Career Pathways

What skills will I obtain with a chemistry degree?

• As an undergraduate chemistry major at Stan State, you will develop strong laboratory, computer, mathematics, and science skills and knowledge.

• You will have the opportunity to apply for part-time, volunteer, internship and research opportunities with professors to gain relevant experience.

• You will be able to develop contacts at government laboratories, research organizations/universities or in industry, and to learn about specific career paths.

• You will learn how to search scientific journals to stay current on relevant issues in the field,

• You will be able to join related student and professional organizations, and to attend scientific conferences and meetings.

What can I do with a chemistry degree?

• Obtain employment in a wide variety of fields, such as...

  • Government Labs (Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Sandia National Lab, Drug Enforcement Agency Lab etc.)

  • Commercial labs (Certified Labs, etc.)

  • Pharmaceutical industry (Pfizer, Genentech, etc.)

  • Agricultural industry (Gallo, Delicato, Bronco wineries, Dustbowl Brewing Co., Hilmar Cheese, etc.)

  • Scientific Instrumentation industry (Agilent, Bruker, Fisher Scientific, etc.), or educational arenas.

• Work in the healthcare industry by attending medical school or other related programs

  • Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, etc.

• Obtain a graduate degree (Master's and/or PhD) in a specific subfield of chemistry.

Other professional opportunities with your chemistry degree include:

• Sales, Marketing, Technical Writing, Scientific Journalism, Scientific Illustration,
• Intellectual Property/patent Law, And Informational Specialist: work for medical/pharmaceutical companies, publishing firms, software firms, obtain an MBA or pursue a J.D., etc.