What Is An Online Degree in Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter. Right from atoms and molecules that form the smallest building blocks, students learn about more complex structures. Chemical reactions and processes form an important part of the course as well. As this science relates with other fields of study and has a strong link with our daily life, a degree in chemistry also furthers awareness in mathematics, physics, the environment and so on.

Eligibility

Students who have displayed an interest and aptitude for science may pursue a degree in chemistry after completing high school. They are expected to be good in mathematics and have an eye for remembering chemical formulae and structures. Many universities hold competitive examinations. As students pass from one academic qualification to another, they are expected to have passed with good grades to secure admission at the next program.

Qualification Levels

A degree in chemistry online is offered at the associate, bachelors, masters and doctoral level. While the associate and bachelors degree in chemistry offer a broad overview of the subject, a masters and doctoral program are more specialized.

Course Content

A study of chemistry involves theoretical study as well as classes in the laboratory. No course is complete without modules on both. However, some programs in chemistry online focus more on theoretical aspects as students may not be able to attend regular laboratory classes. Other courses may organize laboratory classes in sessions, so that students may attend them easily. While a bachelors degree student will have to study chemistry along with aspects of biology, physics and mathematics, in a masters degree students will choose their areas of interest. They may specialize in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry and so on. Students have to complete projects and submit a thesis in some courses. Credits for different courses vary.

Course Delivery

Students pursuing a course in chemistry online take part in lectures and discussions online and are provided study material. They are guided by experts in the field and faculty members. Not only are they expected to study the lessons carefully, they are also expected to read online journals to understand the topics better. Laboratory assignments also form an important part of the course and students are expected to attend these classes.

Career Opportunities and Job Prospects

Students of chemistry can look forward to various career options after their course, depending on their specialization and area of interest. While the most conventional option is to work as a chemistry teacher, students of chemistry can also work in pharmacies, as scientists, analysts or in other capacities. Research in chemistry is a very good option for students. Doctoral students of chemistry can work with the government. Salaries for students of chemistry can range from $60,000 to $90,000 depending on one’s level of specialization.

While finding out about the right chemistry course online, do remember to check the accreditation of the university. With many reputed universities offering a course in chemistry online, these programs are becoming quite popular nowadays.

As it is, innovations in the field would still continue and chemistry jobs will always be plentiful as long as human curiosity abounds. There are lots of online chemistry degrees available to start a career in the field. Here are 3 interesting fields of chemistry with online degrees:

Chemistry Degree #1: Biochemistry

The work of the biochemist spans two major scientific fields; biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in organic matter, or simply said, living things. Topics of interest include the chemical processes between individual cells, the interaction between lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids, and entropic processes in living matter. Biochemists’ endeavors usually intersect with that of biophysicists, computational biologists, and biotechnology researchers (also featured in our article on online biology degrees), that work with cutting-edge technologies probable to shape tomorrow’s future.

Starting a career in this field usually requires a graduate degree in biochemistry. There are online chemistry degrees with majors in Biochemistry or Biotechnology in which students could choose to enroll in. It would also help that one has taken an undergraduate major in biology before taking grad studies as the scientific field is fairly competitive.

Online Chemistry Degrees for Biochemistry:

• Undergraduate Chemistry Degree: BS Chemistry

• Graduate Chemistry Degrees: MS Biochemistry, MS Biotechnology, MS Chemistry Major in Biochemistry

Chemistry Degree #2: Geochemistry

Geochemistry is a physical science that focuses on the composition and chemical processes underlying the structure of the Earth and other planets. The research interests of geochemists usually span anything under and on the Earth’s crust, delving into the mysteries of rock and soil. Geochemists are also interested in the interactions between the soil and the atmosphere, using the data gathered to predict how other planets within and outside our solar system might also behave.

Future geochemists are suggested to first finish an undergraduate degree in Geology, Chemistry, or Natural Sciences; online programs in these majors are available. After that, students could enroll in a Masters degree in Geochemistry or Geology with a major in geochemistry.

Online Chemistry Degrees for Geochemistry:

• Undergraduate Chemistry Degree: BS Chemistry

• Graduate Chemistry Degree: MS Chemistry Major in Geochemistry

Chemistry Degree #3: Forensic Science

Science applied to criminology and legal needs, this is what forensic science is in a nutshell. Instead of just relying on witness accounts or interrogation, forensic science has made possible the apprehension of law offenders by means of evidence gathered and analyzed by forensic scientists. The spectrum of forensic science jobs is broad, requiring different sub-specializations in chemistry, physics, biology, and other scientific disciplines to provide support to law enforcement. Chemistry jobs in forensic science usually require intense attention to detail, efficacy in dealing with different chemical analysis, and a deep knowledge of the field.

Crime scene investigation degrees are fairly popular and have their online equivalents. Finishing the degree is not a walk in the park though, usually, the actual study requires some form of internship in a CSI unit or laboratory. Most programs are usually designed for those who do actual work in criminal justice, but it isn’t rare for a new student to start in this career. Given this, students who want to focus in forensic science should first study a physical science of their choice in college, and then take an online program in Forensic Science, Forensic Studies, and Forensic Chemistry.

Online Chemistry Degrees for Forensic Science:

• Undergraduate Chemistry Degrees: BS Chemistry, BS Forensic Science, BS Forensic Studies

• Graduate Chemistry Degrees: MS Forensic Science, MS Forensic Studies, MS Forensic Chemistry