Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the nature and characteristics of substances and the changes they undergo. Chemistry is fundamental to most scientific disciplines and technology. Chemistry is concerned with the building blocks of all materials-atoms and molecules.

Chemists are employed in manufacturing firms in research and development, testing, regulatory, and quality assurance. They work in many industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food. Chemists also work for state and local governments and for federal agencies.

Courses include:

General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Systematic Inorganic Chemistry

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Chemistry courses, and the degree audit shows the curricula requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Analysis and Interpretation of Scientific Data
• Writing
• Problem Solving

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Though course credit is not available for this experience through the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, you may or may not expect compensation from the employer.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Chemical Mixer	Research Laboratory
Pharmaceutical Sales Rep.	Pharmaceutical Industry
Quality Control Manager	Manufacturing Industry
Environmental Health Spec.	Government
Soil Chemist	Environmental Protection Organizations
Food Scientist	Food Product Company

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Analytical, Organic, or Physical Chemist
• Lead Researcher
• University Professor and Researcher

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 37,090
From NACE 2010: http://www.naceweb.org/research/salary_survey/

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

American Chemical Society
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Phil Brown, 513.2584, phil_brown@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• The American Chemical Society
• American Association for the Advancement of Science

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Chemistry
• College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences
• Cooperative Education Program
  
• CORNERSTONE CAREER PROFILES provides some "insight into the activities, educational preparation & daily challenges of individuals working in the field of chemistry".

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

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Last updated: 20th of September, 2010 at 1:08:03 PM

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