What Is a Chemistry Degree?

Accreditation for Chemistry Programs

When looking for a chemistry degree, students should first consider the accreditation status of potential institutions and programs. For chemistry, colleges and universities need to hold regional accreditation to ensure they meed educational standards for the field.

Chemistry schools or programs within institutions may also have programmatic accreditation through the American Chemical Society. Chemistry programs accredited by ACS demonstrate adherence to and support of the group's academic standards for chemistry education. ACS accreditation promotes effective training, innovation, and diversity in chemistry education to enhance the profession as a whole.

What Kinds of Chemistry Degrees Are There?

Associate Degree in Chemistry

An associate degree in chemistry typically lasts two years. The curriculum includes coursework in the fundamentals of biology, physics, and chemistry. Additional classes in mathematics accompany general education courses in English, social science, and the humanities.

Associate degrees in chemistry are a starting point for students who intend to transfer to a bachelor's degree in the discipline. Associate degree graduates can also enter the workforce as research associates, agricultural laboratory assistants, and conservation technicians.

An associate degree in chemistry can also supplement a degree in education or business, preparing individuals to pursue roles in specialized businesses.

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degrees in chemistry include introductory and advanced coursework in natural science and mathematics. Through four years of laboratory and lecture courses, students explore basics of the five subsets of the field: organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry.

For example, chemistry classes in environmental science and ecology emphasize substances and processes related to water, air, and land, while coursework in biochemistry focuses on the chemical basis of biological systems.

A bachelor's degree in chemistry can lead to careers like laboratory specialist, researcher, or science teacher. With a bachelor's degree in chemistry, students can also continue on to a graduate program.

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What Is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry?

Many colleges and universities offer both a BA and a BS degree in chemistry. Each typically includes four years of coursework.

A BA in chemistry integrates basic coursework in chemistry, biology, and physics with foundational mathematics. The curriculum is often more flexible than comparable BS degrees — ideal for students who do not intend to pursue graduate study, medical school, or work in a laboratory.

A BS in chemistry has a stronger emphasis on mathematics and research skills, often meaning more rigorous science coursework. Students planning to attend medical school often earn a BS in chemistry. With a BS in chemistry, graduates can work as chemists in industrial settings, as environmental scientists, and as employees in pharmaceutical or manufacturing laboratories.

Master's Degree in Chemistry

Master's degrees in chemistry vary by institution and specialization. A general chemistry master's degree includes roughly two years of coursework. Most programs offer concentrations, such as environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, or material science.

A master's degree in chemistry builds advanced research skills and laboratory competencies. Students gain advanced knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, often applying what they learn to a thesis or final project. A master's degree in chemistry can lead to positions like head researcher, senior production chemist, or instructor at a community college.

Doctoral Degree in Chemistry

Earning a doctorate in chemistry can take 3-10 years. Doctoral programs in chemistry build on existing knowledge and skills, and students typically focus on a niche research area. Potential areas of study include atmospheric chemistry, educational chemistry, or inorganic chemistry.

During the first part of a chemistry doctoral program, students complete lecture, seminar, and laboratory coursework to prepare for a comprehensive examination. After successful demonstration of expertise in the discipline, learners complete an in-depth research project and produce a dissertation or thesis.

Graduates with a doctorate in chemistry can become postsecondary chemistry instructors, materials scientists, laboratory managers, and environmental scientists and specialists.

What Can You Do With a College Degree in Chemistry?

A college degree in chemistry opens up numerous career paths in business, industry, and education. Most roles for chemistry graduates are found in the medical science, food science, and chemical engineering industries, but there are also positions in education, manufacturing, and information technology.

An associate degree in chemistry prepares students for roles as research technicians and laboratory assistants, while a bachelor's degree leads to more advanced roles such as chemist, engineer, and chief technician. Graduate degrees in chemistry lead to roles like consultant or college or university instructor.

Medical Science

Chemists often have lucrative careers in medical science. These include clinical scientists, biochemists, and research chemists, who can all work at at pharmaceutical companies, healthcare facilities, or government agencies.

A bachelor's degree in chemistry prepares students for entry-level roles in these fields, although a master's degree builds advanced research and laboratory competencies for higher-level chemistry professions. Associate degree holders can become laboratory technicians, clinical research assistants, and pharmacy assistants.

Food Science

Chemistry graduates can pursue food science jobs in agriculture, soil science, or manufacturing. A food scientist with a degree in chemistry may also work in a laboratory at a food or beverage manufacturing company.

Bachelor's degrees in chemistry can also lead to food science jobs like food safety analyst, food technologist, or research and development scientist. Master's degrees in chemistry lead to senior positions in these settings, with additional opportunities to work in food policy, quality assurance, and product development.

Chemical Engineering

Careers in chemical engineering include process engineer, chemical engineer, and biomedical engineer. While a chemical engineering degree is the best choice for students pursuing these careers, a general chemistry degree can also lead to these roles.

With a degree in chemistry, individuals learn how to assess chemical substances and their interactions, then apply that information to designs for equipment and machines — which is the fundamental skill needed in chemical engineering roles. Chemical engineering jobs can also include food and drug manufacturing, fuel production, and materials science.