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Jun 19, 2019 · If you're wondering how many years it takes to become a chemist, the broad answer is 4 to 10 years of college and graduate study. The minimum education requirement to be a chemist is a college degree, such as a B.S. or Bachelor of Science in chemistry or a B.A. or Bachelor of Arts in chemistry. Usually, this takes 4 years of college.
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Chemistry 201 or 203 (can be taken in any order) Physics 223. Mathematics 267. Statistics 205 or Statistics 327 3. 1. Mathematics 249 is open only to students without MATH 31. 2. Physics 221 requires PHYS 30 & MATH 31. Students who do not meet these prerequisites may take Physics 211.
- Overview
- What is a chemist?
- What do chemists do?
- Chemist work environment
- Chemist salary and job outlook
- How to become a chemist
- Skills for chemists
- Career options for chemists
There are many great careers in the scientific field. If you're interested in studying and analyzing chemical properties, you might consider becoming a chemist. As a chemist, you have a variety of specialties and career paths to choose from based on your skills and job preferences.
In this article, we discuss what a chemist is, explain how to become a chemist and list some career options you can pursue as a chemist.
A chemist is a scientist who studies the composition and behavior of matter and its properties. They typically work in laboratory settings where they operate equipment and use computers to analyze and organize data. Chemists can specialize in a variety of chemistry branches, including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, me...
A chemist's typical responsibilities include:
•Planning research projects
•Summarizing and presenting research
•Analyzing substances to determine their compositions
•Creating and improving products and processes
•Conducting tests and reporting findings
Chemists can work in a number of environments. Industries include health care, research and development, marketing and engineering. They may also work with the federal government and universities. Work schedules can vary depending on the environment but most chemists work around 40 hours a week or have a full-time schedule.
According to Indeed Salaries, the national average salary for chemists is $78,743 per year. This can vary based on location, industry and the company where you work. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 6% growth rate for chemists and material scientists from 2021 to 2031. This is about average for all occupations and comes from people leaving the career for retirement or a career change.
1. Get a bachelor's degree
The first step to becoming a chemist is to get a bachelor's degree in science. Chemists can major in chemistry, physical science, life science, engineering or another relevant subject. It's possible to work as an entry-level chemist with only a bachelor's degree and move up through promotions after gaining experience. If you wish to pursue other careers as a chemist, you may complete a graduate program. Related: FAQ: What Can I Do With a Chemistry Degree?
2. Gain work experience
Getting experience is an important step in becoming a chemist, whether you plan to attend graduate school or enter the workforce immediately. While completing your undergraduate studies, it's a good idea to take advantage of any opportunities that give you experience working as a chemist or in a laboratory setting. For example, there may be internships, fellowships, research programs and cooperative industry programs you can apply for while attending college or after graduating. Consider asking your professors and department chairs about any opportunities. They can help you find an internship, and you may also be able to assist a professor with their research if they have an opening on their team. Having this experience can help you get a job, and it also improves your application for graduate school. Related: How To Write an Internship Resume That Will Get You Hired
3. Obtain a graduate degree
If you want to work in more advanced areas as a chemist, you may want to pursue graduate programs such as a master's degree in your chosen chemistry specialty or a more specific field. Some chemists also pursue a doctorate in their specific area, which can give them more opportunities for advancement and additional career options. When you begin your master's program, you have the option of choosing a thesis or non-thesis route. This choice depends on what you wish to do with your degree. If you plan to work in a practical field, you don't complete a thesis. You complete one if you wish to become a researcher, work in education or pursue more technical fields in the industry. If you do choose either of these career paths, you may also pursue a doctorate without getting a master's degree first. Related: How To Become a Research Scientist (With Tips)
Here are some valuable skills for a chemist to have:
•Attention to detail: Chemists can analyze information and record detailed observations.
•Organization: Working in a laboratory requires good organization and record-keeping skills.
•Math: Chemists have a solid foundational knowledge of mathematical principles to solve equations and understand the data they collect.
•Teamwork: Working in a laboratory requires all individuals to work together to make processes more efficient.
•Problem-solving: Chemists can devise and implement solutions to problems they discover.
1. Chemical technician
National average salary: $46,048 per year Primary duties: Chemical technicians help research chemists complete their regular duties by making labs more efficient. Their duties include monitoring equipment, cleaning the laboratory and completing some research tasks. Find chemical technician jobs Read more: What Does a Chemical Technician Do? Role, Duties and Salary
2. Forensic scientist
National average salary: $62,402 per year Primary duties: Forensic scientists examine crime scenes for evidence that they can use to help solve crimes. They're responsible for conducting field tests and creating reports used in criminal trials. They also collect physical evidence and process it in a laboratory, which makes a chemist a good fit for this role. Find forensic scientist jobs Related: 9 Types of Forensic Scientist Careers
3. Analytical chemist
National average salary: $64,873 per year Primary duties: Analytical chemists conduct laboratory research, develop processes and products and design instruments for scientific use. They examine substances to determine their nature, structure and composition. Someone who studied analytical or physical chemistry may find themselves in this career. Find analytical chemist jobs Read more: What Does an Analytical Chemist Do? (With Duties and Skills)
The degree you earn depends on the school you attend. Many schools offer degrees in chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering. However, some schools may also offer degree programs in environmental chemistry, or forensic chemistry. Hopefully, lots! An important aspect of your training as a ...
- What will I learn?
Lilli, fourth-year Chemistry student. Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including. English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required) Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required) Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required) Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of ...
Required GPA: 4.0 Degree Requirements Suggested Study Plans The three-year BSc degree in Chemistry is composed of courses predominantly in Chemistry but also including requirements in computer science, mathematics, physics, and other science courses of your choice, as well as general education requirements in Humanities and/or Social Sciences. The first two years of this program are identical
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Academic Requirements. Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Six 4U/M courses, including: Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U) Chemistry (SCH4U) English (ENG4U) Physics (SPH4U) is recommended. Find equivalent requirements for Canadian high school systems, US high school system, International Baccalaureate, British-Patterned Education, French-Patterned ...
