Chemistry: Career Guide to JMU Majors

Overview
The
Concentrations
American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum
Chemistry/Business
General
Admission and Progression Standards
Visit the Major Snapshots site to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major.
Description of Major
Chemistry is offered as a major and minor at JMU. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers programs designed to provide the student with theoretical and practical instruction in Chemistry and related areas leading to careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, paramedical areas, forensic sciences, chemical engineering
More About the Field
Chemistry is the science that describes matter, its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes matter undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany these processes. Chemistry is concerned with studying the composition and structure of matter as well as how composition and structure determine the physical, chemical, and physiological properties of matter. Chemistry is central among the sciences and thus offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary interaction with the other sciences.
Chemists rely heavily on advanced instrumental techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Specialization
Specialization in Chemistry normally does not occur at the undergraduate major
Traditionally there are five
There are a variety of other specializations within, among, and outside of the traditional five areas such
Complementary Majors and Minors
The most common is perhaps a minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Other combinations could include: Anthropology, Biology, Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Studies, Geographic Science, Geology, Integrated Science and Technology, Materials Science, Mathematics, Physics, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Veterinary, Psychology or Writing, Rhetoric
Characteristics of Successful Students
In general, the successful Chemistry major must be curious, have good mathematical abilities, and genuinely enjoy science. Often organizational skills, perseverance, judgment, and attitude are as important as intelligence. The amount of time spent with
Careers
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose nontraditional career fields that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.
- Attorney
- Biochemist
- Biotechnologist
- Cancer Researcher
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Laboratory Chief
- Chemist
- Chemistry / Science Educator
- Computer Analyst
- Consumer Protection Specialist
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Criminologist
- Environmental Chemist
- Environmental Compliance Consultant
- Environmental Health Specialist
- FDA Inspector
- Food Scientist / Technologist
- Forensic Scientist
- Geneticist
- Geologist
- Immunologist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Lobbyist
- Medical Technologist
- Metallurgist
- Occupational Safety Specialist
- Optometrist
- Patent Examiner
- Perfumer
- Pharmaceutical Chemist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Agent
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physician
- Product Tester
- Production Chemist
- Public Health Educator
- Sales Account Executive
- Science Lab Technician
- Soil Scientist
- Systems Analyst
- Technical Writer
- Technology Consultant
- Toxicologist
- Water Purification Chemist
Who Employs Graduates?
Biotechnology Firms, Colleges and Universities, Environmental Protection Agencies, Federal, State and Local Governments, such as Centers for Disease Control, FBI, or NASA, Industrial Production and Inspection Agencies, Manufacturing Firms such as, Cosmetics, Textiles, Paint or Food Processors, Pharmaceutical and Medical Research Companies, Research Laboratories and Waste Management Firms.
Internships and Experiential Opportunities
There is no formal practicum or internship program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, however; our students have completed summer internships at Merck, Kodak, USGS, IBM, Fleet, NRL, NIST, Oak Ridge, and Brookhaven. Undergraduate research is also strongly recommended. This is one on one
View our list
Career Profiles
Chemists and Material Scientists
Agricultural and Food Scientists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Additional Resources to Research Careers
- Handshake: view new internships and jobs that employers are looking to hire JMU students from your major
- Career Outcomes: see where alumni worked or studied right after graduating.
- GoinGlobal: learn more about employment opportunities overseas as well as H1B visa information for international Dukes pursuing jobs in the U.S.
Copyright
© University Career Center, James Madison University
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the JMU University Career Center. Content for each major has been written/reviewed by faculty in the respective department and is revised each year. Requests to update content can be submitted to career@jmu.edu.