Chemists

High School

If you are interested in a chemistry career, begin preparing yourself in high school by taking advanced-level courses in the physical sciences, mathematics, and English. A year each of physics, chemistry, and biology is essential, as are the abilities to read graphs and charts, perform difficult mathematical calculations, and write scientific reports. Computer science courses are also important to take, since much of your documentation, data analysis, and other work will involve using computers.

Postsecondary Training

The minimum educational requirement for a chemist is a bachelor's degree in science. However, in the upper levels of basic and applied research, and especially in a university setting, most positions are filled by people with doctoral degrees.

Approximately 703 bachelor's degree programs are approved by the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training. A list of approved programs is available at https://webapplications.acs.org/Applications/CPTASL/app_list_search.cfm. Many colleges and universities also offer advanced degree programs in chemistry. Upon entering college, students majoring in chemistry should expect to take classes in several branches of the field, such as organic, inorganic, analytical, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Some colleges and universities may also offer degree programs in green chemistry or forensic chemistry. Chemistry majors must develop their knowledge and skills in mathematics, physics, biology, data analysis, and technical writing, and be proficient with computers.

Certification

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine offers certificate programs in laboratory management, testing, and technology. Each program consists of four to eight courses. Contact the association for more information.

Other Education or Training

Many associations at the national and state levels provide continuing education (CE) opportunities to chemists. For example, the American Chemical Society offers CE courses on topics such as computers, special topics in chemistry, and technical writing. It also offers leadership development courses and career-oriented webinars such as "Alternative Careers: From the Lab Bench to the Kitchen Bench," "Off-The-Bench Career Options for Chemists: It’s Possible!," and "Secrets from the Other Side: What Recruiters Know that You Don’t." The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, and the Society of Cosmetic Chemists also provide CE courses and webinars that will be of interest to chemists. Contact these organizations for more information.