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Chemistry
Overview
Chemistry programs teach people about the structure, composition, and nature of matter.Chemistry programs include topics such as:
- Molecular synthesis
- Spectroscopy
- Molecular structure of cells and systems
- Chemical modeling
- Laboratory analysis procedures and equipment maintenance
Concentrations
In chemistry programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Physical and theoretical chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Polymer chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Chemical physics
- Theoretical chemistry
- Forensic chemistry
- Environmental chemistry
Schools
Many community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in chemistry. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. Students may work as a lab technician with an associate degree, or transfer to a college or university for further study.
Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in chemistry. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. A bachelor's degree prepares students for an entry-level position in many chemical industries.
Most universities offer graduate degrees in chemistry. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Technology
- Cytotechnology
- Geochemistry
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- Health and Medical Physics
- Immunology
- Materials Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Metallurgical Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear Medical Technology
- Nuclear Technology
- Petroleum Technology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Physical Sciences, General
- Physiology
- Plastics Technology
- Polymer and Plastics Engineering
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Chemists
- Forensic Science Technicians
- High School Teachers
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Science Technicians
- University and College Teachers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Scientists
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents
- Chemical Engineers
- Climate Change Analysts
- Compliance Officers and Inspectors
- Detectives and Investigators
- Environmental Scientists
- Materials Engineers
- Mathematicians
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Pharmacists
- Physicists
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Calculus courses
- Advanced Chemistry courses
- Advanced Physics courses
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- General Computer Applications
- Physics
- Probability and Statistics
- Technical Writing
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related science, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Chemistry
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal interview
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Electricity and Magnetism
- English Composition
- General Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Instrumental Methods
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
- Quantitative Analysis
- Scientific Computer Programming
- Technical Writing
No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Once you've completed those courses, you can take advanced courses that focus on a specific area of chemistry.
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate students usually focus on one branch - organic, inorganic, physical, or analytical chemistry, or a particular application. Typical courses vary by specialty. All require original research and expertise in use of computers. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Most chemistry programs require you to operate sophisticated lab instruments such as mass spectrometers. You also use computers to create models that simulate chemical processes.
Many jobs in this field require writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Internships can introduce you to the many practical applications of chemistry. For example, you may learn how chemistry can impact agriculture and research ways to improve crop production for farmers.
Schools
East Side Area
Big Bend Community College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Central Washington University
- Chemistry
- Chemistry--Biochemistry
- Chemistry--Teaching
- Environmental Sciences--Environmental Chemistry
Walla Walla Community College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Walla Walla University
- Chemistry
Washington State University - Pullman
- Chemistry
- Chemistry--Materials Option
- Chemistry--Teaching Option
- Secondary Education, 4-12--Chemistry
Wenatchee Valley College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Whitman College
- Chemistry
- Chemistry--Environmental Studies
- Chemistry--Geology
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Associate in Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree
- Associate in Science Track 1 Biological, Environmental/Resources, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences (Life Sciences Track)
Cascadia College
- Associate in Science: Track One--Biological Sciences, Environmental/ResourceSciences, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, and Geology
Edmonds Community College
- Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, and Earth Sciences Pre-Major
Everett Community College
- Chemistry (Transfer)
Green River College
- Pre-Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, and Earth Science
Highline College
- Chemistry (Transfer)
North Seattle College
- Associate in Biological, Environmental, Resource Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, or Earth Sciences
Seattle Central College
- Chemistry
Seattle Pacific University
- Chemistry
Seattle University
- Chemistry
- Secondary Education, 5-12 Endorsement--Chemistry
Shoreline Community College
- Chemistry/Biochemistry (Transfer)
South Seattle College
- Associate of Science Track 1: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental/Resource Sciences, Geology, and Earth Science)
University of Washington - Bothell
- Chemistry
University of Washington - Seattle
- Chemistry
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Chemistry/Biochemistry--Forensic Chemistry Option
- Chemistry/Biochemistry--General Option
- Chemistry/Biochemistry--Professional Option
- Chemistry/Biochemistry--Secondary Teaching (5-12)
- Chemistry/Biochemistry--Standard Option
- Environmental Science--Chemistry
Gonzaga University
- Chemistry
- Secondary Education (5-12) Endorsement--Chemistry
Spokane Community College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Spokane Falls Community College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Whitworth University
- Chemistry--Biochemistry Track
- Chemistry--General
- Chemistry--Physical Chemistry Track
- Endorsement--Chemistry
Tacoma Area
Pacific Lutheran University
- Chemistry Endorsement (Grades 5-12)
- Chemistry--Chemistry-Physics
- Chemistry--General
- Engineering Dual Degree Program
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Pierce College Puyallup
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Tacoma Community College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
University of Puget Sound
- Chemistry
- Teaching--Chemistry
Tri-Cities Area
Columbia Basin College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Washington State University - Tri-Cities
- Chemistry
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Chemistry (Transfer)
West Side Area
Centralia College
- Associate in Science Track 1: Biological Sciences, Environmental/Resource Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, and Earth Sciences
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Evergreen State College, The
- Chemistry
Grays Harbor College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Lower Columbia College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Peninsula College
- Associate in Science
- Biological Sciences, Environmental/Resource Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, and Earth Sciences
Saint Martin's University
- Chemistry
- Secondary Education, 4-9--Middle-Level Science
- Secondary Education, 5-12--Chemistry
Skagit Valley College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
South Puget Sound Community College
- Associate in Science Track I
Western Washington University
- Chemistry
- Chemistry Master's Degree Programs
- Chemistry/Biology--Secondary
- Chemistry/Mathematics--Secondary
- Chemistry/Physics--Secondary
Whatcom Community College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
Yakima Area
Heritage University
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science--Chemistry Specialization
- Science Education--Chemistry (5-12)
Yakima Valley College
- Chemistry Pre-Major
- Physical Sciences Pre-Major