Will it be easier for an international student from Armenia to find a job in US with B.S. in Chemistry or with B.S. in Chemical Engineering?
Right now I am taking classes for both majors, and really enjoy pure and applied chemistry. I am unsure which one to choose as my main profession as I want to stay in US and make enough money to pay my loans. #chemistry #chemical-engineering
4 answers
Andrew’s Answer
The B.S. in Chemistry is much easier but will earn less than B.S. in Chemical Engineer due to less specialization.
Some companies require B.S. Chemical Engineer to be US citizen for the jobs will relate to the government of the USA. While some jobs for B.S. in Chemistry also might limit with the same restriction, the job market is a bit more open to BS. Chemistry.
Logan Terheggen
Logan’s Answer
Definitely chemical engineering. You usually need a pHd in chemistry for worthwhile positions in that field.
Terrel’s Answer
The thing to remember when selecting your major is that you are learning a method of learning. While a degree in chemistry is a great method of learning a degree in chemical engineering is using the theoretical and attempting to apply them in a broad tactile sense. Engineering students are taught to apply theory in a broad sense while students in the science majors are typically taught to apply experimentation and studies to find the theories that everyone else uses.
If you like to work on large tactile projects then go the engineering route but if you would like to work on solving the unknown or undiscovered then go with chemistry. That's a bit of a simplification because you can always find crossover. In the end just remember that most of us professionals change positions and industries as well as our likes and dislikes throughout our careers. So pick the major that you enjoy the most and commit to it.
Thomas’s Answer
Definitely focus on chemical engineering. You will have a larger job market and a wider variety of opportunities. It sounds like you might enjoy research? If that's the case, look into chemical engineering with a concentration in R&D. You can also still minor in chemistry if you like.
Chemical engineers have a broader skill set and are trained thinkers and doers. That's what makes us so desirable as employees.
With just a chemistry degree, you are pretty limited in scope of career opportunities. I actually had a few classmates that had obtained their BS in chemistry and then came back to school to work on chemical engineering because it was so hard for them to find a job.
Chemical engineering is very very difficult but well worth it. Good luck.