Discover the Right Formula with a Major in Chemistry

The movie version of a chemist in a white lab coat, big glasses and wild hair conjuring up unique concoctions to change matter is not too far off base.  Often referred to as the central science, chemistry examines the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, the stuff of the universe. A major in chemistry has much to offer, both as a cutting-edge field of study in and of itself, and as a solid general foundation for other fields. The Department of Chemistry offers the Bachelor of Science degree for students who intend to become professional chemists or do graduate work in chemistry or a closely related discipline. There are two options in the Bachelor of Science program: a traditional version covering all the major areas of chemistry and an option that emphasizes biochemistry. Both degree options are certified by the American Chemical Society.

A Bachelor of Arts degree program is offered for students who want greater flexibility in the selection of courses in other fields of science. The Bachelor of Arts program is designed particularly for students planning to enter the professional health fields, teach in secondary schools or work in such varied areas as ecology, criminal justice, materials science, patent law, technical service and sales. The Department of Chemistry also offers the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

What skills does studying chemistry develop?

- collect data, perform research, examine and assess information
- generate and formulate ideas
- problem solving
- ability to calculate and utilize formulas
- collaborate with other chemists and researchers
- develop technical writing and public speaking abilities
- apply laboratory proficiency
- organization skills

Undergraduate education requirements
http://www.chem.uky.edu/undergrad/welcome.html
Graduate and doctorate education requirements
http://www.chem.uky.edu/grad/welcome.html

Career Opportunities

Chemistry provides an excellent foundation for careers in a variety of professions and occupations including employment with a government agency or department, research organization, research laboratories, manufacturers, environmental sciences, pharmaceuticals, medicine, ceramics, energy conservation organizations, oceanography, education, health, aerospace and post-graduate education. Careers include but are not limited to the following:

- chemist
- research scientist
- research chemist
- analytical chemist
- agricultural chemist
- food chemist
- technical officer
- product development chemist
- process development scientist
- quality control scientist
- patent agent
- laboratory technician
- teacher
- technical writer
- forensic technician
- pharmaceutical development
- product testing and analysis
- ethnobotany
- forensics
- quality control chemist
- chemical sales
- scientific equipment sales
- government laboratories
- private laboratories

For more information about careers, go to the following:

American Chemical Society
http://www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/acsdisplay.html?DOC=careers\index.html

Chemical and Engineering News
http://pubs.acs.org/chemjobs/

American Association for the Advancement of Science http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/

For more information about career opportunities, contact career counselor Jamie Johnson at jjjohn4@email.uky.edu or (859) 257-4023.