Transitioning from ChemE to Chemistry: Weighing Job Opportunities and Passion

[alex05]

Hey guys,

I am currently finishing up my freshman year as a chemical engineer and I have seen many threads asking if they should go from chemistry to chemE, but never the other way around. Personally, I like research. I think it would be great to actively do research and try to discover something new. I love chemistry, which has always come natural to me more so than math. I don't find chemE too challenging (you just have to be willing to put in the time) but I do find chemistry more interesting.

However,

Would this be giving up a huge job opportunity for a major with not many? I understand that some majors are more interesting but that doesn't make them more worthwhile. I don't know, chemists and chemical engineers, what do you think?

 

[alex05]

Or would it be better to get my B.S. in ChemE, work, then get a graduate degree in chemistry later?

 

[lisab]

If, by "do research" you mean working as a professor in academia, you should know that's really a long shot. Job openings are rare and the competition is tough.

Chem E jobs are widely available and generally pay extremely well. Chemistry jobs are becoming rare and generally pay poorly.

With respect to employment, any degree with "engineer" attached is easier to market, IMO.