The Sides of Chemistry: Why It Matters More Than Ever in America

At a recent University advisory board meeting, one concern was brought up and that not enough students are choosing chemistry as a major in college. While overall undergraduate enrollment in the U.S. fell just 3% from 2019 to 2024, chemistry enrollment dropped 23%. The gap isn’t about talent or potential; it’s about perception, preparedness, and resources. 

When people hear "chemistry," reactions often split down the middle. One side imagines high school labs, complex formulas, and intimidating experiments. The other sees transformative discoveries; new medicines, smarter materials, cleaner energy.

Dr. Jekyll vs. Mr. Hyde: The Miscast Science 

It’s a bit of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation. On one side, there’s the “evil genius” caricature think of the bubbling flasks, ominous music, and of course the wild-haired scientists.

On the other hand, there is the studious scientist who is doing good work. The real side of things, which is a discipline that keeps our water clean, develops medications, and creates materials that make life easier.  

One reason is that the “Hyde” version of chemistry dominates in the media. The positive side of chemistry rarely gets told in the media, and when schools are forced to make budget cuts, chemistry which is already resource-intensive with costly labs, safety staff, and equipment, is often one of the first to get cut. 

Due to these reasons, the result is that fewer students to see the positive side of chemistry.  

Chemistry in Our Everyday Lives

One of the clearest ways to see chemistry’s brighter side is to notice how often it shows up in everyday routines. Starting your day with sunscreen, relying on baby formula, or using hairspray chemistry is behind all of it. It isn’t tucked away in a lab. It powers our meals, stays in our medicine cabinets, and lies at the core of how we live.

Without chemistry, modern life would collapse. From healthcare and agriculture to tech and personal care, chemistry is the invisible force holding everything together.

Innovation Fueled by Chemistry

Hyde might threaten, but Jekyll delivers. Some of the nation’s most exciting breakthroughs now depend on chemistry:

• AI-powered molecular design: speeding up drug discovery, powering DNA vaccines.

• Sustainability: biodegradable plastics and cleaner energy storage.

• Longer-lasting batteries for everything from phones to electric vehicles.

• Advanced fabrication of semiconductors and AI chips.

These innovations are not niche, they’re central to American competitiveness, health, and sustainability.

Chemistry by the Numbers

Chemistry isn’t just an academic subject, it's a major economic engine.

• The U.S. chemical industry produces over $600 billion in annual output, making it the world’s second-largest chemical producer.

• It directly employs approximately 554,000 skilled professionals, with an average annual wage around $100,000 well above the manufacturing sector average.

• Beyond direct employment, the chemical industry spurs 4.1 million total jobs across supply chains and community support.

• The U.S. exported $494 billion worth of chemicals in 2022—more than 13% of the world’s chemicals.

• Globally, the chemical industry is massive, valued at $4–5 trillion, accounting for ~7% of global GDP.

A Career Full of Possibility

For students deciding their paths, chemistry offers far more than just a bridge to medical school—it can also stand on its own as a rewarding and versatile career. Some of the positive directions include:

• Hands-on innovation: shaping biodegradable materials, sustainable energy solutions, and new medicines.

• A foundation for other disciplines: chemistry opens doors to medicine and healthcare (doctors, pharmacists, nurses), engineering (chemical, biomedical, materials science), environmental work (environmental scientists), food and drug development, forensic science, and both academic and industrial R&D.

Whether working in a lab or influencing policy, chemistry-trained minds are fueling American progress.

Embracing the Duality

Mr. Hyde exists. Pollution, toxic exposures, the bad sides of the Covid vaccine and environmental damage is part of American history and communities. This negative side isn’t optional to ignore, it's vital to acknowledge.

Chemistry is a powerful tool which can do harm, however when used responsibly, it can improve everyone's lives dramatically.

By embracing chemistry’s complexity and acknowledging its dual nature we reclaim the narrative. It’s not about overselling; it’s about understanding chemistry’s challenges and unlocking its power.