I’m still in high school and I plan to major in chemistry. I’ve seen the difference between the UCs and CSUs and to be honest I don’t fully understand what they would mean for a chemistry major. I know UCs are based on research (which btw is that really hard? Do have to research something never looked into before? sorry I’m still a very clueless high schooler) and CSUs are more toward getting a job.
I don’t plan on being a doctor so would going to a CSU be better to simply get an industry level job (which btw does it pay better if I have a degree from a CSU) or do I have to go to a UC to secure a job that actually pays well?
Also what are good chemistry jobs? I would like to work in medicine but I don’t plan on working directly with patients since I can’t handle taking care of them.
UCI and CSULB are my top options right now. (I might also just transfer from a community college first)
Since you want to major in Chemistry, what do you plan to do with your major? You state you want to work in Medicine so I am assuming the Healthcare Field?
Some possible job options in the Healthcare field for Chemistry majors:
Pharmacist/Pharmacologist
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Biomedical Chemist
Industrial Hygienist or Toxicologist
Physician Assistant
Veterinarian
Both a Cal State or UC can give an excellent education and background to pursue one of these fields. If you are interested in Research both Cal states and UC’s do offer these opportunities and going to a UC over a CSU will not secure you a better paying job. The name on the diploma can help you get your foot in the door for some employers but in the end is what kind of job skill set you have that the employers are looking for as a prospective employee. The job skills you acquire could involve research but more likely from internships while you are pursuing your undergrad degree.
Chemical engineering may have better major specific job prospects than chemistry at the bachelor’s degree level, though many are not health care related.
Many of the health care related jobs that chemistry majors go to require further education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
There is a glut of PhDs with degrees in science. Don’t take my word for it, look it up yourself. Type the words “phd glut science” into a search engine and read.
Which means the jobs available with a BS in Chem are going to be limited and for the most part not have much opportunity for career advancement. Your best shot is to go on to a PhD and see where you can take it
What if I just get a graduate degree for Chemistry (which I plan on doing), will that get me anywhere?