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I’m looking for a degree that includes learning new things and science (if anything, chemistry) and not any engineering and preferably not a health care job. What is a good fit for me?

I'm about to start university very soon.

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Brandon’s Answer

Chemistry: If you love mixing things and seeing how they react, a chemistry degree is perfect. You'll learn all about different substances and how they work together. You could end up working in a lab, making new medicines, or even teaching others about chemistry.

Biochemistry: This is like a mix of biology and chemistry. It's less about helping sick people and more about understanding how living things work on a tiny level. You could help invent new stuff for biotech companies or research cool biological mysteries.

Environmental Science: Are you into nature and saving the planet? Environmental science teaches you how the Earth works and how to protect it. You could work on big problems like climate change or help animals and plants survive.

Materials Science: This one is a bit like engineering but focuses more on creating new materials – think super strong metals or plastics that don't harm the environment. It's a lot about experimenting and inventing.

Physics: If you're curious about how the universe works, from stars and planets to atoms and particles, physics is the way to go. It's all about understanding the basic rules that everything follows.

Geology or Earth Sciences: This is for those who are fascinated by rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, and fossils. You'll learn about what our planet is made of and how it has changed over millions of years.

Science Education: If you like the idea of teaching and sharing your love for science with others, this path is great. You'll learn how to be an awesome science teacher, inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Remember, in university, you can often mix and match your subjects a bit, so you can choose classes that sound most interesting to you. It's also a good idea to chat with teachers or advisors at your school for advice on what to study. They can help you find the perfect fit for your interests!
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Ige’s Answer

First I would like to say, Congratulations on starting college soon! You should be proud of yourself! It is amazing that you want to get a degree that includes learning new things and science. While I am not a professional in the science field, I do recommend doing some research at the university you chose. Some programs may offer a degree that is flexible and lets you basically create your own course. For example, I went to LSU and got my BA in art. I highly enjoyed learning new things, but was unsure what I wanted to do art wise. I did a bit a research and found out that they offered a BA program that lets you take a wide range of classes. So in doing so, I was able to explore various mediums in art. In conclusion, there may be a program at your chosen college that does the same. Although some people may voice that students should know what they want to do when going to college, I believe you can still explore and experiment your freshman year. Take classes even if you are curious. Message professors about their class. I hope this helps! Here are a few steps that may aid in your decision:

Ige recommends the following next steps:

Contact the academic advisor or dean of your prospective college's program and ask them for advice
Contact students or alumni from your prospective school/program, ask them for advice, and connect with them on LinkedIn
See if your prospective program has an instagram or any form of social media and look at the different things they do
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Martha’s Answer

Hi, Brandon gave a terrific answer to this. I just want to add information about specific jobs and their pay ranges from Indeed.com (link below). I found further information from Big Future, which is a College Board product. Therefore, it is also credible.

Martha recommends the following next steps:

Read this - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-chemistry-degree-jobs
Read this - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/career-path-major/9-jobs-chemistry-majors
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Lauryl’s Answer

Identify a subject or item that you're passionate about, then explore if there's a science-related career or educational course that could be beneficial.

- Are you a fashion enthusiast? Consider delving into the science of fabric dyeing.
- If automobiles fascinate you, delve into the science behind electric vehicles, power grids, power plants, or oil production.
- If you're a foodie, the science of agriculture or food production might pique your interest.

This is such an exciting time for you to explore different topics and find out if jobs that are interesting to you exist in that field.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Student !

I would be very happy to give advice to you for this very important topic !

In reading your concern, I immediately thought that it may be possible that you would enjoy a career in the toiletry and cosmetic industry. You could be behind the scenes in a very fun and exciting industry for products that everyone uses. The website The Beauty Brains has information and offers a free course in cosmetic science. I have left a link for you below.

Another area that's up for consideration is an exciting career as a textile, paint and dye chemist. I have left a link for you below from the Science Oxygen website for more information. Also explore the careers of being a chemical technician, water chemist, analytical chemist, synthetic chemist, quality control chemist, forensic chemist, hazardous waste chemist or geochemist. These are all careers that your degree in Chemistry would be suited for.

I agree that you should follow through on your plans to attend college and a degree in Chemistry would be the way to go. Stanford University offers a Chemistry major and it is one of the more valuable schools to earn a degree at. You can consider these additional colleges for a degree in Chemistry also: University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, Davis. There are more colleges which offer a chemistry degree, but they are rather far from you in Southern California.

I hope that this could be of help and I want to wish you all the best in your studies at college !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

COSMETIC SCIENTIST https://thebeautybrains.com/2008/07/if-you-want-to-be-a-cosmetic-chemist-here-is-what-you-do/
TEXTILE, DYE AND PAINT CHEMIST CAREER https://scienceoxygen.com/what-is-a-dye-chemist/
https://majors.stanford.edu/majors
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Houcine’s Answer

Hello,

As you embark on your university journey, considering your interest in learning new things and a preference for science, particularly chemistry, while steering clear of engineering and healthcare jobs, you might find a degree in Chemistry or a related field to be a good fit. Pursuing a degree in Chemistry can open doors to various opportunities, including research, academia, or even roles in industries where a strong understanding of chemical principles is valued.

You can explore concentrations within the field, such as analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or materials science, to tailor your studies to specific areas of interest. This approach allows you to delve into scientific exploration while avoiding engineering or healthcare-related paths.

Remember to research the specific programs offered by universities and consider speaking with academic advisors to find a degree program that aligns well with your preferences and career goals.

Best wishes for a successful university journey!

Warm regards,
Houcine
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Jed’s Answer

Another area to consider is science communications -- pursue a degree in Communications or Marketing, but focus your projects and internships on communicating scientific ideas. This has applications in chemistry, environmental science, health, public policy, and more. There are jobs in large companies, government agencies, universities, and startups. Essentially the job is translating what scientists/engineers say so it can be understood by everybody else :-)
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Gabrielle’s Answer

Kudos on embarking on your college adventure! STEM is an amazing realm where you can uncover new knowledge and delve into a myriad of fascinating areas.

In my undergraduate years, I chose to minor in Chemistry, and it was a thrilling experience! One of the aspects I found most exciting was the opportunity to orchestrate chemical reactions, akin to solving a grand puzzle. It's about taking small compounds and piecing them together based on the given conditions. This skill is widely applicable across numerous industries.

As another contributor pointed out earlier, being in a degree program allows you to sample a diverse range of courses tailored to your major, minor, or concentration.

Most importantly, don't confine yourself. The possibilities in STEM extend far beyond what is typically promoted. Embrace the unusual opportunities that come your way. You never know what new paths they might lead you to.

Best of luck on your journey! And once again, congratulations!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have a wide range of interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Have you thought of being a vet, chemical engineer, zoologist, pharmacist, etc. There are plenty of jobs that are chemistry or engineering related. You can find more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest.
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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