Chemistry connects the invisible world of atoms and molecules to some of society's biggest challenges, from developing new medicines to creating cleaner manufacturing processes and understanding environmental change.
As a chemistry major at Oregon State University, you can build a foundation in organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry while exploring applications in biochemistry, materials science, toxicology, computational chemistry and other related fields.
Chemistry-related careers are growing!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth across most chemistry fields from 2025 to 2035. Medical scientist careers are projected to grow four times faster than average.
B.S.
Degree is entry level for many chemist and material science careers
24.3K
Average openings projected yearly for chemists + materials, medical and environmental scientists
What careers do Oregon State chemistry graduates pursue?
Explore where Oregon State chemistry graduates work and the career paths they've taken. Discover real alumni outcomes, including job titles, employers and educational pathways, to see where your degree could take you.
- Analytical chemistry and laboratory science
- Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
- Materials, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing
- Quality assurance and regulated operations
- Scientific research
- Healthcare and clinical professions
- Environmental chemistry and public service
- Scientific leadership, business and entrepreneurship
- Education and science communication
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Median annual wages in 2024 (and the typical degree needed to enter this career) included:
- $140,910 for pharmacists (Doctoral or professional degree)
- $125,040 for chemical engineers (Bachelor’s degree)
- $117,790 for materials scientists (Bachelor’s degree)
- $103,410 for medical scientists (Doctoral or professional degree)
- $91,240 for chemists (Bachelor’s degree)
- $82,220 for environmental scientists and specialists (Bachelor’s degree)
- $62,930 for clinical laboratory technologists (Bachelor’s degree) and technicians (Associate’s)
These are national occupational figures, not earnings specifically reported by our alumni. Actual compensation will depend on the career you pursue, your education and where you work.
Career Pathways
Analytical chemistry and laboratory science
Analytical chemistry combines careful preparation, precise instruments and data interpretation to determine which substances are present and how much of each there is.
Graduates analyze chemical substances, operate laboratory instruments, evaluate samples and document results. Their work supports organizations and industries in every field, from environmental science to industry to food safety.
Pathway: Choose the Advanced Chemistry option for the strongest preparation in analytical methods and laboratory work. The Environmental Chemistry or Forensic Science options can add expertise in specialized areas. Build hands-on experience with undergraduate research or internships. A bachelor’s degree supports many laboratory tech and analyst careers, while advanced research roles usually require graduate study in chemistry or related fields.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Analytical chemist
- Laboratory techs, analysts and specialists
- Laboratory technical supervisors and managers
- ICP-MS scientist
- Analytical services coordinator
- PFAS chemistry technologist
- Production and purification chemist
- Flavor scientist
- Forensic scientist
At these employers (and more):
Jacobs, Lonza, Clean Water Services, Carollo Engineers, CHEMEON Surface Technology, Alliance Technical Group, Matheson, SACHEM, ENTEK International, US Oil & Refining, TOK America, Racing Analytical Services, True Terpenes, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
A promising molecule is only the beginning of a new medicine. Chemists study how molecular structure influences biological activity and help develop compounds that can be formulated, tested and produced consistently.
Some of our alumni work on the discovery and testing of new compounds. Others help move products from laboratory research into larger-scale production.
Pathway: Choose the Advanced Biochemistry option or Biochemistry option and pursue undergraduate research or an internship in synthesis, molecular biology or analytical methods. A bachelor’s degree can prepare you for laboratory, manufacturing and quality control roles. Leadership and senior scientist positions typically require a Ph.D.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Medicinal chemist
- Computational chemistry scientist
- Directors and lead scientists
- Synthesis, analytical and formulation scientists
- Quality control chemist
- Stability manager
- Process engineering leaders
- Molecular science liaison
At these employers (and more):
Schrödinger, Genentech, Lonza, Sarepta Therapeutics, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Asha Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Nuvalent, Bend Bioscience, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, , Caris Life Sciences, Eyconis, iQ Biosciences
Materials, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing
Chemistry graduates also work with the materials and manufacturing processes used to produce semiconductors, electronics, aerospace components and industrial products. OSU alumni have become chemists and engineers at all stages of materials design, from innovation and synthesis to manufacturing processes, products and packaging.
Pathway: The Materials Science option and Chemical Engineering option support careers in these areas. Seek research or internship experience in materials, inorganic chemistry, engineering or manufacturing. A bachelor's degree in chemistry supports most roles, but some research and leadership jobs benefit from a dual degree or advanced degree in physics, chemical engineering or computer science.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Chemist
- Process, materials and product engineers
- Module development, integration and yield engineers
- Technology transfer and scale-up chemist
- Field and customer services engineer
- Area manager
At these employers (and more):
Intel, Lam Research, Applied Materials, Samsung Semiconductor, Analog Devices, Hitachi High-Tech America, ATI, Nike, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Siltronic, Amorphyx, CTS Corporation, The Gill Corporation, Chevron, The Lubrizol Corporation, Element Materials Technology, Tokyo Electron America
Quality assurance and regulated operations
Quality work requires careful measurement, documentation and attention to variation. It may also involve investigating unexpected results, improving procedures and communicating with research, manufacturing and regulatory teams.Graduates in these roles evaluate raw materials, laboratory results, manufacturing processes and finished products. They help organizations meet technical specifications, maintain consistent processes and follow industry or regulatory requirements.
Pathway: The Advanced Chemistry option provides a foundation for a broad range of industries, or select a specialized option for targeted learning. Most entry-level quality roles require a science bachelor’s degree, with professional development and certifications supporting career advancement. Hands-on experience in laboratory settings will elevate your competitiveness.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Quality control technicians, analysts, chemists, specialists, leads and managers
- Quality engineers
- Quality assurance specialists
- Director of quality
- Stability manager
- Project engineer
At these employers (and more):
Genentech, Valliscor, Herbivore Botanicals, Lamb Weston, Can-One USA, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, AVI Biopharma, iQ Biosciences, Georgia-Pacific, Precision Measurements and Instruments Corporation
Scientific research
Chemistry graduates pursuing scientific research investigate new materials, study chemical reactions, develop pharmaceuticals, examine environmental systems and improve scientific methods. Our chemistry alumni have conducted research at multinational corporations and small businesses, universities, medical research organizations and national laboratories.
Pathway: Choose the ACS-certified Advanced Chemistry option or Advanced Biochemistry option and get involved early in undergraduate research. A bachelor’s degree can support research assistant, technician and laboratory operations roles while a graduate degree is usually required for research institutes, university faculty positions and senior scientist roles.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Research assistants and associates
- Research chemists
- Principal investigators and research managers
- Tenure track research professors
- Faculty research assistants and research associates
- Research and development chemists and scientists
- Research and development engineers, technicians and specialists
- Applied and clinical research scientists
At these employers (and more):
Oregon State University, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Hanford Laboratory Management and Integration, Battelle Memorial Institute, University of Washington, Oregon Health & Science University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Western University, Intel, HP, AkzoNobel, ChromaDex, Moses Lake Industries, Fujimi Corporation, CTS Corporation, De Nora, Orica, GROTTHUSS Incorporated, Angstrom Innovations, PureLine, Tokyo Chemical Industry, TestAmerica Laboratories, Ventana Medical Systems, Rend Research/Capsugel
Healthcare and clinical professions
Health professionals use scientific evidence and knowledge about chemical and biological structures and their interactions to interpret diagnostic information and make decisions about patient care. Chemistry provides a strong foundation in molecular structure, chemical reactions, quantitative analysis and laboratory methods, preparing graduates for health-professional schools, clinical training programs and clinical laboratory work.
Pathway: Consider the Pre-Medicine option for clinical preparation or the Biochemistry option to prepare for a pharmacy career. Physicians, pharmacists, dentists and veterinarians require professional degrees and licensing requirements while clinical laboratory positions typically require professional certifications in addition to your degree.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Physicians, including emergency medicine and critical care specialists
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
- Medical laboratory scientist
- Clinical laboratory specialist
- Laboratory technical supervisor
- Clinical research coordinator
- Patient care coordinator
At these employers (and more):
Oregon Health & Science University, Adventist Health, The Oregon Clinic, Bi-Mart, Legacy Health, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, All Valley Animal, Creative Testing Solutions.
Environmental chemistry and public service
Environmental chemists examine how chemical substances enter, move through and affect water, soil, air and living systems. Their findings help organizations evaluate exposure, protect environmental quality and respond to contamination to safeguard humans and the world we live in.
Pathway: The Environmental Chemistry option is a great fit for environmental chemists. Consider a Toxicology minor for added preparation in chemical risk and environmental health. Internships and research, especially in this area or in field settings will build practical skills. A bachelor’s degree supports most laboratory and environmental science careers, though leadership and research positions often require a graduate degree.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Environmental and water-quality chemist
- Analytical chemistry section manager
- PFAS chemistry technologist
- Laboratory specialists and technicians
- Toxicologist
- Geochemist
- Solid-waste program specialist
- Emergency response team leader
At these employers (and more):
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Clean Water Services, Jacobs, Carollo Engineers, Ecology and Environment, Arcadis, Sandia National Laboratories, Westchester County, Sprague River Water Quality Laboratory, Intel, Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program
Scientific leadership, business and entrepreneurship
Scientific decisions do not stop at the laboratory door. Chemistry provides the technical perspective needed to evaluate products, processes, risks and opportunities across organizations and new ventures.
Pathway: Choose the Business option to add coursework in accounting, law, finance and organizational systems and potentially shorten the path to an OSU MBA. Advanced degrees can support legal, leadership or entrepreneurship goals but are not required for every path. Some alumni added an MBA, management certificate, accounting education or organizational leadership degree. Others developed business experience from technical roles, startup programs or industry work.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Business leaders, presidents, CEOs and CTOs
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
- Director of finance and accounting
- Attorneys, partners and mediators
- Business process analyst
- Supply chain performance director
- Startup programs director
- Laboratory director
- Manufacturing area manager
At these employers (and more):
AMD, BioAgilytix, ATI, US Foods, PROLIFIQ, Task.Me, Renewcat, AIVYRA, ProChem, Resynergi, Start Group, Ancestry Brewing, Wild Alaska Chaga, Far West Recycling
Education and scientific communication
Education and scientific communication make complex evidence usable by students, specialists and the public. This work combines subject expertise with the ability to explain evidence clearly and adapt information for different audiences.
Pathway: Choose the Chemistry Education option when preparing to teach high school chemistry. It includes teaching methods and field experience and is designed to connect with OSU’s professional teacher pathway. Public-school teaching requires licensure, while college teaching typically requires graduate study. For editing or outreach careers, develop writing, editing and public-communication experience and consider a Scientific, Technical and Professional Communication certificate.
Our graduates have worked as:
- Professors and instructors
- High school science teachers
- Academic editors
- Science and environmental educators
- Program coordinator
At these employers (and more):
College of the Desert, Selkirk School District, Woodburn Arts and Communications Academy, Research Square Company, U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School, Oregon NASA Space Grant and Corvallis Environmental Center.
Career Preparation
Related career paths across the College of Science
Many career paths pursued by chemistry graduates overlap with those of other majors in the College of Science. Programs such as biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, biohealth sciences, microbiology, physics and others share scientific foundations with chemistry and can lead to related careers in research, health professions, biotechnology, environmental science and industry.
Common questions
Skills developed through Chemistry coursework and related hands-on experiences include:
- Laboratory analysis, sample preparation and instrumentation
- Chemical synthesis, measurement, characterization and analysis
- Experimental design and documentation
- Data collection and interpretation
- Quantitative reasoning
- Evaluating uncertainty and variation
- Quality control
- Working within regulated environments
- Process development and scale-up
- Technical and experimental problem-solving
- Scientific communication
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration and project management
Your coursework, degree option and experiences outside the classroom will all shape the skills you develop while at Oregon State.
Coursework provides the scientific foundation for careers in chemistry. Employers and graduate or professional programs also value experiences that help students apply what they learn, explore career interests and develop professional skills.
Oregon State students build experience in many ways while earning their degrees, including research, internships, leadership and international experiences. The examples below illustrate some of the ways Oregon State students have prepared for careers in chemistry.
Undergraduate research
Undergraduate research allows students to investigate chemical questions while developing the laboratory and analytical methods used by professional chemists. It also provides opportunities to work with faculty mentors and contribute to new scientific knowledge.
Oregon State students have participated in a wide variety of research experiences, including:
- Faculty laboratories at Oregon State, including the Mackiewicz and Nyman labs
- Research at other universities, including Portland State University
- Government-supported research programs, including the NASA Oregon Space Grant
- Research in applied fields, including electrochemistry and wine sensory science
Internships and professional experience
Internships and professional experiences allow students to apply their scientific knowledge in research, manufacturing, healthcare and other professional settings while exploring different career paths and building professional connections.
Oregon State students have gained experience with organizations and opportunities such as:
- Schrödinger
- HP
- E. & J. Gallo Winery
- Fujimi Corporation
- Riverpoint Medical
- Good Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital
- Central City Concern
- La Clinica East Medford Dental Clinic
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
- NASA Oregon Space Grant
- A forensic science internship
- A semiconductor process engineering internship
- A software internship
- A private equity internship
International experiences and entrepreneurship
Chemistry careers span industries and countries, and many students explore scientific work in a global context. International experiences and entrepreneurial opportunities can broaden students' perspectives while exposing them to new applications of chemistry.
Oregon State students have also built experience through:
- Harvest and wine production in Australia and New Zealand
- International environmental work in Costa Rica
- Study and research in Europe, Asia and Australia
- The OSU Advantage Accelerator
- Entrepreneurship
Leadership, service and campus involvement
Leadership, communication, teamwork and service are valuable in every chemistry career. Campus involvement provides opportunities to develop these professional skills while contributing to the university and the broader community.
Oregon State students have also built experience through:
- Student technical employment
- Community and nonprofit leadership
- Military service
- Jazz band participation
Advanced degrees, including graduate school, are common for chemistry graduates, but choosing to pursue a graduate degree will depend on the field, work and level of autonomy you’re interested in for your future career.
Many OSU Chemistry alumni entered laboratory science, quality control, manufacturing, engineering, environmental testing and technical operations with a bachelor’s degree.
Graduate education is more common for careers that require advanced specialization or have a research focus. A master’s degree or doctorate may be beneficial or required for:
- University teaching and research
- Medical chemistry
- Advanced pharmaceutical research
- Senior scientist or principal investigator
- Certain engineering and process-development roles
- Specialized analytical or environmental research
Professional degrees and credentials are required for careers such as:
- Physician
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Attorney
Graduate education can also support advancement into business, management, organizational leadership and technical strategy.
Alumni have continued their education at Oregon State and at universities across the United States and internationally.
Representative universities
- Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
- Northwestern University
- University of Michigan
- University of Washington
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Southern California
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Berkeley
- Johns Hopkins University
- ETH Zurich
- Technical University of Munich
Common graduate disciplines
- Specialized chemical fields like organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, polymer or materials chemistry
- Medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry
- Interdisciplinary areas like chemical biology, molecular toxicology, environmental science, biochemistry and molecular biology
- Engineering areas like chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, systems engineering
- Forensic science
- Health informatics and analytics
- Computer science
- Operations research
- Clinical fields like medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine
- Law
- Business administration
- Accounting
- Organizational leadership
- Science education
Several alumni earned more than one advanced degree or combined chemistry with subjects such as biology, toxicology, engineering, computer science, business or law.
Our Alumni
See where they are
These chemistry alumni started out right where you are.
Using chemistry to ensure products meet safety standards
Using chemistry to ensure products meet safety standards
Protecting the health and safety of Navy personnel
Protecting the health and safety of Navy personnel
Building the technology behind Meta’s platforms
Building the technology behind Meta’s platforms
