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CIP 40.0503 Physical Sciences

Inorganic Chemistry

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

4

2025 · 1 schools

International share

100.0%

4 international students

Overview

Inorganic Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the study of inorganic compounds, which encompass a vast array of substances that are not based on carbon-hydrogen bonds. This field is distinct from organic chemistry, which primarily focuses on carbon-containing compounds. Inorganic Chemistry covers a wide range of topics, including the properties, structures, and reactivities of metals, minerals, and coordination compounds.

Students pursuing a degree in Inorganic Chemistry will engage in both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. They will study various types of inorganic materials, such as salts, metals, and metalloids, and learn about their synthesis, characterization, and applications. The curriculum may include advanced topics such as solid-state chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and organometallic chemistry.

Inorganic Chemistry has significant implications in various industries, including materials science, catalysis, ceramics, and environmental science. For instance, the development of new catalysts can improve industrial processes and reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, bioinorganic chemistry explores the role of metals in biological systems, which is crucial for understanding processes like oxygen transport and enzyme function.

Career opportunities for graduates in Inorganic Chemistry are diverse, ranging from research positions in academia and industry to roles in pharmaceuticals, environmental agencies, and teaching. Overall, Inorganic Chemistry plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the chemical world and contributes to innovations across multiple fields.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 33% and the international share went from 33.3% to 100.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
0.0%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
0.0%
Black
0.0%
Other
0.0%
Intl.
100.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 1 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#116 Iowa State University Iowa 4 4

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Natural Sciences Managers 108,690 $86.66 $180,250
Chemists 82,770 $48.29 $100,450
Chemical Technicians 57,540 $30.72 $63,900
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 19,980 — $105,210

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.