Ask A Scientist© Chemistry Archive

name        Bob
status      student
age         12

Question -  What requirements are necessary to become a chemist?
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To be a chemist, one must have great appreciation, if not love, for science.
One must have attention to details, for often a seemingly minor occurence
leads to something major. One must enjoy the challenge of learning, and
always seeking knowledge; Serendipity seeks the prepared intellect. One
must be faithful to his (or her) dreams, their pursuit is a happy trip down
what are often the hardest of roads. And one must strive to help others to
find the pleasure of understanding a little more about the world around us.
(Then there's also pursuing a college-preparatory
math/science/foreign-language curriculum in high school, followed by college
and perhaps graduate school if you intend to earn a living as a chemist.)
Best wishes!
Tim Spry

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Dear Bob,

Virtually all chemists have at least an associate's degree in either
chemistry, chemical technology, biochemistry, chemical
engineering or a related field. Most have at least a bachelor's
degree, many have master's degrees, and many have the doctorate
(Ph.D.) degree.

In order to prepare for post-high school studies in chemistry,
you should take as much chemistry, biology, physics and
mathematics as possible. English courses are also very important,
especially those which emphasize writing and public speaking,
because chemists have to communicate their findings to other
chemists, to their employers, and to the public. A foreign
language is helpful too; many chemistry ph.d. programs require
proficiency in translating articles written in
either German, French or Russian.

I hope this answrs the question - good luck!
best,
prof. topper
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