Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 12 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Chemistry, General
- Focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
- Analytical Chemistry
- Focuses on the scientific study of techniques for analyzing and describing matter, including its precise composition and the interrelationships of constituent elements and compounds. Covers spectroscopy, chromatography, atomic absorption, photometry, chemical modeling, mathematical analysis, laboratory analysis procedures and equipment maintenance, and applications to specific research, industrial and health problems.
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Focuses on the scientific study of the elements and their compounds, other than the hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Covers the characterization and synthesis of non-carbon molecules, including their structure and their bonding, conductivity, and reactive properties; research techniques such as spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoelectron analysis; and the study of specific compounds, such as transition metals, and compounds composed of inorganic and organic molecules.
- Organic Chemistry
- Focuses on the scientific study of the properties and behavior of hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives. Covers molecular conversion and synthesis, molecular synthesis and design, the molecular structure of living cells and systems, the mutual reactivity of organic and inorganic compounds in combination, the spectroscopic analysis of hydrocarbon compounds, and applications to specific problems in research, industry, and health.
- Physical Chemistry
- Focuses on the scientific study of understanding and predicting the behavior of chemical systems ranging from nuclear particles to atoms, molecules, clusters, biological materials and macroscopic assemblies. Covers quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, reaction dynamics, group theory, collision theory, and polymer science.
- Polymer Chemistry
- Focuses on the scientific study of synthesized macromolecules and their interactions with other substances. Covers molecular bonding theory, polymerization, properties and behavior of unstable compounds, the development of tailored polymers, transition phenomena, and applications to specific industrial problems and technologies.
- Chemical Physics
- Focuses on the scientific study of structural phenomena combining the disciplines of physical chemistry and atomic/molecular physics. Covers heterogeneous structures, alignment and surface phenomena, quantum theory, mathematical physics, statistical and classical mechanics, chemical kinetics, and laser physics.
- Environmental Chemistry
- Focuses on the scientific study of natural systems (air, water, and soil) through the use of chemical techniques and instrumentation, with an emphasis on the movement and fate of pollutants and chemical aspects of contaminant remediation. Covers analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; aquatic, soil, and atmospheric chemistry; environmental engineering; environmental toxicology; and analytical methods.
- Forensic Chemistry
- Focuses on the application of chemical techniques and instrumentation to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence to aid in criminal investigations. Covers analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; biochemistry; forensic toxicology; instrumental analysis; crime scene processing; criminal investigation; forensic laboratory technology; and applicable law.
- Theoretical Chemistry
- Focuses on the study of mathematical and computational methods and fundamental laws of physics to describe chemical phenomena and to develop empirical models of molecules and their interactions. Covers properties of small, isolated molecules; dynamics of elementary chemical processes; reaction pathways of organic molecules; hydrogen bonding patterns in liquids; reaction rates of biological pathways; and advanced computational techniques.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Natural Sciences Managers
- Median pay
- $167,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 8.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,200
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingChemists
- Median pay
- $91,240
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.4%
- Job openings a year
- 5,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingSecondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Median pay
- $72,040
- Hiring change through 2035
- −0.2%
- Job openings a year
- 63,500
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyChemical Technicians
- Median pay
- $60,390
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 7,600
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyChemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $93,250
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.3%
- Job openings a year
- 1,700
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingComputer Occupations, All Other
- Median pay
- $116,580
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.1%
- Job openings a year
- 27,000
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing fastData Scientists
- Median pay
- $120,230
- Hiring change through 2035
- 34.6%
- Job openings a year
- 24,800
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingEnvironmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Median pay
- $82,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.1%
- Job openings a year
- 7,300
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing fastForensic Science Technicians
- Median pay
- $72,060
- Hiring change through 2035
- 13.3%
- Job openings a year
- 2,800
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingEnvironmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Median pay
- $55,090
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.9%
- Job openings a year
- 5,300
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyFood Science Technicians
- Median pay
- $52,130
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.8%
- Job openings a year
- 3,000
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career Growing fastComputer and Information Research Scientists
- Median pay
- $140,300
- Hiring change through 2035
- 21.8%
- Job openings a year
- 2,900
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $36,941 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
This field leads to a mix of in-person and computer-based work. About 39 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.
College options
Where to study it
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