Polymer Chemistry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the science behind advanced materials through a rigorous academic focus on synthetic macromolecules and their complex interactions. This program equips students with the analytical and design skills needed to innovate in materials development, addressing real-world challenges across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and sustainable technology.
- Molecular bonding theory: Examine the fundamental principles governing how atoms connect to form polymer chains, with emphasis on covalent, ionic, and intermolecular forces that dictate material stability and performance.
- Polymerization processes: Study the chemical mechanisms by which monomers are linked into long-chain polymers, including step-growth, chain-growth, and controlled radical techniques.
- Properties and behavior of unstable compounds: Investigate the reactivity, degradation pathways, and transient states of high-energy intermediates critical to polymer synthesis and functional material design.
- Development of tailored polymers: Learn to engineer polymers with specific mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics for targeted applications in electronics, biomedical devices, and coatings.
- Transition phenomena: Analyze phase transitions, such as glass transition and crystallization, that govern the physical behavior and service life of polymeric materials under varying environmental conditions.
- Industrial applications and problem-solving: Apply theoretical knowledge to address practical challenges in material processing, performance optimization, and sustainable innovation across advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Polymer Chemistry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Polymer Chemistry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Polymer Chemistry degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary and Chemists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 204,510 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1052 | $86,220 | $52,870 - $171,600 | 20,390 | N/A |
| Chemists 19-2031 | $84,150 | $53,210 - $154,430 | 83,250 | $40.46 |
Polymer Chemistry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $73,910 in Vermont to $147,940 in Massachusetts—a 100% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 204,510 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Polymer Chemistry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Polymer Chemistry programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Polymer Chemistry is found at University of Akron, Main Campus (31 graduates), Pittsburg State University (16 graduates), California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (10 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (9 graduates), and George Washington University (GW) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 83 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Akron |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
31 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| Pittsburg State University |
Master's
|
16 | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | pittstate.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Master's
|
10 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
7 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Lowell, Massachusetts | Public | uml.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Polymer Chemistry programs
How much can I earn with a Polymer Chemistry degree?
Salaries for Polymer Chemistry graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,220. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $147,940 compared to $73,910 in Vermont. Approximately 204,510 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Polymer Chemistry programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Polymer Chemistry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Akron, Main Campus (31 graduates), Pittsburg State University (16 graduates), and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (10 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Polymer Chemistry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 43 in 2010 to 83 in 2023-24. This represents a 93% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Polymer Chemistry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary, and Chemists. Related occupations employ approximately 204,510 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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