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What can you do with a Chemistry degree from Penn State University?

First, some facts. Of the Chemistry graduates from Penn State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Chemistry graduates from Penn State University have a higher likelihood (+8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 75%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 36% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Chemistry graduate.

See the details:

View a random Chemistry graduate from Penn State University and our analysis:

Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2018 from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Research Analyst
HDIAC (Homeland Defense & Security Information Analysis Center)
Jul 2021 - Present
The role of Research Analyst at HDIAC may use some analytical skills and scientific reasoning developed during the Chemistry degree, but it does not require specific chemistry knowledge as a core qualification, making it only partially relevant.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Chemistry degree from Penn State University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

Based on the job profiles analyzed, it seems like graduates from Penn State University's Chemistry program have ventured into a variety of roles, with a mix of positions directly related to chemistry and others that are somewhat more loosely connected. Many of the most common positions fall into academic and research roles, such as postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, and various scientist roles. These positions typically require a deep understanding of chemistry and are definitely aligned with their educational background. For example, roles at universities or research institutions are usually heavily based on chemistry knowledge, making them quite relevant.

On the flip side, there are also a fair number of jobs that, while they might benefit from a chemistry background, don't directly engage with chemistry on a daily basis. Positions in sales, management, or even educational roles like teaching don't always require a rigorous application of their chemistry knowledge. In summary, while many graduates do land jobs that are solidly rooted in chemistry, a notable number have taken paths that incorporate their chemistry education in a more peripheral manner. It's a mixed bag, showing that a chemistry degree offers versatile career options, but not all lead you right into a lab or a research environment.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Chemistry graduates (this is across all Chemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Penn State University):

What kind of career trajectories do Chemistry graduates from Penn State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

The career trajectories of Penn State University chemistry graduates show a diverse range of paths, especially in the early stages after graduation. Many seem to start off in roles that are either directly related to chemistry or take advantage of their analytical skills, such as research assistants, technicians, or teaching positions. For instance, graduates from the classes of 2010 and 2011 took up roles in education, research, and technical positions shortly after completing their degrees. This suggests that they often leverage their chemistry background to get entry-level jobs that are relevant and may also involve teaching or research within academic or corporate settings.

Five to ten years later, the majority of these alumni appear to transition into more advanced roles, often climbing the career ladder within the scientific and technical fields. Many have become senior scientists, project managers, or have even founded their own companies, contributing to product development and innovation in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, technology, and education. However, there are also examples of individuals moving into different realms like sales and operations, which could reflect a desire for broader career options beyond core chemistry roles. Overall, it seems that while many remain in fields aligned with chemistry, others find success in related areas where their skills are valued, indicating a balanced mix of traditional and non-traditional pathways following their chemistry degree.

How hard is a Chemistry degree from Penn State University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Penn State can be pretty challenging, but it's definitely manageable if you're willing to put in the effort. The coursework involves a lot of complex concepts, with a heavy emphasis on lab work, problem-solving, and a solid understanding of mathematics. If you enjoy science and are ready to tackle some rigorous classes, you’ll probably find it rewarding rather than overwhelming. It's not the easiest major out there, but with good time management and a passion for the subject, many students make it through without too much stress. Just be prepared to study hard and ask for help when you need it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Chemistry.

Do Chemistry graduates from Penn State University tend to make good money?

Looking at these Penn State Chemistry grads, it seems like they’ve had a pretty decent mix of experiences and job roles, which usually reflects in their earnings positively—but it varies a bit. Many started in teaching and research, which can be on the lower end of the pay scale, but as they climbed into more specialized roles and even positions in management or founding their own companies, you can bet they started raking in better salaries. For example, roles like Senior Scientist and Operations Manager typically come with surprisingly good paychecks, while those doing postdoc work might not see the same cash flow immediately. Overall, it looks like many of them have turned their degrees into solid careers, and are likely making good money, but the trajectory really depends on the specific jobs and industries they landed in afterward.

What buzzwords do Chemistry graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Chemistry (this is across all Chemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Penn State University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Chemistry?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Chemistry (ordered by the average relevance score of their Chemistry graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
University of California, Santa Cruz 88 10
University of California, Davis 86 11
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 85 19
Texas A&M University 83 11
Georgia State University 82 11
Purdue University 80 11
Virginia Commonwealth University 80 15
The Ohio State University 79 13
University of Pittsburgh 78 12
The University of Texas at Austin 76 15
Penn State University 75 11
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 75 19
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 73 10
University of Wisconsin-Madison 70 12
University of Washington 67 15
Emory University 62 10
Florida International University 60 10
UC Santa Barbara 46 10
Texas Tech University 42 10