Chemistry Minor
Chemistry is the basis for many fields of engineering, biology, and other sciences. Therefore, it can give you insights into your field at broad and fundamental levels. That can strengthen your abilities to innovate and to see basic connections in your specialization or across disciplines.
Almost anyone can benefit from a minor in Chemistry, but there are some fields where a chemistry minor adds particular strengths. For example, biology-chemistry (major-minor) could prepare you for graduate school or a career in biochemistry or molecular biology. Math-chemistry could be an option for people in applied math. Chemical physics is an important field in physics. Engineering-chemistry could open new possibilities for you (note that this major-minor is not equivalent to chemical engineering).
Related Occupations
This field involves studying crop production, food safety, and agricultural systems to improve yield and quality. Professionals solve issues like pest control, soil health, and sustainable farming. Work takes place in labs, greenhouses, processing facilities, and agricultural fields.
This field focuses on applying engineering principles to healthcare, including designing medical devices and systems. Professionals solve problems like improving diagnostics, patient care, and therapeutic technologies. They work in labs, hospitals, or manufacturing environments, often collaborating with doctors and researchers.
Biological technicians support scientific research by preparing experiments, analyzing samples, and recording results. They solve problems in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. Work environments include laboratories in universities, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.
Chemical engineers develop processes to convert raw materials into useful products like fuels, plastics, or pharmaceuticals. They solve problems related to efficiency, safety, and environmental impact in industrial processes. Work is conducted in labs, manufacturing plants, and engineering offices, often in highly regulated industries.
This field explores the properties and behavior of substances to develop new materials and chemical products. Professionals solve problems related to durability, reactivity, and composition in everything from batteries to medications. Work is typically in labs, manufacturing facilities, or R&D divisions.
Professionals in this field perform tests on blood, tissues, and other body fluids to help diagnose, monitor, and treat disease. They operate complex lab equipment, analyze results, and ensure quality control. They solve problems related to disease detection, lab accuracy, and patient care support. Work is primarily conducted in hospitals, diagnostic labs, or research institutions, often in highly controlled, sterile environments with strict safety protocols.
Forensic scientists collect, analyze, and interpret evidence for criminal investigations. They solve crimes by examining DNA, trace materials, and digital or chemical evidence. Work occurs in labs, crime scenes, and courtrooms, with a focus on precision and legal integrity.
Professionals in this field develop systems and procedures to prevent injuries, illnesses, and property damage in workplaces. They solve problems related to hazard identification, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Work environments include manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and corporate offices, often in collaboration with regulatory bodies.
Professionals study and develop materials to improve product performance and durability. They solve problems involving strength, weight, heat resistance, and environmental sustainability of materials. Work occurs in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or R&D facilities.
Microbiologists study microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They solve problems related to disease prevention, drug development, food safety, and environmental health. Most work in labs for healthcare, research institutions, or biotech companies, often in highly controlled environments.