- Recent chemistry graduates are employed at Granite State Analytical, Quest Pharmaceutical Services, University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Worthen Industries, Inc., and Environmental Standards.
- More than two-thirds of our chemistry students continue their education in graduate programs at top tier universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, University of California at Irvine, and Yale University.
- Join the student chapters of the American Chemical Society, Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Fraternity, or American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology–connect with other students and professionals in the field, attend national conferences, and access employment and career resources.
Chemistry is the science of the structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Chemists seek to understand matter at the molecular and atomic levels. Knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to an understanding of biology, biochemistry, geology and medicine, and areas of astronomy, physics, and engineering. RIT's chemistry degree prepares you for work in all areas of chemistry. You will be prepared for a wide variety of professional positions in industrial manufacturing and research, government, pharmaceuticals, and health care. You will also be ready to continue with graduate studies in chemistry or professional education in medicine or other health-related fields.
The American Chemical Society (ACS)-approved chemistry major prepares you for positions in several fields of chemistry, including professional industrial work in processing and laboratory operations, research and experimental work, supervision of technical projects, and managerial positions. A substantial number of students continue their education and earn advanced degrees in chemistry or pursue careers in pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry.
The chemistry major allows for flexibility in the type and number of chemistry and university-wide elective courses you decide to take. The major also provides you with the option of planning an elective concentration in a complementary field such as imaging science, business, graphic arts, psychology, biology, criminal justice, computer science, engineering, environmental science, forensics, mathematics, packaging science, or physics.
Plan of Study
Through courses in general, analytical, physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, you'll develop a thorough understanding of substances and their chemical properties, how they can be manipulated, and how they can be transformed into new materials. The major offers the chance to choose a concentration or minor in complementary fields such as imaging science, business, technical communication, biology, criminal justice, engineering, environmental science, physics, or mathematics.
Real World Experiences
RIT has a rich history of helping students to gain real-world experience throughout their education. Undergraduate research experiences are available with professors throughout the School of Chemistry and Material Sciences and are highly encouraged. These opportunities enable students to practice real-world lab applications of the information they are currently studying.
Cooperative education is also highly recommended to gain experiences outside of RIT, though not required for graduation. Advisors and the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education are available to assist in helping you identify and apply to co-op positions.
Nature of Work
Everything in our environment, whether naturally occurring or of human design, is composed of chemicals. Chemists search for and use new knowledge about chemicals. Chemical research has led to the discovery and development of new and improved synthetic fibers, paints, adhesives, drugs, cosmetics, electronic components, lubricants, and thousands of other products. Chemists also develop processes that save energy and reduce pollution, such as improved oil refining and petrochemical processing methods. Research on the chemistry of living things spurs advances in medicine, agriculture, food processing, and other fields. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook)
Training Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related discipline usually is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level chemist jobs. However, many research jobs require a master's degree. Students planning careers as chemists and materials scientists should take courses in science and mathematics should like working with their hands building scientific apparatus and performing laboratory experiments and should like computer modeling. Perseverance, curiosity, and the ability to concentrate on detail and to work independently are essential. Because research and development (R&D) chemists are increasingly expected to work on interdisciplinary teams, some understanding of other disciplines, including business and marketing or economics, is desirable, along with leadership ability and good oral and written communication skills. Graduate students typically specialize in a subfield of chemistry, such as analytical chemistry or polymer chemistry, depending on their interests and the kind of work they wish to do.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.