to emphasize the fundamental principles of the science, to reflect its interdisciplinary nature, and to develop experimental skill.
Because Chemistry is the “Central” Science, a wide variety of opportunities awaits those with training in this field. The Chemistry Department offers a program meeting the needs of students pursuing a variety of study and career options in the Chemical Sciences. Included are students who anticipate careers as:
- Professional Chemists in industrial research or as Environmental Chemists for the government or industry
- Health-care Professionals in the Medical Sciences, such as Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical
- Therapy, or Biomedical research
- Chemical Engineers or Materials Scientists
- Secondary Science Teachers or College Professors
- Individuals who desire knowledge of Chemistry as part of their liberal arts experience, in that several graduates have chosen careers in the Law, Religion, and Business fields For all students, the Chemistry faculty aim to provide a thorough and comprehensive educational experience by providing challenging in-class instruction, hands-on skill development in lab, and opportunities for independent research.
Contact the Department
Chemistry Department
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
www.georgetowncollege.edu/che/
Career Ideas for a Chemistry Major
Download a pdf version of this guide
| AREA | EMPLOYERS | STRATEGIES |
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ANALYTICAL |
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Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application processes. Gain experience in a laboratory setting. Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment. Take electives in your area of interest. |
BIOCHEMICAL |
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Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and physiology. Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills. Get involved with undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. |
ORGANIC |
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Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs. Get involved with undergraduate research with professors. |
GEOCHEMISTRY |
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Take geology & environmental science electives. |
INORGANIC |
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Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area. Develop additional laboratory skills and experience. |
POLYMER CHEMISTRY |
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Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs. |
PHYSICAL |
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Take related courses in social sciences and economics. Develop strong mathematical background. |
EDUCATION |
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Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools. Acquire a master’s degree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities. Take courses in public speaking. |
BUSINESS |
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Obtain a minor in business. Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Hold leadership positions in campus organizations. Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, etc. |
TECHNICAL WRITING |
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Take advanced technical writing courses. Develop word processing and desktop publishing skills. |
LAW |
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Obtain law degree to become an attorney. |
INFORMATION SPECIALISTS/TECHNICAL LIBRARIES |
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Obtain master’s degree in library and information science. Develop computer retrieval skills. Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division. | |
General Information
- Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
- Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
- Master’s degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
- Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
- Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development.
- Postdoctoral experience is preferred for research positions in industry, universities, and government.
- Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
- Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
- Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
- Complete an undergraduate research project.
- Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
- Join related student professional organizations.
Helpful Links
- Sloan Foundation Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- American Academy of Forensic Science
- Science Careers
- Careers in Science and Engineering
- The Scientist’s Employment Network
- PhDs.org
- Chemists and Materials Scientists from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Science Technicians from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Teachers-Postsecondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer
