Degree Program Study
Degree Program study
Online Classes - There May Be No Easier Way To Earn Your Science Degree!
Chemistry and biology majors have an abundant source of career opportunities available to them. Because both are central sciences, professionals who hold these degrees are needed in nearly every industry, business, and government sphere. A degree in biology or chemistry can lead to investigative, teaching, or research careers. The U.S. food and drug Administration (FDA) is one of the largest employers for chemical and biological professionals.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted chemists as one of the “critical” job positions for its 2010 hiring initiative. Experience is always a plus when applying for any job, but many of the chemist positions available at the FDA do not stress experience as much as they require education credentials and proof of specialized coursework in order to complete an application.
General duties performed by FDA chemists require analytical, evaluation, research, and investigation skills. Chemists may be involved with conducting research projects that study the effects of food components and dietary supplements. Investigation projects might include the effects of drugs and/or agricultural chemicals on domestic, livestock, or laboratory animals. Evaluation duties may come in the form of determining the adequacy of methods, facilities, and controls used to manufacture drugs.
An example of a chemist position at the FDA is the “interdisciplinary chemist.” In this capacity, the chemist might be a project manager who is in charge of the coordination of various regulatory and scientific projects that could be related to biological, radiological, chemical, and nuclear preparedness. As a project manager, the chemists act as an FDA representative, interacting with FDA constituents, outside organizations, and federal agencies.
Education requirements for an interdisciplinary chemist position include a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering, along with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, six hours of physics, and substantial coursework in mathematics and calculus. An FDA science position of this nature can be very lucrative. The salary for one can range anywhere from $105,000 - $136,000 per year.
Biologists are another “critical” hire for the Food and Drug Administration. As with chemists, biologists must also possess analytical and research skills. Biologists may be tasked with conducting research preparation and preservation of blood and blood products. They might find themselves studying the biological effects of additives or contaminants commonly found in foods. Or, they may be assigned with reviewing clinical data on various medical products to determine if they are safe and effective.
Standard FDA biologists must possess a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or chemistry. As always, math and other related science courses are valuable for a position of this type. Having a specialized field of study and practical experience enhances the chance of securing higher level positions.
Students pursuing bachelor online have so many career opportunities available to them upon graduation from online classes. Both of these science disciplines are used across the board in nearly every workforce as well as in a university setting. Chemistry and biology professionals are in high demand within the U.S. Government sector, including the Food and Drug Administration.
NTU - Degree Program for Int'l Students (English Version)