Chemistry students learn to think critically about the atomic structure of physical matter and interpret how it changes. The major requires a strong interest in inquiry and offers a strong overview of chemistry laboratory techniques. The major offers two concentrations that are required to match with the student’s specific career goals and interests. An ACS certified degree concentration is ideal for students wanting to enroll in a chemistry graduate program and aspire to be in the research field or a university professor. The second concentration is a Non-ACS degree that is ideal for those wishing to prepare for a career in the health professions. Choosing between them is required for each student.
Common employers
- City of Fort Collins
- Colorado National Guard
- Kaiser Permanente
- Lockheed Martin
- Poudre School District
- Precision Water Resource Engineering
- Woodward
Common job titles
- Lab Technician/Technologist
- Chemist
- Laser Engineering Technician
- ORISE Fellow
- Process Engineer
- Project Manager
- Quality Control Analyst
- Certified Pharmacy Technician
- High School Teacher
Factors of success
- Engagement with the CSU Career Center
- Internship or research involvement
- GPA
- On campus employment
For more information visit the Department of Chemistry’s website:
Career checklist
- Go to the Career Center’s drop-in hours or schedule an appointment with a Career Educator to discuss what you should be doing to develop career skills. The Career Center is located at room 120 of the Lory Student Center. See https://career.colostate.edu/ or call (970) 491-5707 to see a Career Educator or to explore the many resources available.
- Log into Handshake, the CSU Career Center’s online location for on-campus jobs, internships, and careers.
- Join a student organization relevant to chemistry: https://www.chem.colostate.edu/clubs-organizations/
- View Non-ACS certification concentration option: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/colleges/natural-sciences/chemistry/chemistry-major-non-acs-certified-concentration/
- View ACS certification concentration option: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/colleges/natural
- Select a concentration.
- Create a resume and learn how to write a cover letter based on the handouts in the Career Center and on the website. Then have your resume and cover letter reviewed in a drop-in session at the Career Center or make an appointment with a Career Educator.
- Attend an appointment or drop-in at the Career Center to discuss job/internship search strategies and tips for interviewing.
- Apply for undergraduate internship options: https://www.chem.colostate.edu/undergraduate-students/career-resources/
- Become a research assistant by applying to one of the opportunities listed here: https://www.chem.colostate.edu/undergraduate-students/undergraduate-research/
- For more research opportunities, visit: https://www.natsci.colostate.edu/undergraduate-research/
- If planning on attending graduate school, make an appointment with a Career Educator to create a plan.
- Run for a leadership role in a student organization.
- Update your resume and/or CV for internships or on-campus jobs.
- Attend an appointment or drop-in at the Career Center to discuss job/internship search strategies and tips for interviewing.
- Apply for undergraduate internship options: https://www.chem.colostate.edu/undergraduate-students/career-resources/
- Learn about graduate school in Chemistry: https://www.chem.colostate.edu/graduate-students/apply-to-csu/
- Update your resume and/or CV.
- Present research at CSU:
- Attend a mock interview session at the Career Center to prepare for the job search or graduate school interviews.
- Attend many networking events to meet employers and increase your chances of landing a job.
- Ask three professors and/or employers to be professional references.
- You may continue to use the Career Center for guidance! All services are still available to you at no cost for one year after graduation and for a small fee after that.
