Online Chemistry Degrees

Whether you realize it or not, chemistry plays an incredible role in our daily lives as consumers. From medicines and plastics to synthetic clothing fabrics and new environmental technologies, chemistry plays a supreme role. For students interested in both lab work and creating products that can be used daily
in society or for people fascinated by the world of pharmaceuticals or the interaction between synthetics and nature, chemistry may be a fascinating degree choice. While a lot of time is spent gaining a strong foundation in the science behind chemistry, skills are used to develop experiments and create new products. Potential degree holders must have an aptitude for science and math and the ability to work under very exacting parameters. With a degree in chemistry, many avenues will be opened to the degree holder, with jobs in the growing pharmaceutical field to the development of new materials for everything from solar panels to car parts and electronics.

Before you hit the lab, courses in math and the basic physical sciences will be required. Chemists must also take courses in biology, physics and earth science before they take advanced courses in chemistry for example. Chemistry also involves a lot of math, as most science related studies do, and as such chemistry programs will usually include several math classes as a prerequisite to the study of chemistry. Depending on the concentration of the program, courses in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry and thermodynamics may be offered.

The job market for chemistry degree holders is strong and growing. Typical jobs range from being an educator to working in pharmaceuticals and the range of compensation for chemists is just as expansive with a median salary of $56,000. Chemsitry plays an important part in the manufacturing industry, so many chemists find themselves doing product research and development at manufacturing firms. Chemists also work with materials specialists (like metallurgists, for example) doing lab tests of different materials in different states. Working in the pharmaceutical industry will garner an average salary near $56,000 and lab technicians will start with an average salary around $35,000. Nearly 40% of chemists work in manufacturing. Basic chemical manufacturing jobs may an average salary of about $68,000.