| Frequently
Asked Questions about Chemistry as a field of study.
What does the study of chemistry involve?
Why is chemistry an important field of study?
What could I do with a chemistry major?
What are typical salaries of chemists?
Will I need an advanced degree?
Are there other things that I could do to be better
prepared?
What does the study of chemistry involve?
Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. The scale
and level of complexity of chemistry places it between the world of subatomic
physics and the world of biology. As a chemist, one starts by noticing
that there are many different material substances in the everyday world
and one ends by creating an imaginary world of atoms and molecules whose
natures and actions account for the properties of these substances. Chemistry
therefore requires a thoughtfulness that can find uniformity in diversity
and an imagination that can create a view of an unseen microscopic world.
Chemistry is also very exacting of its practitioners since predictions
based on one's views of the atomic-molecular world are easily tested and
mistaken ideas are quickly identified. Thus, chemistry emphasizes both
analysis and imagination.
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Why is chemistry an important field of study?
Think about how our world has changed in the last century. In just 100
years, the life expectancy of humans has increased by over a quarter of
a century largely because of improvements in the quality of drinking water,
the increase in the amount and nutritional quality of food produced, and
the development of antibiotics and other drugs. These improvements have
one thing in common; they are all chemical in nature. Look around you.
How many of the modern conveniences in your life are possible without
chemistry? The fuel to run our cars, the materials which make them more
efficient, the fibers to clothe us, the specialized materials to produce
computers and lifesaving medical devices all require chemistry. Imagine
our lives without paint for our homes or dyes for printing. Without chemistry
there would be no anesthesia or disinfectants for surgery. Imagine life
without the packaging to keep our food fresh or without the materials
that make refrigeration possible. Our modern life would be impossible
without the contributions of chemistry. As you can see, chemistry is a
very practical field and chemists find a wide variety of employment opportunities.
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What could I do with a chemistry major?
Our chemistry majors go on to do a variety of things. A good number go
into the health professions. Many go into the chemical industry and work
in manufacturing, product development, quality control, or testing. Some
remain as "bench" chemists while others opt for management positions.
A fair number go into teaching at the high school or college level. Others
may go into government positions or choose a career in law or public policy.
Cornell graduates go on to many different careers.
For more information on career options for chemists see the American Chemical
Society site on career
opportunities or the government handbook on career
outlooks. For specific job openings see the ACS
recruitment site.
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What are typical salaries of chemists?
The salaries of chemists are quite variable depending on their education,
number of years experience, employer, and even the area of the country
in which they work. Median salaries from the ACS 2001 salary survey are
summarized below. Unemployment in the chemistry field remains lower than
the national average. Over the last ten years, at any given time about
2% of chemists were unemployed while the figures for non-chemists ranged
from 4-8 %.
2001 Median Salaries* of Chemists (in Dollars)
| Highest Degree |
Academic |
Government |
Industry |
| B.S. or B.A. |
39,000 |
53,800 |
56,100 |
| M.S. |
50,000 |
65,000 |
68,000 |
| Ph.D. |
63,000 |
84,800 |
90,200 |
* Data from the American Chemical Society annual
salary survey.
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Will I need an advanced degree?
That depends on what you want to do. Obviously, to become a physician
requires a medical degree, to become a layer requires a law degree, and
to teach at the college level requires a Ph.D. There are also many job
opportunities for those without advanced degrees. The majority of the
jobs are in industry where many of the routine chemical procedures are
performed by bachelor level chemists. People in related fields such as
sales reps, writers, or advertisers often have a bachelor's degree. Ph.D.
level chemists often direct the research that bachelor level chemists
perform. Postdoctoral research experience is usually helpful in preparing
for a position involving research in industry or academia. From the salary
data, above, you can see that the level of education has a large influence
on earning potential.
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Are there other things that I could do to be
better prepared?
Certainly. Along with having strong performances in required courses,
it is beneficial to keep active in the department by attending seminars
and guest lectures, or possibly doing work-study with the department or
serving on hiring committees. It is also helpful to get some practical
experience through chemistry related summer employment or internships.
Students may wish to become affiliated
with the American Chemical Society. Students should also begin their
professional development by reading related professional magazines and
journals.
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