Basic human needs like the nutrients we consume, the air we breathe, and the blood that flows through our veins can all be understood and explored with chemistry. These common chemical reactions and elemental compositions unite us in life. And yet, even these were once used to divide us. In the early history of blood transfusion, American doctors and institutions segregated blood itself, separating Black and White blood.

Black Students Are Underrepresented in Chemistry Programs

Black students remain significantly underrepresented in chemistry programs across the United States, reflecting broader disparities within STEM education. In 2018, Black students earned just 7% of STEM bachelor’s degrees as a whole. As of 2022, only 9.3% of bachelor’s degrees in chemistry were awarded to Black students. This underrepresentation is influenced by multiple factors, including limited access to quality STEM education in K-12 schools, socioeconomic barriers, and a lack of representation and mentorship in higher education settings. 

Black Women Are Even More Underrepresented in Chemistry

The representation of Black women in chemistry programs is even more sparse than that of their male counterparts, creating a double bind of racial and gender disparity. Black women face unique challenges, including pervasive stereotypes and a lack of female role models in STEM fields. Black women often encounter significant barriers in their educational journeys, such as lack of encouragement in grade school as well as limited access to advanced STEM coursework and extracurricular opportunities.

Chemistry degrees position graduates well for a stable and prosperous future, which is essential given systemic inequities that often hinder Black Americans from achieving financial stability. Higher education in lucrative STEM fields like chemistry offers a key opportunity to narrow racial and gender wealth gaps and build generational wealth for future successors.

If you’re interested in exploring chemistry in your future, read on to find out how to get started, which careers you can investigate, and everything you need to know to prepare for success.

How to Get Started

Since chemistry is a required class for most high schools, you’ll likely have an opportunity to start exploring your interest in chemistry there. You can also work on developing the characteristics and qualifications that are important in the field. For example, successful chemists are detail-oriented problem-solvers and are skilled in math and science. Their work requires them to be effective both working individually and on a team.

Thanks to the versatility of their skillset, chemists will find well-paying, stable work in many different industries. Both in your studies and in your future career, you can focus on the areas that interest you the most. Possible specializations include chemical engineering, teaching, forensics, pharmacology, environmental chemistry, nanochemistry, and toxicology.

Whatever your interest, students who plan to pursue careers in this field will need to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in chemistry. Such programs include a wide range of related course subjects, such as:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Calculus
• Geometry
• Computer science
• Engineering physics

Chemistry Degrees Lead to High-Paying and Rewarding Jobs

Earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry can open doors to highly lucrative career paths, offering significant financial benefits and opportunities for upward socioeconomic mobility. Although some roles typically require graduate degrees, many do not, offering a powerful catalyst for starting a career in chemistry. Examples of fields in which chemistry professionals can earn $70,000 per year or more include:

• Pharmaceutical chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemical engineering
• Environmental chemistry
• Materials science
• Research science
• Forensic chemistry

Careers in Chemistry

Graduates in this field may pursue careers in a wide variety of capacities. Some of these include:

• Anesthesiology
• Astrophysics
• Ballistics
• Biochemistry
• Chemical analysis
• General chemistry
• Crime lab analysis
• Environmental engineering
• Geochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Education
• Toxicology

HBCUs Can Help You Start a Career in Chemistry

Given the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in college admissions, more Black students are likely to turn to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for their education. In response, these institutions will do everything they can to meet increased student demand. HBCUs help more students earn college degrees, compete successfully for well-paying jobs in competitive career fields, improve workforce diversity, and increase upward economic mobility.

People of all ages, races, and life paths can help to improve diversity in American chemistry disciplines by supporting scholarships and other forms of funding for HBCUs with related programs. You can make a difference in the lives of chemistry students in one easy step by making a donation today.

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How to Prepare for Success

Chances are, your high school offers several classes that will help you develop key skills needed in the chemistry field. Take as many advanced math and science courses as you can. Science classes that require lab work are a great way to get a head start on developing practical skills. Taking AP Chemistry, if it’s available, is especially helpful. 

As you go through the process of selecting a college, find a school with a chemistry program that boasts successful alumni. Ask about the technology available in campus labs. Is it up-to-date with what professional chemists are using today? By working with professional-grade technology in your studies, you’ll be better equipped to hit the ground running for a future career.

Schools to Consider

To enter fields related to chemistry, students must at minimum earn a bachelor’s degree. These high-ranking UNCF-member schools (and others) offer programs in chemistry:

• Tuskegee University
• Spelman College
• Clark Atlanta University
• Xavier University of Louisiana
• Johnson C. Smith University
• Claflin University
• Virginia Union University
• Morehouse College
• Tougaloo College
• Oakwood University
• Florida Memorial University
• Fisk University
• Huston-Tillotson University
• Talladega College
• Bethune-Cookman University

Professional Organizations

There are also many professional chemistry organizations that can provide more insight into some of the specializations in this discipline. These organizations include:

• American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
• American Chemical Society (ACS)
• American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
• Biochemical Society
• Chemical Institute of Canada
• European Photochemistry Association (EPA)

Scholarships Available

There’s no better way to start out your path toward a successful career in chemistry than with a solid financial foundation. Fortunately, many scholarships are available through UNCF, including some specifically for chemistry majors. Keep an eye on the UNCF website for current scholarship opportunities and announcements. 

Search for specific scholarships and view those that are currently accepting applications here! Students should also check with each college or university to see if there are additional scholarships available to study chemistry.

As you explore your options, be sure to use our guide to applying for scholarships and grants. You can also receive guidance by submitting a major interest form if you are interested in a career in chemistry. Submit the form on our website to get started. And follow us on UNCF social media channels to receive notifications about our scholarships and member HBCUs. Reach out today!