What Can You Do With a Chemistry Degree?

Published on: June 27, 2025

From developing new medicines to solving environmental challenges, a chemistry degree opens the door to a world of meaningful and diverse career opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, intrigued by forensic science, committed to sustainability or curious about product development, the skills you gain through a chemistry program can take you there.  

Below, we explore the range of industries and roles available to chemistry graduates — spanning pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, government and more. You’ll also learn about the foundational skills built through chemistry studies and how a chemistry program degree prepares students for real-world success through hands-on labs, faculty-mentored research and dedicated career support. 

Why Pursue a Degree in Chemistry?

A chemistry degree offers more than just knowledge of molecules and reactions — it builds a versatile foundation for understanding the world at a fundamental level. Chemistry is often called the “central science” because it bridges physics, biology, environmental science and engineering. This interdisciplinary nature makes it a powerful launching pad for a wide array of careers. 

Students who pursue chemistry develop a strong scientific mindset, gain experience with sophisticated lab equipment and learn to approach problems with precision and creativity. Whether your goals involve improving human health, advancing sustainable technologies or innovating new materials, a chemistry degree equips you with the critical thinking and technical skills needed to make an impact. Additionally, chemistry graduates are in demand across multiple high-growth industries, making it an ideal path for those seeking both intellectual challenge and career flexibility. 

Career Paths You Can Pursue With a Chemistry Degree

Chemistry graduates are well-positioned to enter a variety of industries and areas of chemistry, thanks to their strong analytical skills and scientific training. The following are some of the most common and rewarding career paths that illustrate what you can do with a chemistry degree. 

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical Chemist

Pharmaceutical chemists research and develop new medications, working closely with teams to synthesize compounds, test drug efficacy and ensure safety before products reach the market. 

Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals on the human body and the environment. They often work in pharmaceutical companies, environmental agencies or public health organizations to ensure substances are safe and used properly. 

Clinical Laboratory Technologist

These professionals analyze body fluids and tissues using advanced laboratory techniques to assist in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Their work is vital in hospitals, diagnostic labs and research centers. 

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Combining science knowledge with communication skills, these representatives educate healthcare providers about new drugs and medical products, acting as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and the medical community. 

Environmental and Energy Sectors

Environmental Chemist

Environmental chemists test air, water and soil to identify sources of pollution and help create policies or solutions that reduce environmental harm and promote sustainability. 

Energy Research Chemist

These chemists focus on developing alternative fuels, improving battery efficiency and discovering cleaner energy solutions through innovative materials and chemical processes. 

Water Quality Analyst

Water quality analysts monitor and test water systems to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations, helping protect public health and the environment. 

Forensics and Law Enforcement

Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence from crime scenes — such as substances, fibers or residues — to aid in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. 

Crime Lab Analyst

Specializing in laboratory work, crime lab analysts conduct chemical and biological tests to support law enforcement, often working with advanced instrumentation to interpret forensic evidence. 

Manufacturing and Consumer Goods 

Materials Scientist

Materials scientists explore the chemical properties and structure of different materials to develop new products and improve existing ones, from electronics to aerospace components. 

Quality Control Chemist

These professionals ensure products meet industry standards by conducting rigorous tests during production. They are essential in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and chemical manufacturing. 

Food Chemist

Food chemists study the chemical composition of foods, working to enhance flavor, nutrition, safety and shelf life. They commonly collaborate with food manufacturers and regulatory bodies. 

Cosmetic Chemist

Cosmetic chemists formulate and test skincare, haircare and beauty products. They focus on product stability, performance and safety, frequently working with both natural and synthetic ingredients. 

Education and Communication

Science Educator (High School or College)

Chemistry graduates with a passion for teaching can inspire the next generation of scientists by becoming educators at the high school or post-secondary level. 

Science Writer or Communicator

This role involves translating complex scientific ideas into clear, engaging content for the public, such as through journalism, educational publishing or content creation for science-based organizations. 

Government and Regulatory Affairs

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

These professionals ensure that products comply with regulations and standards set by agencies like the FDA or EPA. They may work in biotech, pharmaceuticals or environmental sectors. 

Patent Examiner or Intellectual Property Consultant

With their scientific expertise, chemistry graduates can assess patent applications and help companies protect their inventions and technologies in the legal and regulatory landscape. 

Public Health Analyst

Public health analysts use data and chemical knowledge to assess health risks, inform policy decisions and support community wellness initiatives, often working with government or nonprofit agencies. 

Skills You Can Gain From a Chemistry Degree

A chemistry degree doesn’t just prepare students for specific jobs; it cultivates a well-rounded skill set that is valuable across numerous professional fields. Whether you plan to enter research, industry, education or policy, the following skills will serve as essential tools throughout your career. 

• Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry Skills – Chemistry students develop hands-on experience  with laboratory equipment and techniques, from titrations to spectroscopy. Math skills are also important as they learn to analyze complex data sets, interpret experimental results and draw scientifically sound conclusions. 

• Problem-Solving Abilities – Chemistry challenges students to think critically and approach problems methodically. Be it troubleshooting a failed reaction or designing a new experiment, chemistry majors learn how to break down challenges and find innovative solutions. 

• Attention to Detail – Precision is crucial in chemical work, where small errors can lead to major consequences. Students gain a deep appreciation for accuracy and careful observation — skills that are highly valued in laboratory, regulatory and quality control roles. 

• Teamwork and Communication – Many chemistry projects are collaborative, requiring clear communication and cooperation. Students learn to work effectively in teams, document their findings clearly and present results to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. 

• Research Experience – Through laboratory courses and independent projects, chemistry students build experience in scientific research. They learn how to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, analyze results and contribute to the broader body of scientific knowledge. 

Is a Chemistry Degree Worth It?

For students seeking a dynamic career, a chemistry degree offers significant long-term value. The benefits of chemistry degrees are both practical and far-reaching, opening up opportunities across multiple industries and serving as a gateway for advanced education. 

• Strong Career Versatility – A chemistry degree prepares graduates for diverse roles in healthcare, environmental science, education, manufacturing and beyond. The vast applicability of chemical knowledge means you can tailor your career to match your interests. 

• Above-Average Earning Potential – Many chemistry-related careers offer competitive salaries, particularly in pharmaceuticals, research and industrial chemistry. With experience or advanced education, professionals can see even greater earning potential. 

• High Demand Across Sectors – Skilled chemists are needed in both public and private sectors. As industries increasingly rely on scientific innovation — especially in areas like clean energy, biotechnology and public health — chemistry graduates are in steady demand (more on this below). 

• Transferable Skills – The analytical thinking, lab experience and problem-solving abilities developed in a chemistry program are highly valued in a broad range of roles, even outside of traditional science careers. 

• Pathway to Graduate or Professional School – A chemistry degree also serves as a strong foundation for advanced study, including graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry or materials science as well as professional schools in medicine, pharmacy or law. 

Educational Foundation at Park University

At Park University, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry is designed to provide students with a strong scientific foundation, hands-on experience and the skills needed to excel in today’s chemistry-related careers. With small class sizes and supportive faculty mentorship, we work to foster both academic and professional growth, preparing graduates to enter the workforce with confidence or pursue advanced study. Not to mention, our student chapter of the American Chemical Society has been nationally recognized multiple years in a row. 

The program emphasizes experiential learning through laboratory coursework, faculty-mentored research projects and internship opportunities that connect students with real-world applications of chemical science and help them explore the many directions their degree can take them. In addition to core chemistry classes,  students gain exposure to interdisciplinary topics like:  

• Biochemistry 

• Medical science 

• Environmental science 

• Materials chemistry 

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The job market for chemistry graduates remains strong, with steady demand across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science and manufacturing. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, particularly in areas of chemistry like biotechnology, clean energy and public health. Graduates of Park’s chemistry program are well-equipped to take advantage of this growing demand. 

Salaries vary by role, industry and experience level, but many chemistry-related careers offer competitive compensation. For example, the median annual wage for chemists is $86,620 as of 2024, while pharmaceutical scientists, forensic analysts and those in government roles can earn even higher depending on experience and education level. With additional training or graduate education, chemistry professionals can see substantial salary growth over time. 

A Degree as the Foundation for a Successful Career in Chemistry

So, what can you do with a chemistry degree? At Park University, our Chemistry Bachelor’s degree program equips you with a versatile combination of scientific expertise, practical experience and professional support to turn your passion into a meaningful career. Request more information to get started today.