If you are unsure whether to take a four-year bachelor’s degree or not, you should consider an associate degree as an excellent alternative for you.
With the two-year course of study in a specialization, you will have the liberty to create your pathway after completion. This program is enough to build the foundation for earning a bachelor’s degree whenever you decide to.
Featured Programs
While other industries and jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, these 2-year programs provide intensive training to help you gain employment in some fields. In a short time, you will be ready to go through the professional arena.
Listen to the summarization of this article here:
An Associate in Chemistry is your springboard for earning a bachelor’s degree or starting an exciting career. It is, therefore, critical that you pick the best college that offers you quality training for educational or career preparedness.
Our list features 15 of the country’s best colleges offering associate programs in Chemistry. The colleges and universities were ranked based on their coursework, quality of instruction, accreditation status, reputation among their peers, affordability and overall value of the program, and financial aid options.
Our goal is to make the process of choosing a program easy for you, so you can enroll in an Associate in Chemistry program that shapes you into becoming a well-trained professional in this field.
For more in-depth details, please visit our Methodology page.
List of the 20 Best Chemistry Associate’s Degree Colleges
Glendale Community College
Associate degree in Physical Science
Glendale Community College offers an Associate degree in Physical Science wherein you can specialize in Chemistry. This program stresses critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving as methods of learning. The demonstration of scientific laws and theories and all their applications are covered in the curriculum.
According to the American Chemical Society, associate degree graduates will compare their general chemistry performance exams according to the national performance norm.
This program started back in 2010 which Dr. Carlos G. Gutierrez structured. It was then that the community college started investing in essential equipment and supplies for research.
When undergraduate research continuously became successful three times in a row, more investment for further development in the research was implemented again in 2012. From then on, it has proven how beneficial this program is for many students in the college.
Location:
- Glendale, California
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Program Features:
- Should be completed with a grade of C or better
- 24 total units required for significant courses in Chemistry
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Astronomy of the Solar System
- Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies
Admissions:
- High school transcripts and diploma
- Minimum of 2.0 or C grade point average
- TOEFL score of 45 minimum grade, or IELTS score of 4.5 minimum average (if coming from a non-English country)
- Affidavit of Support Form and Bank Statement
- 1-page Personal Essay
Financial Aid:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal SEOG
- Cal Grants
- The Student Success Completion Grant
- Chafee Grants
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG) – (Formerly the BOG Fee Waiver)
- EOPS Grants and Book Vouchers
- Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship
- Federal work and study
- Federal direct loan program
- Private educational loans
What’s unique about the program:
- They provide opportunities for a group of outstanding students to participate and be selected as a part of the Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Research class.
Raritan Valley Community College
Associate of Science degree program in Science and Mathematics
Suppose you want to take up a degree that can prepare you to specialize in other programs at four-year colleges or universities or transfer to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
In that case, you can find it suitable to enroll in an associate of science degree in chemistry at Raritan Valley Community College. You can work in different academic, industrial, and clinical laboratories in environmental science, chemical sales, and chemical engineering.
Their laboratories are equipped with modern equipment and facilities, and their computer systems are advanced in data acquisition and analysis activities.
Location:
- Branchburg, New Jersey
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Features:
- 64-67 credits are required upon completion
- Students who pass the technology competence test can take up any General Education course
- 2-3 years for full-time students
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- General Physics
- Engineering Physics
Admissions:
- Answer some quick questions to get access to their admissions requirements.
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal Pell Grant
- Tuition Aid Grant
What’s unique about the program:
- The program is designed to comply with the New Jersey Community Colleges General Education Foundation’s requirements, which accepts transferees from N.J. Public 4-year colleges and universities.
Green River College
You can prepare to get a major later or transfer to a university by supporting Green River College’s courses. It’s the best program for your educational foundation. You can focus on distribution choices for now and elective credits so that you can later meet your educational goals efficiently and effectively.
This transfer degree will help you learn more about the study of composition, properties, and matter. You have a broader knowledge of taking substances, dissecting them apart, and uniting them together in diverse ways. Your learnings in this program will be vital as you contribute to the industrialized world.
Location:
- Auburn, Washington
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Features:
- Two years (full-time students)
- 90‐quarter credits must be completed
Course Options:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Natural Science
- Humanities
Admissions:
- Completed application form
- High school completion requirements
- Financial Statement
- Application fee
- Valid passport, Medical Release Form
- Applicants should be 16 years old by the program start date
Financial Aid:
- Employment Programs
- Gift Aid
- Loan Programs
What’s unique about the program:
- The majority of the students who took up an Associate Degree in Chemistry were able to transfer to many top 100 world universities, as ranked by Shanghai Jiaotong University.
Rose State College
Chemistry Associate in Science degree
The Associate degree program in chemistry at Rose State College focuses on providing a comprehensive basic education program for students who have plans of transferring to 4-year colleges and universities. They are trained so that they will be able to pursue and be committed to taking up professional degrees.
As a two-year educational institution, this college holds an “open-door” admissions policy, providing many young learners with educational opportunities.
The academic courses and services enclosed in this 2-year degree are geared towards improving students’ knowledge, skills, and understanding of Chemistry. At the same time, they can establish an educational background in life sciences, physics, and general education.
Location:
- Midwest City, Oklahoma
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- Grade of C or higher (for degree completion)
- 66 credit hours minimum
Course Options:
- General College Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- General Physics
Admissions:
- Application for Admission (PDF)
- Completed vaccination form (PDF)
- Transcripts for high school/GED or college credit completed and test scores (ACT/SAT or placement)
- Enrollment may be limited without transcripts and scores.
Financial Aid:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
- Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grants (OTAG)
- Oklahoma Promise Scholarships
What’s unique about the program:
- They boast an “open-door” admissions policy, making it easier to enroll and accept this good-quality college.
Oxnard College
Oxnard College offers courses in their Associate degree in Chemistry to prepare those proceeding or transferring to Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree programs in Chemistry. As a pre-requisite, you must complete the core courses and general education degree requirements.
After finishing this program, you will be ready and equipped to face the upper-division coursework offered by 4-year colleges and universities.
You can generate technical skills through this program, so if you intend to work right after finishing this two-year degree, it would also be possible. The coursework is sequential, so students can focus more on ensuring the requirements for a Chemistry major.
Location:
- Oxnard, California
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program Features:
- Exposure to laboratory and research environment
- A diverse selection of courses and sub-list of courses
Course Options:
- General Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Elementary Chemistry
- General Chemistry
Admissions:
- Register online and activate your student portal
- Complete online orientation
- Transcripts
- Assessment of English and Math Skills
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Federal work and study
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
What’s unique about the program:
- They focus on honing technical skills so you can find job opportunities in the field of Chemistry after finishing this 2-year associate program.
Phoenix College
If you take up an associate degree in Chemistry at Phoenix College, you’ll have a pathway in an early career as a chemical technician or chemical equipment operator. However, if you proceed with a bachelor’s degree, you can be a chemist, chemical engineer, or materials scientist.
This 2-year program will act as your foundation for preparation for graduate programs. After finishing a graduate degree, you may be able to work as a chemistry professor if you wish. Begin learning about Chemistry’s fundamentals and let Phoenix College hone your necessary skill set before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree.
In this curriculum, you will experience hands-on learning at laboratories, procedure designing, and mitigating risks. You will also study safety protocols while prioritizing ethical and social responsibilities. Your critical thinking skills will be improved as you learn to help solve real-world problems.
Location:
- Phoenix, Arizona
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 60-71 credits required
- Grade C or higher (for each course)
Course Options:
- Chemistry and Society
- Fundamental Chemistry
- Chemistry for Allied Health
- General Chemistry
Admissions:
- High school transcripts and certificate
- Evidence of potential success in the community college
- A transfer student should have a good standing from their previous college or university
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Student loans
- Scholarships
- Federal work-study
What’s unique about the program:
- Their associate degree program offers many pathway options for you after completion.
El Paso Community College
Associate of Science degree in Chemistry
Some of the courses provided by the associate degree in chemistry at El Paso Community College are focused on:
- general and organic chemistry courses,
- calculus,
- physics,
- and general education courses.
You will experience both lectures and laboratory classes to gain hands-on laboratory techniques and procedures. After finishing this two-year program, you’ll have a degree that will support you in finding jobs and starting your career in the field of Chemistry.
This educational pathway is relatively more affordable than attending a four-year university since freshman year. Smaller-sized classes are also one definite benefit of this two-year study program.
Location:
- El Paso, Texas
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Features:
- Two years for full-time students
- 60 credit hours are required for completion
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Mastering Academic Excellence
- Organic Chemistry
- Engineering Physics
Admissions:
- Official transcripts
- FAFSA online application
- Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine
- Assessment Test
Financial Aid:
- Work-study
- Scholarships
What’s unique about the program:
- Students who complete the associate degree in chemistry can acquire technician positions in different sectors such as health, business, and industrial sectors. You can also find a job as a medical laboratory technician, chemistry technician, or quality assurance technician.
Truckee Meadows Community College
Associate of Science, Chemistry
Serving as preparatory education for a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, an associate program at Truckee Meadows Community College leads to many careers in:
- medicine,
- biotechnology,
- engineering,
- and fire sciences.
As for education purposes, it serves as a support for other degree programs in:
- physical sciences and biology,
- nursing,
- dental hygiene,
- and radiological technology.
This two-year transferrable degree curriculum includes core courses in physical sciences and mathematics. The American Chemical Society instructs these if you plan to transfer to any ACS-accredited chemistry program in the future.
All the courses you will take are compatible requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Location:
- Reno, Nevada
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Program Features:
- The term is offered as needed
- Chem 341 or Chem 241 is a pre-requisite of this program and should have a grade of C or higher
Course Options:
- Preparatory Chemistry
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Admissions:
- Admission application
- Complete New Student Orientation, Admission, and Registration (SOAR)
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Work-study programs
What’s unique about the program:
- You can receive one-on-one attention from your instructor since each class has only 28 students, both in laboratory and classroom lectures.
Los Angeles City College
Associate of Science, Chemistry
Having a Chemistry background will benefit you in landing a career in:
- health care,
- technology,
- consumer industries,
- pharmaceuticals,
- forensic science,
- environmental engagement,
- food technology,
- cosmetics,
- and the petroleum industry.
Aside from using it as an educational foundation, you can use Chemistry knowledge to understand how our society uses it in our everyday life. The air, food, human body, snow, gasoline, gadgets, and anything surrounding you are integrated with the study of chemistry.
Taking up this associate degree in Chemistry will help you prepare as you use it as a general education requirement for attending a university major such as:
- pre-medical,
- pre-dental,
- anthropology,
- biology,
- chemistry,
- geology,
- nursing,
- physics,
- and pharmacy.
Location:
- Los Angeles, California
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Program Features:
- Minimum of 60 units is required for the completion
- At least 12 units taken at Los Angeles City College
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Calculus
- Physics for Engineer
Admissions:
- Complete online application
- Access the student portal
- Attend assessment, orientation, and counseling
- Register and pay for classes
Financial Aid:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
- Teach Grant
- Federal Work-study
- Federal Student Loans
What’s unique about the program:
- Los Angeles City College has an open-admissions policy, so it’s easier to enroll in this city college.
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Associate of Science Chemistry
The Minnesota State system has seven universities that honor the Associate of Science In Chemistry as a path toward a bachelor’s. All the course credits will be useful when you finally continue your Bachelor’s degree.
However, for those who plan to transfer to educational institutions not part of the Minnesota State system, you are advised to consult your preferred transfer school first to check whether the courses are on par with their curriculum requirements.
You will learn about central theories in Chemistry, and its various disciplines, including:
- health sciences,
- biological sciences,
- and engineering.
When it comes to laboratory learning, you will have the opportunity to use multiple techniques and instruments.
As for computer skills, you will also associate with data analysis, presentation, and document laboratory procedures. Your skills will be honed in all aspects of Chemistry and its related areas. You will also be able to cooperate in teams during oral and written presentations.
Location:
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 60 credits are required for completion
Course Options:
- Chemistry
- Forensic Science
- Principles of Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Admissions:
- High school transcripts
- College transcripts (if applicable)
- Standardized exam scores
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Student Employment
What’s unique about the program:
- You can quickly transfer to the seven universities of the Minnesota State System.
Rio Hondo College
Rio Hondo College’s Associate degree in chemistry is designed and structured to meet the lower-division requirements for chemistry majors.
With this two-year degree, you can prepare to take a bachelor’s degree shortly. Among the majors you can take, you can qualify for biochemistry, chemical engineering, and other fields.
This program curriculum provides a broad, comprehensive overview of Chemistry’s main areas and their applications. You can develop your critical thinking skills and use tools that can help solve chemical questions.
Location:
- Whittier, California
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Program Features:
- Must complete 60 credits
- Minimum of 2.0 GPA in all CSU-transferrable coursework
Course Options:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Math
Admissions:
- Admission application
- ACT or SAT scores
- High school transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Loans
- grants
What’s unique about the program:
- You might want to enroll in this institution if you’re going to be surrounded by more Hispanic students and staff.
Scottsdale Community College
Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Chemistry
Scottsdale Community College offers an associate degree program, the first two years of a four-year curriculum specializing in Chemistry. Students who take up this program can, later on, proceed to a bachelor’s or graduate program in a related area.
By finishing this 2-year degree, you may work as a chemical technician, a chemical equipment operator, or a tender. And if you proceed to complete a bachelor’s degree, you will have a wider pool of job opportunities like a chemical engineer, chemist, or material scientist.
Through this program, your skills will develop in constructing qualitative and quantitative models about chemical phenomena. You can also solve chemistry-related problems through scientific inquiry. As for experiments and laboratory activities, you will be given chances to conduct investigations, collect data, and utilize technology and equipment.
Location:
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 60-71 credit units are required for completion
- Earn C or a higher grade in each course
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry
- University Physics
Admissions:
- Student Admission Application
- Activate Maricopa Enterprise ID (MEID)
- Obtain a student email account
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Grants
- employment
What’s unique about the program:
- This program offers multiple options as a pathway map.
Elgin Community College
Course requirements from other higher education institutions for a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry would vary. So, make sure to inquire about those schools and talk to an academic advisor to discuss the specific requirements.
Earn your associate degree in Chemistry and use it in building your foundation for a brighter future. This 2-year curriculum will make you quickly transfer to a university or help you prepare for immediate employment after graduation.
This vocational certificate is honored by many businesses and industries, making your learnings and skills developed beneficial to their institutions. You know you made the right decision when you chose to enroll at Elgin Community College.
Location:
- Elgin, Illinois
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- Affordable
- Dedicated faculty
- Outstanding facilities
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Calculus
- Organic Chemistry
- Engineering Physics
Admissions:
- Online application
- Submission of ACT or SAT scores
- Attend student orientation
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Student employment programs
What’s unique about the program:
- Their tuition fee is lower and competitive, and they also offer generous scholarships and financial aid packages.
South Mountain Community College
Associate in Science, Emphasis in Chemistry
As part of the Maricopa Community Colleges, South Mountain Community College offers this 2-year associate degree for any students who want to pursue higher education and would later proceed to a bachelor’s degree or graduate programs related to chemistry. With this certificate, you can already jumpstart your career in any chemistry-related industry.
With this program, your professional and ethical behaviors will be nurtured as you apply chemistry discipline. You can contribute to society by analyzing real-world problems and synthesizing solutions while using chemistry theories and principles. You will also have many opportunities to work and collaborate with diverse groups and individuals.
Location:
- Phoenix, Arizona
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 60-71 total credits required
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry
Admissions:
- MEID
- Student ID Number
- Maricopa Email Address
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- scholarships
What’s unique about the program:
- They offer very low-cost pricing on their program for in-state Maricopa County residents.
Chaffey College
Suppose you want to land a job in agriculture, government, education, or the pharmaceutical industry. In that case, this two-year degree in chemistry is enough for you to be considered a candidate.
Taking a Chemistry major will make you enjoy research, conduct many experiments, and work with specialized equipment and computers. You will also understand a deeper context of chemistry, its characterization, composition, and transformations.
Many occupations lead back to the study of chemistry, among many things. Other specialties related to chemistry are:
- organic,
- physical,
- nuclear,
- inorganic,
- biochemistry,
- and chemical engineering.
This 2-year course is sufficient to prepare you for a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
Location:
- Rancho Cucamonga, California
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Program Features:
- Must complete 60 transferrable credit units
- GPA of 2.0 or better
Course Options:
- Organic Chemistry
- General Chemistry
- Health Science Chemistry
Admissions:
- College application
- Complete orientation and placement
- Educational plan
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- State Financial Aid
- Federal Financial Aid
What’s unique about the program:
- They have a chemistry club, and anyone interested is welcome to join. This club conducts chemistry demonstrations, volunteer activities, field trips, and special lectures.
Palo Alto College
Associate of Science concentration in Chemistry
The science of chemistry straddles the boundary between the physical and biological sciences. When transferring to a four-year institution, students with an Associate of Science concentration in chemistry will have a solid foundation to build on. Fortunately, you can earn an associate degree in Chemistry at Palo Alto College.
In addition to a degree in chemistry, this foundation will prepare a student to enter the fields of:
- dentistry,
- medicine,
- or pharmacy.
The bachelor’s degree in chemistry prepares the student for employment as a chemist in industry or graduate study. All students should take calculus and physics in eight hours.
Location:
- San Antonio, Texas
Accreditation:
- SACSCOC or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 63 credit hours are required for completion
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Calculus
- Composition
Admissions:
- Online Modules
- TSI requirements
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Work Study
- Scholarships
What’s Unique about the Program:
- Organized student activities are integral to Palo Alto College’s educational experience. A wide variety of cultural, recreational, religious, governance, honor, social, and political organizations are available for students to join.
College of San Mateo
Chemistry Associate in Science Degree
With an Associate of Science degree in chemistry, you may be able to secure employment as:
- environmental technicians,
- laboratory technicians,
- safety managers,
- sanitarians,
- and water-quality analysts.
Still, the majority of careers in the field require a BS or a more advanced degree. Some of the careers that you can prepare for when you earn this associate degree are involved in industries such as:
- analytical chemistry,
- biochemistry,
- biotechnology,
- dentistry,
- education,
- forensics,
- environmental/industrial health engineering,
- pharmacy,
- physician,
- research chemist,
- and veterinarian.
Manufacturing firms employ nearly two-thirds of chemists. There are also numerous government agencies in federal, local, and state sectors that hire chemists. In some cases, chemists work for educational institutions or research organizations.
Location:
- San Mateo, California
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program Features:
- 60 credits required
- 60 – 70 transferable units
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- General Physics
- Physics with Calculus
Admissions:
- College Orientation
- Assessment
- Educational Plan
Financial Aid:
- Pell Grant
- Federal Work-Study
- Promise Scholars Program
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Throughout this course, you will learn to apply general and organic chemistry theories to solve problems relating to graphs and numerical data obtained from laboratory experiments.
Orange Coast College
Chemistry Associate of Science Degree
A Chemistry Associate of Science degree is designed to provide students with the opportunity to become scientifically literate citizens who can make informed decisions about chemistry-related issues, encourage critical thinking about how chemistry impacts the natural world, and foster a desire for chemistry through scientific study.
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to draw sound conclusions from data and observations collected.
Chemistry content knowledge will be demonstrated by students, including knowledge of basic chemical terminology and an understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts.
A student can use laboratory equipment, techniques, and instruments proficiently.
Location:
- Costa Mesa, California
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program Features:
- 60 units are required for completion
Course Options:
- Algebra
- Organic Chemistry
- General Chemistry
Admissions:
- High School Transcripts
- GED
Financial Aid:
- Fee Waiver
- Pell Grant
- Grants
- Student Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Using chemistry as a learning tool, they are committed to providing students with concepts, problem-solving skills, laboratory and safety skills, and helping them develop higher-level reasoning skills.
Irvine Valley College
Associate of Science degree in Chemistry
Students will find the chemistry curriculum suitable for pursuing majors in:
- chemistry,
- medicine,
- physics,
- biology,
- geology,
- physics,
- engineering,
- nursing,
- marine science,
- dental hygiene,
- physical therapy
- or liberal art.
Future chemists in this program will learn how to develop, apply, and theorize chemical knowledge.
The students perform experiments under the guidance of experienced faculty members in a modern chemistry laboratory. A series of computer-aided lessons and exercises also allow students to strengthen their laboratory skills and enhance their understanding of chemical concepts.
Location:
- Irvine, California
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Program Features:
- 60 units in total to earn the degree
Course Options:
- Organic Chemistry
- General Chemistry
Admissions:
- High School Transcripts
- Advisement
- Complete Orientation
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
- The Student Success Center promotes student success, and well-qualified tutors provide generous tutoring support to chemistry students.
Fullerton College
Chemistry Associate in Science Degree
Students who earn the Chemistry Associate in Science Degree will be prepared for further study in the sciences, specifically in chemistry.
Also, it may facilitate entry-level work in government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and material chemistry companies.
There are 20 units of required coursework for the Chemistry Associate in Science degree offered at Fullerton College.
Location:
- Fullerton, California
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Program Features:
- 20 required units
Course Options:
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Admissions:
- Official Transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Work-study
- Loans
- Scholarships
What’s Unique About the Program:
- You will learn how to handle chemicals safely and follow the program’s regulations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an Associate Degree in Chemistry?
If you are a student, who is curious about what it’s like to spend time in a lab but doesn’t want to handle complicated tasks, an associate’s degree in chemistry might be for you.
According to Data USA, the total Chemistry degrees awarded in 2021 declining by 3.25% to 21,238, respectively. Employees working in this industry have also increased by 2.69%, totaling 1.15 million people. These data prove just how viable it would be for you to pursue a Chemistry degree, considering that it is your passion.
An associate degree in Chemistry is a course of study specifically designed for students who want to transfer to universities and colleges that offer Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry or other related areas of study. You will have to take general and organic chemistry courses to prepare for more advanced Chemistry courses later in this two-year program.
Other electives and courses include Calculus, Physics, and general education courses. All the courses are structured in classroom lectures, laboratory classes, and online learning platforms, depending on the curriculum or program you choose.
All these learning styles will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience that will soon apply to your real career.
What are the career options for graduates with an Associate Degree in Chemistry?
An associate degree in chemistry will open many different career paths for you related to chemistry and other fields. Since Chemistry’s principles are somehow at par with other courses and majors under life sciences, you can find job opportunities in many scientific branches and industries in the future.
As a student who graduated with a Chemistry major, you will be adept at dealing with numbers, chemical elements, and problem-solving. You will gain critical thinking skills and adapt to collaborative ways of learning.
Besides studying Chemistry basics, you will also dive into in-depth learning on microbiology, organic chemistry, general chemistry, and molecular chemistry.
As you begin your career ladder, you can pursue an entry-level job after finishing this two-year program to be a medical lab technician, chemistry researcher, and laboratory assistant. And depending on companies and institutions, here are some more careers that you can engage in after graduating with an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree:
- Chemical technicians
- Food science technicians
- Food scientists
- Agricultural technician
- Anthropologist
- Archeologist
- Biochemists
- Economists
- Forensic science technicians
- Environmental technicians
- Chemists
- Materials scientist
- Historians
- Geological technicians
- Microbiologists
- Zoologists
- Epidemiologists
- Medical scientist
- Petroleum technicians
What are the Professional Chemistry Associations or Societies I can Join?
Becoming a professional association member has many perks and is an effective way to broaden your network and connections pool. From them, you can learn and develop more skills through valuable seminars and even generate certifications. You will build your credentials and establish your image in your industry.
As you accelerate your career, you will have more qualifications to choose and join different associations. So look for a chemistry association that will match your academic or professional concentration.
Here are some well-regarded associations in the field of Chemistry:
- American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- International Society for the Philosophy of Chemistry
Additional Resources:
