<p>So after three years of chem in high school, I'm still really confused as to which major would suit me? Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. I've taken Chem classes at Harvey Mudd College from High School but I am still unsure of what opportunities await w/ either degree. </p>
<p>Does a chem major basically turn into either a Chem teacher or go on to get a Ph.D? Because I've always envisioned a job working in a lab w/ a pure chem degree. Is that unrealistic in today's economy? </p>
<p>Meanwhile, I've applied to multiple schools (UCSB, UCSD) in ChemE because i've read that I can still get the job that I could get with a pure Chem degree, but in addition I can market my degree to actual engineering firms. </p>
<p>What are some examples of a job that a Chem major could get, and then what are different jobs available to a ChemEng?</p>
<p>both are great degrees that lead to great careers. Don’t be fooled by those that say BS Chemistry’s worthless without a PhD, just look for jobs on careerbuilder for polymer jobs as an example, but stay the hell away from Biochemistry, pharmaceuticals or anything that has to do with Biology or Medicine as those are truly unemployable without a PhD. The more bio you know the less employable you are. ChemE is better as a B.S. but if you want to use actual chemistry, it depends on school. </p>
<p>Since ABET accredited schools all take the ChemE basics - separations, transport phenomena, fluids, reactor design, kinetics, thermo - the rest depends on your school. At my school, UCI, you take 3 years of chemistry (1 year each of general, organic and physical) and have the option of finishing a double chemical engineering and chemistry degree by taking the 4th year (analytical, advanced inorganic, analytical lab and 1 chem theory elective). In some schools, ChemE is Mechanical Engineering + general chemistry and 1 semester of organic and they don’t do any real chemistry, just calculate flows through pipes and crap.</p>
<p>I’m a senior Chemistry major w/ math minor but I wish I studied Chemical Engineering instead. The job market is much better, avg. starting salary is about 20k higher, and there is much for opportunity to move in corporate ladder such as management, etc. B.S ChemE’s can get B.S Chemistry jobs and they often do. </p>
<p>With that being said, BLS has predicted that Chemical Engineering profession will shrink to some extent for the next 10 years, so neither can guarantee you a job.</p>
<p>The desirable jobs in Chemistry the same as in Biology require years of very specialized experience such as polymers, ink formulations, packaging technology, detergents and surfactants etc. It is difficult if not impossible to get such experience. As a result, you will probably end up a temp lab grunt working for $15 an hour without benefits with a Chem BSc. or even an MSc. With a Ph. D you will spend 5-7 years living off a $15k stipend working long hours only to get a $35k post-doc when you graduate. After years of post-docing many people’s career dead-ends and you end up doing a career change at about age 40. Do yourself a favor and avoid the sciences there are far better options out there for bright young Americans.</p>
<p>ChemE’s garner a good salary but the jobs are disappearing as chemical plants shut down. BLS predicts a decline in jobs rather than growth.</p>