Career Planning

Careers in Chemistry

A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Iowa State will prepare students for careers in the natural sciences and beyond. Students will gain hands-on experience in laboratory and research settings that will equip them with the skills needed to tackle challenges at the forefront of scientific advancement. Our department is well known for having excellent opportunities for undergraduates to get involved with original research all four years. Additionally, we have many scholarships for incoming freshman available. Finally, our Chemistry Learning Community helps incoming freshmen and transfer students get involved with professors, research groups, other chemistry majors, and keeps them involved with tons of fun activities, free food, and professional development activities.

Career planning and preparation

Looking for help in putting together the perfect resume or cover letter? Or maybe you are looking for an internship or even some mock interviews for an upcoming job? LAS Career Services and Graduate College Career Services can help you with all of these and more.

Career fairs

Want to hone your networking skills, gain insights into various industries, and showcase your qualifications and experiences to a diverse range of employers?  A career fair is just the place. Whether you’re a freshman exploring possibilities or a senior ready to launch your career, attending a career fair can open doors, create meaningful connections, and pave the way for future success. The university offers several career fairs throughout the year, check out some resources below and then scroll down for events coming up soon.

View Upcoming Career Fairs

CyHire

Discover internships, part-time and full-time jobs, career fair info, and more.

LAS Career Services: CyHire

Graduation Outcomes Interactive Database

Want to see what our graduates do after graduation? LAS collects and compiles data each year and makes it available in an interactive database. You may search and sort by major, degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral), job title, and more.

Median Salary*

  • $86,000
    B.S. in Chemistry
  • $87,000
    M.S. in Chemistry
  • $115,000
    Ph.D. in Chemistry
two students working in a chemistry lab

Explore Career Fields

Earning a BS in Chemistry doesn't limit you to only working at a lab bench! Iowa State University graduates with a degree in chemistry have found success in many industries, including:

Environmental Science
Medicine
Engineering
Chemistry
Forensics
Teaching
Science Journalist / Technical Writer
Quality Assurance
Food & Drink
Patent Examiner 
Technical Sales Representative 

 

*Salary amounts reported are according to a Salary Survey conducted by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in 2022. The data was derived from 5,411 ACS members and reflects the median annual salaries of full-time employees who are not students, in emeritus roles, retired, or over age 70.