Opportunities in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacognosy
With an advanced degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmacognosy from USP, you'll be in great demand. Recent statistics cited in the Chemical and Engineering News show that the vast majority of graduates find immediate employment in attractive, challenging, well-paying positions.
Those with at least a master's degree, and particularly those with a PhD, will enjoy better opportunities than those with just a bachelor's degree for most research and upper management positions. If you complete your graduate program at USP, you will receive an excellent background, not only in your area of specialization, but also in the general field of chemistry. As a result, our graduates are in demand – all of our students have been employed either directly upon graduation, or shortly thereafter.
Organizations that employ our students include:
Corporations
- AstraZeneca
- Consumer Laboratory Com
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Merck
Colleges and Universities
- Drexel University School of Medicine
- Northwestern University
- University of Delaware
Research Laboratories
- ISI
- Food and Drug Administration
- National Cancer Institute
- National Institutes of Health
Chemical Sciences Career Outlook
Employment of chemists is expected to grow for all occupations through 2012. Job growth will be concentrated in pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing and in scientific research and development services firms.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, job opportunities in the chemical industry will be most plentiful in pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. Biotechnological research, including studies of human genes, leads to the development of new drugs to combat illnesses and diseases that have been unresponsive to treatments derived by traditional chemical processes.
Stronger competition among drug companies and an aging population are contributing to the need for innovative and improved drugs discovered through scientific research.
The chemical industry will see continued demand for goods such as new and better pharmaceuticals and personal care products, as well as for more specialty chemicals designed to address specific problems or applications. To meet these demands, some chemical firms will continue to devote money to research and development–through in-house teams or outside contractors–spurring employment growth for chemists.
USP Career Services
From career counseling, to helping you develop networks with other alumni, to helping you make contacts in the pharmaceutical industry, USP can help you advance and develop your career. For information and assistance, contact our Office of Career Services at (215) 596-8735.
