Chemistry supports biology, health, nutrition, forensic, environmental and engineering majors, and it satisfies prerequisites for many health and science graduate programs.
Skills a Chemistry minor adds
- Lab techniques
- Chemical safety
- Quantitative analysis
Majors that pair well with Chemistry
| Major | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Health Sciences | Covers prerequisites many clinical graduate programs require. |
| Nutrition and Dietetics | Strengthens the biochemistry behind nutrition science. |
| Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Builds the chemistry foundation behind how drugs work. |
| Medical Laboratory Science | Supports the chemistry behind many lab tests. |
| Biomedical Engineering | Supports biomaterials and lab work. |
| Biology | Required by many health and research graduate programs. |
| Forensic Science | Many crime labs look for a strong chemistry background. |
| Environmental Science and Sustainability | Strengthens lab and testing skills. |
Want to study it in depth? See the Chemistry major.
Careers where a Chemistry minor helps
Chemical Technician
Run chemical tests and experiments that support research and production.
- Typical training: 2 years
Chemist
Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.
- Typical training: 4+ years
Food Science Technician
Test food and ingredients to keep products safe, consistent and tasty.
- Typical training: 2 years
Related career training
A self-paced online course on what chemical technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: analytical chemistry, instrument operation, and solution preparation
Why it fits: Builds practical knowledge for careers a Chemistry minor points toward.
Chemistry minor FAQ
What is a Chemistry minor?
A Chemistry minor adds lab skills and an understanding of substances and reactions. Chemistry supports biology, health, nutrition, forensic, environmental and engineering majors, and it satisfies prerequisites for many health and science graduate programs.
What does a Chemistry minor include?
A Chemistry minor covers skills such as lab techniques, chemical safety, and quantitative analysis. Most minors require about 15 to 24 credit hours, often five to eight courses; each college sets its own requirements.
What majors go well with a Chemistry minor?
It pairs well with Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Forensic Science, and Environmental Science and Sustainability.
Is Chemistry a good minor for Health Sciences majors?
It can be. Covers prerequisites many clinical graduate programs require.
Is Chemistry a good minor for Nutrition and Dietetics majors?
It can be. Strengthens the biochemistry behind nutrition science.
Is Chemistry a good minor for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences majors?
It can be. Builds the chemistry foundation behind how drugs work.
What skills does a Chemistry minor add?
Skills such as lab techniques, chemical safety, and quantitative analysis.
What careers can a Chemistry minor help with?
It can support careers such as chemical technician, chemist, and food science technician, especially combined with a related major.
Is a Chemistry minor worth it?
It is worth it if it fills a gap in your major or supports the career you want. Chemistry supports biology, health, nutrition, forensic, environmental and engineering majors, and it satisfies prerequisites for many health and science graduate programs.
What is the difference between a Chemistry major and a Chemistry minor?
A Chemistry major is your main field of study (associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees) and prepares you for careers such as chemist, chemical technician, and food science technician. A minor is a smaller set of courses that adds chemistry knowledge to a different major.
Can any major add a Chemistry minor?
At most colleges, students in many majors can add a minor if they meet its prerequisites and can fit the courses. Check your college’s requirements.