An Associate in Science (AS) degree in Chemistry will allow students to learn the fundamentals of chemistry while also preparing them to transfer to a university program. This degree is designed for students pursuing a career in chemistry or in a related field for which chemistry is an integral part. Potential careers could include being a chemical technician, chemical equipment operator and tender, chemist, chemical engineer, materials scientist, or chemistry professor.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Convert among various units of measurements
- Perform various calculations involving chemical equations
- Predict and explain subatomic particle behavior and periodic trends
- Determine and calculate reaction rates and predict the order of a reaction based on either numerical (relative rates and half-lives) or graphical kinetic (reaction rate) data
- Interpret stereochemical, spectral, and/or mechanistic information to propose a plausible structure or to confirm an existing molecular structure from the data given
- Recognize, predict, and explain the influences of molecular structure on chemical reactivity
Programs
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AS in Chemistry
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
Career Overview & Job Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Pharmacy Technicians Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders. |
$37,500 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels. |
$42,850 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing. |
$45,520 |
| Forensic Science Technicians Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry. |
$63,130 |
| Chemists Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. |
$68,520 |
| Postsecondary Chemistry Teachers Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research. |
$73,370 |
| Health and Safety Engineers Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. |
$83,700 |
| Materials Scientists Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists. |
$92,560 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms. |
$101,940 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems |
$104,080 |
| Pharmacists Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications. |
$122,310 |