From the point of view of the Ukrainian chemist, the chemical education system in the United States is rather chaotic, despite its significant success: in most cases, students themselves choose training courses on a mandatory list. One of the biggest differences is the seriousness of safety, although students still manage to douse with bromine and acid. In the USA, there are bachelor’s programs in general chemistry, which in most cases exist simultaneously with programs of physical chemistry and biochemistry. At some universities, students can also choose a chemical biology program (often focuses on molecular biology). The most advanced students can take part of the required subjects externally and simultaneously receive a bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Science/Arts (BS/BA) and a master’s degree in chemistry.
Chemistry programs are intended primarily for students who want to continue their studies at a medical school (Medical School) or a graduate school (Graduate School), although some bachelors find work in industry. Since compulsory subjects are usually much smaller, most students accept a minor or double major program (for example, in chemistry/computer science or chemistry/biology, etc.). Typically, the program of the Faculty of Chemistry is designed for 4 years of study and consists of theoretical courses, electives (for example, NMR) and laboratory (and a significant amount of suffering in the name of science, where not everyone will survive to the end).
All chemical students study the same subjects (general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry) and laboratory (same subjects) the first 2 years, then specialization begins (and procrastination in writing a thesis, although it does not is mandatory). It should be noted that American universities are usually much better equipped for laboratory studies, while theoretical training is at about the same level as in Kazakhstan (excluding the best biochemistry/chemical biology programs). Typically, students join research groups in the Faculty of Chemistry for practical experience and publications. Of course, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the specifics of the group in advance, as professors may end up with grants at the most inopportune moment. In the third/fourth year of study, students pass the GRE general and GRE Chemistry tests for admission to graduate school.
Enrolling in a Masters program or a PhD program is much easier than entering a bachelor’s program, because undergraduate and graduate students are servants, cheap labor, an asset and the pride of a university. They teach bachelors as teaching assistants and conduct research. Graduate students can obtain a PhD in chemistry, which is mandatory for an academic career and desirable for important positions in the chemical industry.
