Chemistry majors build strong research and laboratory skills during their program. A bachelor's degree in chemistry explores chemical structures, the composition of organic compounds, and the biomedical applications of chemistry. 

Degree-seekers study materials science, organic chemistry, and chemistry education. They also gain analytical and interpersonal skills. After earning a degree in chemistry, graduates work as laboratory technicians, chemists, chemistry teachers, researchers, and scientists. 

But is a chemistry degree right for you? Our guide walks through the skills you'll gain in a chemistry program and the career paths for chemistry graduates.

What skills do chemistry programs teach students?

A chemistry degree builds strong people or "soft" skills, including interpersonal, analytical, and research abilities. 

At the undergraduate level, chemistry majors strengthen hard skills in the laboratory science field. Graduate programs build on these abilities with specific chemical and materials analysis training. 

Key hard skills with a chemistry degree:

• Chemical analysis
• Laboratory science
• Data analysis
• Materials science

Key soft skills with a chemistry degree:

• Teamwork
• Research
• Critical thinking
• Organization

These skills prepare graduates for careers in chemistry, laboratory science, medicine, and many other fields.

What kinds of chemistry degrees are there?

Colleges offer chemistry degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Each degree prepares graduates for different career paths and opportunities. 

For example, lab technician jobs generally require an associate degree, while chemists need at least a bachelor's degree. 

This section introduces the types of chemistry degrees and the career paths for each option.

Certificate program in chemistry

A certificate program introduces learners to chemistry through college-level coursework. Students may take inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and other chemistry classes. 

Certificates require less time than a degree-granting program