Chemistry provides much of the common vocabulary, facts, and tools necessary for success in any area of science. Ultimately, most of the phenomena in the biological, geological, physical, environmental, and medical sciences can be expressed in terms of the chemical and physical behavior of atoms and molecules. Because of chemistry's key role, one or two years of chemistry are essential for students planning careers in the sciences.
Chemists and materials scientists held about 91,000 jobs in 2002. About 44 percent of all chemists and material scientists are employed in manufacturing firms-mostly in the chemical manufacturing industry, which includes firms that produce plastics and synthetic materials, drugs, soaps and cleaners, pesticides and fertilizers, paint, industrial organic chemicals, and other chemical products. About 15 percent of chemists and material scientists work in scientific research and development services; another 13 percent work in architectural, engineering, and related services. In addition, thousands of persons with a background in chemistry and materials science hold teaching positions in high schools and in colleges and universities.
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related discipline usually is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level chemist jobs.
Phone: (509) 751-4050
Clarkston Campus 1470 Bridge Street Clarkston, WA 99403
The Science Division seeks to provide students with a diverse array of physical and life science classes through which they will develop an increased awareness and understanding of scientific knowledge and the scientific method of investigation by which this knowledge has been gained.
