Chemistry is challenging, fun and prepares one for future employment or for a fascinating career.

Chemistry is everywhere in our modern society - plastics, foods, petroleum, medical diagnostics, microchips, the environment, genetic engineering - - -   The study of chemistry provides one with a unique and powerful perspective for understanding the world around us.

Students who study chemistry at Wheeling Jesuit University will learn by performing hands-on experiments and using state-of-the-art instrumentation. Students have the opportunity to work one-on- one with faculty on an undergraduate research project which is an important criteria for entering graduate school.

What Does a Chemist Do?

Approximately 76% of BS/MS chemists work in industry.  BS/MS degree-chemists are hired by pharmasuitical and chemical companies to work as bench chemists, to perform research, to develop analytical methods for analysis or to supervise other chemists. The degree is also suitable for teaching at the high school level.

A chemist with a PhD degree is mainly interested in research either in industry or an academic institution. The PhD degree provides one with much flexibility and job opportunities.

How much do Chemists make?

The 2002 Salary Survey reported by C&EN News (April 7, 2003) states that the medium starting salary for chemists were:

• $31,000 for those with a BS degree
• $45,000 for those with a MS degree
• $67,500 for those with a PhD degree

The starting salaries by employer were:

	BS	MS	PhD
Academia	$28,600	-	$39,700
Industry	$32,000	$45,000	$71,000
Government/other	$33,200	-	-
ALL	$31,000	$45,000	$67,500