Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:
How many years do you have to go to school to be a scientist?  Erinn Noble
 
Answer:
That's a very open question, Erinn.  Anybody who spends time figuring out
problems in science and is always in a search for answers can be considered
a scientist, I guess.  To be technical (and I speak as a chemist since this
IS in the chem section), a college degree is a start.  Many chemists stop
there and then work.  Others will keep going to school and either get a
masters degree or a doctoral degree (that's what I'm doing now).  The good
thing about chemistry is that you don't need a masters degree to go on for
the doctorate (though you can go by that route).  A masters degree usually
takes about 2-3 years to get.  A doctorate (Ph.D.) usually takes 4-6 years.
These numbers are all AFTER you complete college!  It's a long time, but
it's worth it in the long run.  Good questions!
-Joe Schultz