Chemists study the structures, compositions, reactions and other properties of substances
and experiment with the laws that govern them. In applied research, chemists create
new products and processes or improve existing ones, such as drugs, plastics, cleaners,
and thousands of other products. They also determine ways to strengthen or combine
materials and develop new materials for use in superconducting materials, ceramics
and metallic alloys. Some chemists use a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory
instrumentation and 3D computer modeling software to study the structure and other
properties of complex molecules that they make.
An increasing number of scientific research projects involve multiple disciplines,
and it is common for chemists to work on teams with other scientists, such as biologists
and physicists, computer specialists and engineers. For example, in pharmaceutical
research, chemists may work with biologists to develop new drugs and with engineers
to design ways to mass produce them.
Typical entry-level job titles for chemistry graduates include chemistry technician,
forensic science technician, geoscientist/geochemical scientist, hydrologist or secondary
education teacher. Students can pursue advanced degrees leading to careers as biochemists,
pharmacologists, and medical doctors/scientists.
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Planning for your future begins here.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Science (AS) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in chemistry, clinical laboratory science, biochemistry, forensic
chemistry, chemical engineering, and related majors. Speak with your advisor about
the best courses to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Become a licensed STEM teacher for grades 5-12
Expand diversity in the field of STEM education through the Noyce Teacher PRIDE Scholars Program thatawards Harper graduates $15,000 annually for two years to complete a STEM degree at
Elmhurst University. Applications from a wide range of diverse communities are encouraged. Learn more and apply today.
Explore chemistry careers
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Chemistry degree program. Each career
profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open
positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Chemistry Careers page.
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.
Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine
significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime
laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics,
fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Core tasks:
Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory
techniques.
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
Quick facts:
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use
geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals,
or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental
problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and
its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists,
stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Core tasks:
Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys,
sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research
or application.
Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the
collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks,
or fossil remains.
Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources,
such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
Quick facts:
Hydrologists
Hydrologists
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Hydrologists career profile for most current data.
$82,924 Median Salary
3% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
1 Job Postings
Description:
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and
surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of
infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and
atmosphere.
Core tasks:
Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations,
maps, appendices, and other information.
Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate
and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water
volumes.
Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation
of water resources.
Quick facts:
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
