Chemistry, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Chemistry, Other.: The DTI for this program is 55.3%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Chemistry, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $40873) to the average debt ($22608) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Chemistry, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 55.3%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Chemistry, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($40873) against the typical student debt ($22608), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Chemistry, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $40873, and with an average student debt of $22608, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.55—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 19976 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Chemistry, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Chemistry, Other (CIP 40.0599) is a broad and flexible physical science field centered on the study of matter, its composition, properties, transformations, and the energy changes that accompany chemical processes. This classification includes specialized or interdisciplinary chemistry programs that do not fall neatly into traditional subfields such as analytical, organic, physical, or biochemistry. Instead, it allows institutions to offer customized tracks that reflect emerging research areas, applied industry needs, or interdisciplinary integrations with fields like materials science, environmental science, data science, or engineering.
For a degree search site, Chemistry, Other represents adaptability and scientific depth. Chemistry sits at the center of modern science—bridging physics, biology, medicine, engineering, and environmental studies. From developing new materials and pharmaceuticals to analyzing environmental pollutants and designing sustainable energy solutions, chemistry underpins innovation across industries. This degree appeals to students who want a strong chemical foundation with the freedom to tailor their studies toward applied, interdisciplinary, or emerging scientific domains.
What Is a Chemistry, Other Degree?
A Chemistry, Other degree is an undergraduate or graduate-level program focused on chemical science while allowing flexibility beyond standard chemistry concentrations. Programs under this classification may emphasize niche areas, interdisciplinary applications, or customized curricula that combine chemistry with other scientific or technical fields.
Rather than locking students into a single subdiscipline, this degree typically emphasizes:
- Core chemical principles and laboratory techniques
- Quantitative analysis and problem-solving
- Experimental design and data interpretation
- Interdisciplinary applications of chemistry
- Preparation for research, industry, or graduate study
Colleges and universities offer this degree to:
- Support specialized or emerging chemistry pathways
- Prepare students for applied science and industry roles
- Enable interdisciplinary study across STEM fields
- Provide flexibility for students with diverse scientific goals
This degree is often chosen by students who want chemistry as a foundation but plan to apply it in nontraditional or evolving areas.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how chemical principles explain the structure, behavior, and transformation of matter at molecular and atomic levels. You’ll study how reactions occur, how substances interact, and how chemical processes can be measured, controlled, and applied.
While curricula vary, most programs ensure a strong grounding in core chemistry while allowing electives or concentrations aligned with specific interests.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Chemical analysis and measurement—quantifying substances and reactions
- Laboratory techniques—synthesis, separation, and characterization
- Quantitative problem-solving—applying math to chemical systems
- Experimental design—planning and executing scientific experiments
- Data analysis and interpretation—drawing conclusions from results
- Safety and regulatory awareness—handling chemicals responsibly
- Scientific documentation—maintaining lab records and reports
- Critical thinking—evaluating evidence and troubleshooting experiments
These skills are essential for laboratory, research, and technical careers.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is a flexible “Other” classification, coursework can vary significantly, but commonly includes:
- General and Advanced Chemistry: foundational chemical principles
- Organic Chemistry: structure and reactions of carbon-based compounds
- Physical Chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum concepts
- Analytical Chemistry: chemical measurement and instrumentation
- Inorganic Chemistry: metals, coordination compounds, and materials
- Materials or Polymer Chemistry: design of advanced materials
- Environmental or Green Chemistry: sustainable chemical processes
- Chemical Instrumentation: spectroscopy and chromatography
- Computational or Data-Driven Chemistry: modeling and simulation
Many programs allow students to shape coursework around applied or interdisciplinary goals.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Chemistry, Other degree prepares students for a wide range of laboratory, technical, and analytical roles. Career outcomes depend on specialization, experience, and whether graduates pursue advanced degrees.
Common career paths include:
- Chemist or Laboratory Scientist: conducting chemical analysis or synthesis
- Quality Control or Quality Assurance Analyst: testing products and processes
- Materials or Process Technician: supporting manufacturing and R&D
- Environmental or Safety Specialist: monitoring chemical hazards
- Pharmaceutical or Biotech Associate: drug development and testing
- Research Assistant: supporting academic or industrial research
- Technical Sales or Support Specialist: science-based customer roles
- Graduate or Professional School Path: chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, or engineering
Many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone into advanced scientific or healthcare careers.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments that rely on chemical expertise:
- Industrial and manufacturing laboratories
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Environmental testing and consulting firms
- Government and regulatory agencies
- Research institutions and universities
- Energy, materials, and chemical companies
- Healthcare and diagnostic laboratories
Chemistry graduates often collaborate with engineers, biologists, and data scientists.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, industry, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level lab or technician roles: often $45,000–$65,000
- Chemists or applied science professionals: commonly $65,000–$95,000
- Senior scientists or specialized experts: can exceed $100,000–$120,000+
Advanced degrees and industry specialization significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Chemistry, Other is considered academically demanding. Students must be comfortable with math, abstract concepts, and laboratory precision. Coursework often involves complex problem-solving, long lab sessions, and careful attention to detail.
The challenge lies in mastering both theory and hands-on experimentation simultaneously.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy laboratory work and experimentation
- Like solving quantitative and conceptual problems
- Are interested in materials, medicine, or environmental science
- Want flexibility within a chemistry-focused degree
- Are considering graduate or professional school
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a chemistry program:
- Take chemistry, physics, and advanced math courses
- Build strong skills in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus
- Practice careful lab work and scientific documentation
- Join science clubs or research programs
- Develop curiosity about how materials and reactions work
Chemistry, Other (CIP 40.0599) is a powerful and adaptable degree for students who want to understand and manipulate matter at a fundamental level. It provides a rigorous scientific foundation, practical laboratory skills, and analytical thinking abilities that support careers in research, industry, healthcare, and emerging interdisciplinary fields.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor