Why Choose Chemistry?

Why Major in Chemistry or Materials Science

Choosing to major in Chemistry or Materials Science is more than an academic decision—it is a gateway to understanding and shaping the modern world. These disciplines are foundational to technological advancement, addressing societal challenges, and fueling innovation across sectors such as healthcare, energy, electronics, and sustainability.

Personal Significance

Understanding and Designing the Material World: Chemistry, often described as the “central science,” bridges the physical and life sciences by offering a deep understanding of molecular interactions, chemical reactions, and material properties (1). Materials Science builds on this knowledge, allowing scientists and engineers to tailor the structure and composition of materials to meet specific technological needs—from stronger alloys to bio-compatible polymers (2).

Interdisciplinary and Career Versatility: Both majors offer extensive interdisciplinary reach. Students trained in these fields are well-positioned for careers in biotechnology, nanoscience, pharmaceuticals, electronics, clean energy, and beyond (3,4). The foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills developed through chemistry and materials science equip graduates to thrive in both research and industry roles, or to pursue graduate studies in engineering, medicine, or law.

Research and Innovation Potential: Undergraduate and graduate students in chemistry and materials science are often actively involved in cutting-edge research. Whether synthesizing new compounds, developing smart materials, or studying the chemistry of life, these opportunities cultivate critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration. Many life-changing technologies—from CRISPR gene editing to artificial organs—began in academic laboratories.

Societal Impact and Role in Technology

Enabling Technological Innovation: Chemistry and materials science are the engines behind nearly every modern technological breakthrough. Microelectronics, for instance, are made possible by the manipulation of semiconducting materials at the atomic level (3). Advances in synthetic chemistry have led to better polymers for everything from waterproof fabrics to 3D printing. Without a deep understanding of atomic interactions and molecular behavior, the precision engineering of today’s electronics, sensors, and circuits would not be possible. Similarly, materials science has revolutionized industries by developing materials that are lighter, stronger, more conductive, or more sustainable. Examples include carbon fiber composites for aerospace, graphene-based conductors for flexible electronics, and metamaterials with unique optical properties.

Powering the Digital Age: Today’s data-driven society depends on faster, smaller, and more efficient devices. Chemistry and materials science have enabled the creation of high-performance processors, memory chips, and quantum computing materials (4). The miniaturization of technology—from smartphones to wearables—relies on nanoscale material design and precise chemical control. Chemists contribute by developing photoresists and dopants used in semiconductor fabrication, while materials scientists optimize thermal management and electrical conductivity in integrated circuits (5). Emerging technologies such as neuromorphic computing and spintronics are further examples where these fields are leading the frontier.

Advancing Clean Energy and Sustainability: Global efforts to transition to clean energy rely heavily on new chemical and material innovations. Chemistry has enabled the development of efficient catalysts for hydrogen production, fuel cells, and CO₂ capture (6). Materials science has brought forward next-generation solar cells (e.g., perovskites), high-capacity lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, and thermoelectric materials that convert waste heat to electricity. Such advancements are essential for achieving climate goals, reducing environmental footprints, and creating a sustainable energy future.

Transforming Medicine and Healthcare: Many breakthroughs in healthcare are rooted in chemistry and materials innovation. Drug discovery, for example, depends on understanding molecular interactions and designing compounds with targeted biological activity (7). Materials scientists have developed smart biomaterials for controlled drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and bioresorbable implants (8).

From mRNA vaccines to diagnostic sensors and imaging agents, the synergy of chemistry and materials science is at the heart of 21st-century medicine.

Conclusion

Majoring in Chemistry or Materials Science is not only intellectually rewarding but also profoundly impactful. These disciplines are critical to the technologies that define our era—from sustainable energy and next-generation electronics to advanced healthcare and environmental protection. Students who pursue these fields become catalysts of innovation, equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve some of the world’s most urgent and complex challenges.

1. Brown, T. L.; LeMay, H. E.; Bursten, B. E.; Murphy, C. J. Chemistry: The Central Science, 14th ed.; Pearson: Boston, MA, 2018.
2. Callister, W. D.; Rethwisch, D. G. Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, 10th ed.; Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, 2020.
3. Sze, S. M.; Ng, K. K. Physics of Semiconductor Devices, 3rd ed.; Wiley-Interscience: Hoboken, NJ, 2006.
4. Awschalom, D. D.; et al. Quantum Spintronics: Engineering and Manipulating Atom-Like Spins in Semiconductors. Science 2013, 339, 1174–1179.
5. Campbell, S. A. Fabrication Engineering at the Micro- and Nanoscale, 4th ed.; Oxford University Press: Oxford, 2018.
6. Jessop, P. G. Green Chemistry: Challenges and Opportunities. Green Chem. 2011, 13, 1391–1398.
7. Nicolaou, K. C.; Sorensen, E. J. Classics in Total Synthesis; Wiley-VCH: Weinheim, Germany, 1996.
8. Langer, R.; Tirrell, D. A. Designing Materials for Biology and Medicine. Nature 2004, 428, 487–492.