Learn chemistry

Here are just a few of the reasons learning chemistry matters more now than ever:

What to expect in online chemistry courses

The contents of online chemistry courses vary by level, institution, and topic/specialty. However, you can generally find chemistry courses online that cover the following topics at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels:

• Elements, chemicals, and reactions
• Molecular structures
• Organic matter and compounds
• Energy and thermodynamics
• Electrochemistry
• Biochemistry
• The science of food and cooking
• Biomaterials and biomass
• Environmental engineering
• The chemistry behind sustainability
• Pharmacology

Essential skills learned in chemistry programs

Some skills you learn in online chemistry courses and programs may include:

The skills you develop in a chemistry program depend on the type of program you enroll in, your career goals, and your desired skill level. Whether you want to brush up on the basics of chemistry or advance your STEM career, you can find a course or program online that fits your needs.

How to choose an online chemistry program

Consider why you want to learn chemistry. Are you curious about switching to a career that incorporates chemistry principles? Do you want to level up at your current job? Or, do you simply want to understand chemistry? The best way for you to learn depends on your educational goals, budget, and schedule.

Your online learning options include:

Individual courses

Chemistry courses are best for beginners who want to learn more about a particular topic or brush up on the fundamentals without investing much time or money.

Courses offered through edX are free to audit, but you can upgrade your access (to include unlimited course access, graded exams, and a certificate of completion). They can typically be completed within 2–6 weeks, and upgraded course access starts at $50.

Popular online chemistry courses include:

• Harvard: Science Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science
• Trinity: Science in Art: The Chemistry of Art Materials and Conservation
• Davidson: Medicinal Chemistry: The Molecular Basis of Drug Discovery

Professional certificates

A professional certificate in chemistry can help you verify your knowledge and stand out to potential employers. You can earn a certificate after completing a related series of career-critical courses centered around a particular topic or specialty within chemistry.

Professional certificate programs can typically be completed within 2–10 months and start at $500.

Popular certificate programs within chemistry include:

• Wageningen: Food, Nutrition, and Health
• TU Delft: Science and Engineering: Pre-University Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry
• Harvard: The Science of Cooking

Executive education programs

Executive education programs are designed to help aspiring leaders and subject matter experts deepen their knowledge within a particular discipline. These expert-led, cohort-based programs can typically be completed within 6–8 weeks for $2,500–$3,500.

If you're interested in becoming an expert on chemistry-related topics, consider:

• MIT: Artificial Intelligence in Pharma and Biotech
• Stanford: Nutrition Science
• Harvard: Higher Education Teaching

Degrees

A chemistry degree is best for learners who want to pursue a full-time chemistry career and have the time to invest in formal education. You can earn your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree online and on your own schedule. A chemistry degree can take 2–4 years to complete.

If you want a formal chemistry education but don't have time or money for a full program, consider enrolling in a MicroBachelorsⓇ Program or MicroMastersⓇ Program. These programs provide college credits that can be stacked and transferred while helping build relevant skills for immediate employment.

MicroBachelors Programs can be completed within 4–17 months for $500–$1,500. MicroMasters Programs can be completed within 2–9 months for around $1,500.

Popular chemistry microcredential programs include:

• Wageningen: Chemistry and Technology for Sustainability (MicroMasters)
• MGH Institute: Chemistry for the Health Professions (MicroBachelors)
• Harvard: University Chemistry

Chemistry careers

Below, find careers that you can pursue by learning chemistry, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Chemical technician

Chemical technicians help chemists analyze the properties of different materials by conducting laboratory tests. Their daily duties may include operating lab equipment, preparing chemical solutions, and compiling reports. They often work full time in manufacturing facilities or labs.

• Required education: Associate degree

• Median annual salary (2024): $57,790

Chemist or material scientist

Chemists (sometimes called material scientists) research and analyze the properties of different substances to create or refine products. Their daily duties may include planning research projects, managing technicians, and presenting their findings to stakeholders. They typically work full time in labs, manufacturing facilities, or offices.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree
• Median annual salary (2024): $86,620

Chemical engineer

Chemical engineers use elements of chemistry, engineering, and physics to design manufacturing processes for various products and materials, such as paper, gasoline, and detergents. Their daily duties may include designing equipment, establishing safety procedures, and ensuring environmental regulations are met. They typically work full time in offices or labs.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree
• Median annual salary (2024): $121,860

Environmental scientist

Environmental scientists plan and execute research to ensure human, animal, and environmental health. Their daily duties may include collecting samples from the environment, analyzing samples, and developing plans to control environmental hazards. They generally work full time in offices, labs, and in the field.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree
• Median annual salary (2024): $80,060

Postsecondary chemistry instructor

Postsecondary chemistry instructors (or professors) teach students beyond the high school level — most often in public, private, and community college environments. Their daily duties may include developing instructional materials, teaching courses, and overseeing teaching assistants (who commonly run the lab portion of chemistry classes).

• Required education: Master's or doctoral degree
• Median annual salary (2024): $83,980

Your next steps for learning chemistry on edX

Whether you're starting, switching to, or simply curious about a career in chemistry, edX can help you achieve your educational goals. Here's how you can get started today:

1. Sign up for a chemistry course to learn the basics or dive into chemistry's various real-world applications.
2. Browse chemistry microcredential programs to learn immediately applicable career skills and make progress toward a full degree.
3. Enroll in an executive education program to deepen your expertise in a particular area related to chemistry.