| |
Chemistry
A major in Chemistry is designed to provide the student with professional competency in chemistry, supported by courses in mathematics, physics and biology. In addition to the acquisition of a basic knowledge of science, the student will develop skills in critical thinking, laboratory technology, interpretation of observations and clear expression of ideas.
Students planning careers as chemists will enjoy working independently. They will have an above average science and math aptitude, and an interest in working with their hands, using technical materials and performing experiments. Persistence, patience, curiosity, independence, initiative and the ability to pay close attention to detail are essential personal characteristics of the professional chemist. Some students obtain licensure in Adolescent and Young Adult Education to teach in secondary education.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Analytical chemist
Biochemist
Chemical engineer
Chemical mixer
Chemical technician
Chemistry technologist
Clinical chemist
Consultation chemist
Dentist
Environmentalist
Enzymes chemist
Food chemist
Geochemist
Geologist
Inorganic chemist
Manufacturing sales representative
Medical technologist
Metallurgist
Nutritionist
Occupational safety and health specialist
Organic chemist
Physical chemist
Physician
Quality assurance specialist
Radiochemist
Science information specialist
Teacher/professor
Technical writer
Toxicologist
Veterinary scientist
*Some positions may require additional education and/or training.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Information on employment outlook for the occupations listed above may be found at America’s Career InfoNet, http://www.acinet.org, the Occupational Information Network, http://online.onetcenter.org, or the Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bls.gov/oco.
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Chemical plants
Colleges and universities
Government agencies
Health services
High schools
Hospitals
Industrial laboratories
Libraries
Pharmaceutical firms
Private industry
Research laboratories
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 2, Chicago, IL: Ferguson Publishing Co., 2000.
- Fasulo, Michael & Walker, Paul. Careers in the Environment, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 2000.
- *Fogg, Neeta, et.al. The College Majors Handbook, Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works, Inc., 2004.
- Goldberg, Jan. Real People Working in Science, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1998.
- *Heizmann, Sam. The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21st Century, Washington, DC: Island
Press, 1999.
- Woodburn, John. Opportunities in Chemistry, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 2002.
Professional Associations
- American Chemical Society, Career Services, 1155 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, http://www.acs.org.
- American Pharmacists Association, 1100 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005-1707, http://www.pharmacist.com.
- National Science Teachers Association, 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201, http://www.nsta.org.
Web sites
|
|