Are you considering becoming a chemist? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most chemists earned between $$44,780 and $82,610 a year in 2006.http://www.bls.gov/K12/science01.htm Read on to learn how to become a chemist.
How to Become a Chemist
This video emphasizes the need to obtain a master's or doctoral degree in chemistry to get most jobs in the field. When you do graduate work, you'll generally specialize in a field such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry, or biochemistry. The master's degree in chemistry generally requires 2 years of study after you obtain your undergraduate degree.
Introduction
In order to become a chemist, you'll need to select a field of chemistry that interests you. You'll also need to obtain an undergraduate degree in chemistry or a related field. For many jobs as a chemist, you'll also need to obtain a graduate degree.
Step 1: What Do Chemists Do?
Chemists work with both practical and research applications with chemicals. They may work for companies that formulate paints, plastics, medicines, or cosmetics doing product development or providing support on the manufacturing floor. Some chemists also do pure research looking for new information and uses for existing chemicals, and developing new ones.
Step 2: Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
Most chemists obtain an undergraduate degree in chemistry. Others study a related field, such as physics, biology, or mathematics as an undergraduate, and then go on to study chemistry in graduate school. Undergraduate chemists study basic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, as well as other subjects.
Step 3: Obtain a Graduate Degree
Although you may be able to obtain a job assisting in a lab with an undergraduate degree, most chemists go on to obtain a master's degree in chemistry. If you are interested n research or teaching, you'll probably need to go on to obtain a doctoral degree. Graduate work in chemistry usually has a large research component in a area of specialized interest.
