The Career
Employment in the chemistry field follows the five main branches of the discipline: biochemistry and analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry. ECC students who complete their associate degree in chemistry are prepared to enter an undergraduate major leading to training in these areas. Opportunities include graduate and professional chemistry schools, and careers in research, industry, government and education.
Employment Opportunities
More specifically, related jobs include:
- Laboratory technician
- Chemist
- Quality control and assurance
- Technical writing or sales
- Forensic science
- Chemical safety officer
- Chemical information specialist
- Environmental science
- Product development and testing
- Medical research
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in chemistry should:
- Have solid written and verbal communications skills
- Exercise good analytical judgment
- Be proficient with scientific equipment
- Possess solid problem-solving skills
- Be detail oriented and well organized
- Demonstrate concern for the public’s health and safety
The Program
This curriculum is intended for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution. Students at East Central College who express an interest in chemistry or a related field have several course options and electives available. Assuming appropriate placement scores, biology is a two-year degree, with flexibility to customize the program of study toward the student’s chosen career.
The program consists of the 43-credit hour general education core required of all transfer degrees plus the necessary electives in biology, chemistry and physics. In addition, the college provides various students activities related to the discipline such as the Green Falcons and practicum experiences.
It is helpful if students pursuing the chemistry degree make early contact with a transfer institution in planning their program of study. They may wish to choose electives based on that institution’s criteria.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and/or universities. Please note that transferring credit is decided by the bachelor degree granting institution. Students seeking to transfer are advised to contact the four-year institutions regarding the transferability of the credits and coursework offered through East Central College.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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