Faculty of Science
Department of Chemistry
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA | CANADA B3H 4R2 | +1 (902) 494-2211

Careers in Chemistry

What can a chemistry degree do for you?

A chemistry degree provides a solid background for many careers

Chemical principles govern most aspects of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the technology we take for granted. Sound training in chemistry can lead to employment not only as a chemist but in many other fields.

In addition to helping gain chemical knowledge, a rigorous chemistry degree will help to develop your analytical, problem-solving and communications skills. 

When planning a degree program, keep as many options open as possible, especially for the first year of studies. First-year credits in chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology and a writing class will give you prerequisites to take second-year classes in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics or biology. Other combinations also give options for class selection in later years. Some breadth in classes taken, together with the rigor of a chemistry degree, will give you many opportunities for gainful employment after graduation. Skills most in demand by employers are critical analytical thinking, problem solving, the ability to write and speak clearly and the ability to work in a team environment. All of these can be developed during the course of a Dalhousie chemistry degree.

Chemists can work in many types of jobs, some of which are:

  • Process chemist in a chemical plant
  • Occupational health and safety officer
  • Patent lawyer
  • Research laboratory bench chemist
  • Forensic laboratory scientist
  • Art conservation officer
  • Polymer chemist
  • Medicinal chemist
  • School teacher
  • Doctor or Dentist 
  • Environmental scientist
  • Scientific instrument sales representative
  • Pulp and paper research scientist
  • Agricultural scientist
  • University professor
  • Geochemist
  • Scientific instrument development and service technician
  • Metallurgical analyst
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Biotechnologist

Jim Clark photo, Dalhousie MedIT
Work as a chemist usually comes in one of two types — you supervise others or you are supervised. People supervising others usually have a PhD or an MSc degree. Those who are supervised usually have an MSc or a BSc degree. Those supervising others are often classed as management and often work longer, irregular hours; those being supervised usually have more regular, defined hours. Both types of work can be interesting, but this will depend on your personality.

Some of the careers listed above will require other skills, in addition to knowledge of chemistry. For example, students interested in obtaining a BEd degree and teach in high school require two teachable subjects. A teachable subject is one that is taught in the Nova Scotia education system. These include business education, English, French, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and visual arts. The distribution of classes is such that one needs five full credits in the "major" subject and a minimum of three full credits in the "minor" subject.