How a Chemistry Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Chemistry is the physical science associated with atoms, molecules, elements and all properties of matter. Since all things contain chemicals, it is important to know the compounds and behaviors of different chemicals in various fields and occupations. Chemistry students learn about the complex structures, compositions and properties of chemicals, and see how they interact when mixed. While there are many specialized disciplines within chemistry, general chemistry majors will have the basic knowledge and understanding of chemistry to work in various science fields.

Best Career Paths for Chemistry Majors
With the evolution of chemical research and discoveries, many new products, drugs and materials have been produced to aid in the advancement of medicine, agriculture and food processing. Chemistry majors can offer their knowledge and skills in various fields, including these top career paths:

• Chemist. Chemists are scientists that work in chemical research. They are concerned with the interaction of chemicals and the properties of matter. Chemists strive to understand chemicals through research and development, with the hopes of discovering new materials or compounds that can be used to improve life and medicine. They also devote much of their time to developing processes that are safer to the environment and humans, reduce waste and pollution and save energy. Most chemists will specialize in one or more disciplines, such as organic chemistry, biochemistry or analytical chemistry. Chemists also work in production and quality control occupations in chemical manufacturing plants, to oversee the ingredients, mixing and handling of chemicals. They may also test materials and products for industry safety purposes and government standards. Chemists made an average salary of $66,230 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Forensic Scientist. Forensic scientists specialize in studying the evidence of a crime scene to help identify a criminal and give justice to the victim. They can be generalists or specialize in a particular area of analyses, such as toxicology and controlled substances, DNA analysis or document examination. All of these forensic specialties bring scientists closer to understanding the events of the crime and finding the criminal. They use chemistry and other sciences to detect and examine physical evidence, including blood spatters, hair and bodily fluids. Forensic scientists reconstruct a crime scene by using physical evidence to examine the cause for death, injury or accident. They also do laboratory testing for DNA, in hopes of identifying a criminal. Once DNA results have been determined and there is evidentiary support, forensic scientists will provide the courts with results and expert analyses of evidence. To support these findings, forensic scientists will prepare reports that back-up their analyses and fully explain their methodology of testing. They may also be asked to testify in court as witness experts regarding the evidence and DNA testing. Forensic scientists' salaries depend on their employer and experience, but typical starting salaries can be anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your Chemistry Degree
A chemistry degree is marketable in many career fields. Your in-depth knowledge of science and familiarity with experiments and research, give you the authority to enter most scientist positions. When marketing your degree and credentials, be sure to promote your ability to analyze chemical compounds, identify different elements and compute conversions and other mathematical problems. On a larger scale, you understand how things happen in the natural and man-made world. Your vast knowledge of chemicals and how they work, is useful in researching and developing new products, materials, drugs and processes to help medicate the ill, make businesses more efficient and protect the environment.