Chemistry examines the composition, structure, properties, and changes to stuff at the nanometer scale; this is the molecular and atomic scale. Chemists understand the world in terms of how these molecular and atomic units interact: Are the molecules bound to one another? Does one molecule effect how fast a chemical reaction happens? How does molecular component X interact with light in the fingernail polish formulation Y-126 after the brushed film dries on the cuticle? And a zillion other questions around which we can modify outcomes by modifying molecules. Often working to answer these questions can be very lucrative. Chemists have advanced understanding in everything from life to matter in outer space to probable extraterrestrial life in terms of atomic and molecular components. In very basic terms chemistry is the central argument in many other sciences and professions; an education in Chemistry opens many doors.
Chemistry degrees lead one to (1) Professional Schools: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy (2) Many careers in research, product development and quality control, the career list. (3) Graduate School.
Career opportunities in Chemistry
Chemistry majors pursuing the B.A. receive a basic education in chemistry supplemented with a selection of courses in other science fields. This program prepares graduates to enter the professional health fields, teach in secondary schools, or work in such areas as technical service, patent law, or ecology. The B.S. major in chemistry is designed for students who intend to become professional chemists or intend to continue their education, either in graduate school or professional school. Students select either a traditional track that focuses on all the major areas of chemistry, a track that focuses on biochemistry, or a track that focuses on materials chemistry. The traditional and biochemistry tracks are certified by the American Chemical Society.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Total Hours - 18
Core Requirements
Other Course Work Required for the Major
Course Work from the Mathematics Department
Course Work from the Physics Department
Total Hours - 58
Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$87,180
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
95,000
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
5,800
new jobs (average)
Chemists and materials scientists work in laboratories, offices, and manufacturing facilities. Most work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
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