Careers

Chemistry is a fundamental science that has a wide application in all of the physical sciences, the biological sciences, and the social sciences. Chemistry and its applications are found in all aspects of our environment and society. The solutions to many of our current problems will be found using chemistry.

Today, the employment outlook for chemists is excellent and projections indicate it will be even better in the near future. Careers in government or private industry include:

• New Materials - chemists have played an historic role in the development of polymers and today are finding new polymers, new ceramics, superconductors and new combinations of materials for applications in aerospace, electronics, medicine, building, and transportation industries.
• Energy - chemists are playing an important role in the development of materials for solar energy cells, new lasers, nuclear fusion research and in batteries and fuel cells for energy storage.
• Health - the development of chemotherapy reagents, pharmaceuticals, and time release drugs are areas for chemists. Chemists also play an important role in recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.
• Forensics - a chemistry degree provides an excellent background for the wide variety of chemical analyses used in forensics.
• Environment - monitoring the environment and the development of recycling processes for waste and reusable resources are chemical problems.
• Education - our nation is confronted with an urgent need for improving science education at the pre-college level. The challenge is great and the rewards for good teachers at the high school level are personally satisfying.

Many other opportunities exist for chemists in agriculture, business, law, and in forensic laboratories. Graduate education in chemistry, chemical engineering, molecular or cell biology, environmental sciences, life sciences, and oceanography are some of the many opportunities open to chemistry graduates. Many chemistry graduates at UWRF go on directly to graduate school to earn advanced degrees; others enter employment in government or industry; many are admitted to medical, veterinary, or pharmacy study; and some choose to enter the teaching field.