Choosing a career path is not something that you should take lightly. You must consider your interests, skills, job market, and salary potential. Like most students, you may find yourself drawn to chemistry because of its wide range of applications in almost every field imaginable.
You’ll cover everything from medicine and dentistry to environmental science and forensics in Chemistry. And now, with online schools, there’s never been a better time for chemistry majors with an eye toward careers in medicine or dentistry to pursue their degrees online.
Here are a few online degree courses you can pursue as a major chemistry student:
1. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, With a Concentration in Pre-Dentistry
As a chemistry major, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in pre-dentistry. This program is ideal for students who want to become dentists and requires the completion of 120 credit hours, which is equal to about seven semesters of full-time study. Many online colleges offer this degree.
Many traditional universities also offer similar programs designed specifically for students who want to become dentists. In addition, several universities have excellent programs that enable the nation’s best and brightest chemists to access high-quality education at an affordable price.
2. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, With a Concentration in Pre-Medical
If you’re looking for a top general chemistry course, then a specialization in pre-medical can be an excellent option. Numerous universities in the US offer a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in Pre-Medical. This degree will give you the tools you need to succeed in your future career as a doctor or scientist.
Students who want to go into medicine will be prepared for the rigorous training that follows. It is a four-year bachelor’s degree program with a pre-medical concentration requiring a minimum of 120 credits. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, and chemistry courses.
Students learn how the body functions at the cellular level and how disorders can affect various organ systems. In addition, students get an overview of medical terminology, history, ethics, and public health issues related to health care delivery.
Students then take upper-level classes in microbiology, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, pathology, pharmacology, and psychology or behavioral science.
The curriculum also includes electives such as advanced research methods in biochemistry or neuroscience. In addition, it allows students to gain hands-on experience working with lab equipment, such as centrifuges or microscopes, while conducting experiments under the supervision of a faculty member.
3. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, With a Concentration in Pre-Pharmacy
If you’re looking for an online degree program that ensures you’ll be prepared to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), look no further than the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a concentration in Pre-Pharmacy.
This program is designed for students who want to become pharmacists and has a good reputation within the industry. According to the US News, it has one of the highest-paid jobs among all online pharmacy programs, with a median salary of $128,710 in 2020.
It is a very competitive program that requires students to have a strong background in chemistry and biology. It also requires you to take the PCAT, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, if you’re interested in this degree, it’s best to start early on your pre-requisite courses so that you’re ready.
4. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, With a Concentration in Environmental Chemistry
Environmental chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that studies the interactions between chemicals and the natural world. As a student of this program, you will learn everything from chemical reactions to water quality. Environmental chemists work in various industries, including government agencies like the EPA and NASA and non-profit organizations.
Additionally, this field has been growing rapidly over recent years because of its importance in global issues such as climate change, water pollution, air quality, waste management practices, etc.
If you are interested in studying environmental chemistry, there are many ways to get involved. You can take classes at your local community college or high school. Many universities also offer online courses on the subject matter.
As an environmental chemist, you can also find volunteer opportunities with related organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, you can expect around 8,200 job openings for environmental chemists annually in different organizations.
5. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, With a Concentration in Forensic Sciences
Forensic science is the application of chemistry and other sciences to legal problems. For example, forensic scientists typically work in crime laboratories, assisting investigators with analyzing evidence collected at crime scenes. In addition, forensic science is often concerned with identifying trace chemical residues left on objects or in the environment for a period after an event has occurred.
The number of bachelor’s degree holders in forensic sciences is expected to grow by 11% in the coming years, as per the Bureau of Labor and Statistics of the US.
For example, imagine seeing someone drop a baggie filled with white powder as they walk down the street. You pick up the baggie and put it in your pocket before calling 911 to report what happened. Later on at home, you discover that there are traces of cocaine still left inside the baggie. It was no accident. It looks like someone was selling drugs right out on public streets.
6. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, With a Concentration in Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. It’s a broad field, and people with biochemistry degrees might work in various areas. For example, they could be employed at pharmaceutical companies or as research scientists. The online degree program will teach you about the chemistry of biological molecules and also how these molecules are used to form cells and tissues.
You’ll learn how to measure them using spectroscopy techniques, which can be applied to organic compounds, like proteins, and inorganic ions, like calcium. In 2020, around 10,071 biochemistry degrees were awarded in the US, as per Data USA. Thus, if you’ve always wanted to know more about your body’s functions on a chemical level, this is a great program for you.
Online Programs Offer a Good Opportunity to Get a Degree
Online programs offer a good opportunity to get a degree. These programs can be completed in one to two years and are available at schools. You can work at your own pace, save money on tuition, and get the flexibility you need to balance school with other responsibilities.
If you don’t live near a university that offers the chemistry degree program of your choice, online programs can help you complete your education without worrying about these barriers.
