As it becomes easier and easier to earn
undergraduate degrees, more people are pursuing further degrees before seeking
positions in their fields of study. This raises the question of whether or not
an undergraduate degree in Chemistry is enough to have a career
Chemistry degrees
An undergraduate degree in Chemistry requires four
years of education at a college or university. During this time, you will learn
the basics of higher-level chemistry, as well as specific information based on
your intended career path. For example, if you would like to teach high school
Chemistry, you would also need courses in education.
Some schools offer specialties within the degree
programs, such as biochemistry. These degrees focus on a specific area of
chemistry, and may be suited for a specific career path.
Career options
There are many career options available for those
with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. Some common career paths include
teaching, chemistry manufacturing and sales or working in a lab setting.
Chemistry teacher
Teaching Chemistry is a good way for people
passionate about science to share what they know with others. Requirements for
a teaching position vary by state. Some states may require a degree in
Education in addition to Chemistry. In addition to sharing knowledge about
chemistry, teachers are responsible for creating lesson plans, grading
assignments and other typical duties associated with teaching.
Chemical manufacturing or sales
A chemical plant manager is someone who supervises
a chemical manufacturing facility. This career has typical managerial
responsibilities, in addition to performing quality control. Chemical sales
representatives sell products and services. Their responsibilities are typical
of sales representatives. Having a degree in Chemistry allows the sales
representative to speak about the products and services with authority, as well
as answer questions the prospective customer may have.
The chemical products and services created and
sold are often used outside the chemistry field. This allows those in this
field a wide variety of opportunities to pursue areas of interest.
Laboratory Technicians and Research Assistants
Laboratory Technicians are men and women who
perform tests and procedures in a lab setting. They must have a good knowledge
of Chemistry and other sciences in order to perform the proper procedures and
interpret the results. A research assistant is someone who helps doctors,
scientists or other researchers develop new medicines or products.
Additional education
Many people who pursue careers in Chemistry decide
to get advanced degrees. This allows them to pursue a particular field of
interest, as well as opening up a wider variety of career opportunities. For
example, while a chemical plant manager position may not require a Master's
degree, having one can give the applicant an advantage.
Ultimately, some careers will have more applicants
with higher degrees, while others will not. If the career path you are pursuing
is trending toward requiring advanced degrees, the investment may be worth it.
However, if the career path you are pursuing continues to focus on applicants
with undergraduate degrees, an advanced degree will not be necessary. The final
decision of whether or not an undergraduate degree is "enough" for a
career in Chemistry will come down to the particular career being pursued and
where you would like to be as your career path progresses.
This article was composed by Ty Whitworth for the
team at http://www.ChemicalWire.com/.
