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What education does a chemist need to have?

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Raashid’s Answer

A chemist job requires at least a four-year college degree, although there are benefits to pursuing higher levels of education. College degree: If you want to be a chemist, you will need to earn at least, a bachelor's degree in chemistry. However, most research jobs require a master's degree or, more likely, a Ph.
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Paul’s Answer

Hello Phat:

The minimum required in order to become a chemist is at least a bachelor’s degree, but in order to gain more opportunities or become a higher-level chemist or researcher, you would need to attain a Ph.D.

Most chemists major in either chemistry or a field related to the occupation, like chemical engineering or a major in the life or physical sciences. You will not only be taking courses in chemistry (both organic and inorganic), but also a variety of other STEM classes in biology, physics, math and computer science.

There are going to be a large number of specialties to choose from, which will include environmental studies, or engineering, or even a career in the health sciences or medicine.

If you should attain a masters or Ph.D, you can potentially get positions in research labs or in medical or health science clinics. There could also be opportunities for you to perform fieldwork and collect soil or chemical samples from specific sites or regions.

To answer your question, the level of education required will depend on your goals and the area you want to specialize. I would examine the colleges and universities in your region to determine which ones have chemistry majors, and then see which specialty you would like to take as far as bridging into a future career.

 

Paul recommends the following next steps:

Research the area of chemistry in which you would like to specialize and determine the classes and course work you would need to complete in order to achieve that degree.
See an academic advisor and determine an academic path and plan for you to follow
Go to a college career or job center and see what internships are available in the areas of chemistry and research. Internships will help you to gain more experience or college credit.
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