When you’re following your bliss to become a teacher, administrator, writer or scientist and have a major that will get you the job you want, a minor in chemistry can open even more doors for your career options. A chemistry minor gives you both practical and conceptual knowledge that could be useful in the food industry, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government agencies or health care.
Environmental Attorney
As an environmental attorney with a chemistry minor, you easily could leave the corporate world and use your background to fight for a cause you believe in like protecting the environment. You’ll understand the lingo and the nuances of the field if you represent an advocacy group, work for the government or help manufacturers meet regulatory environmental guidelines. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2010, attorneys made a median income of about $112,760. As an environmental attorney, you can practice the law while maybe making a big difference in the future of the earth.
Forensic Scientist
Follow your dreams to become a law enforcement officer and work in a crime lab as a forensic scientist. You will undergo training through the police academy and with your chemistry minor, you’ll be ready to move into the crime lab when an opening occurs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science techs earned a median salary of $51,570 in 2010. You won’t need more than a bachelor’s degree that could be in criminal justice or forensic science. In this role, you’ll be able to combine work on crime scenes with laboratory time, which may suit both your risk-taking and geeky sides.
Chemical Engineer
Go ahead and get a bachelor’s degree in biomolecular engineering to join a biotech firm that’s creating exciting new medicines or technical health care devices. With your minor in chemistry, you’ll find plenty of work in the chemical manufacturing or research sector at an engineering firm or a pharmaceutical company. If you opt for a master’s degree in engineering, you can teach at the college level. Engineering is ideal if you enjoy solving problems and want to be involved in cutting-edge research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2010, chemical engineers earned a median income of $90,300.
Pharmacist
A minor in chemistry is almost a requirement for pharmacists who must earn a doctor of pharmacy degree before getting licensed. In 2010, pharmacists earned a median income of $111,570, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While most pharmacists work in drug store pharmacies, you also can find gigs at hospitals and clinics, in grocery stores and other retail outlets. You’ll usually supervise a team in the pharmacy and work closely with doctors and other health care providers. Some pharmacists follow their entrepreneurial bent and open their own drugstores.
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Writer Bio
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."