by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 3 U.S. colleges awarded 9 degrees and certificates in Theoretical Chemistry. Doctorates are the most popular award, at 56% of graduates. Graduates earn a median $46,311 one year after completing, rising to $74,187 after four years.
A major in Theoretical Chemistry explores Theoretical Chemistry. A Program That Focuses On The Study Of Mathematical And Computational Methods And Fundamental Laws Of Physics To Describe Chemical Phenomena And To Develop Empirical Models Of Molecules And Their Interactions. Includes Instruction In Properties Of Small, Isolated Molecules; Dynamics Of Elementary Chemical Processes; Reaction Pathways Of Organic Molecules; Hydrogen Bonding Patterns In Liquids; Reaction Rates Of Biological Pathways; And Advanced Computational Techniques.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., theoretical chemistry draws strong interest, with 9 degrees awarded annually. 3 colleges award theoretical chemistry degrees, an average of 3 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 5.
By level, the 9 awards include 4 bachelor’s degrees and 5 doctorates.
Women earned 33% of theoretical chemistry degrees and certificates in the latest year (3 of 9). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (4) and multiracial (1), and international students earned 4.
The most common theoretical chemistry credential is the doctorate: 5 of the 9 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to theoretical chemistry call most for Reading Comprehension, Writing and Active Listening, and for knowledge of English Language, Mathematics and Chemistry, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Expression and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a theoretical chemistry degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 4 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 5 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to theoretical chemistry, at 37.7%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 37.7% |
| Master’s degree | 19.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 13.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 12.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.8% |
| Some college courses | 3.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Theoretical Chemistry, with an average median salary of $110,432; the strongest outlook belongs to Clinical Research Coordinators, at 10.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Clinical Project Manager, Research Coordinator, Clinical Trials Manager and Clinical Manager.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to theoretical chemistry, at 542,888.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | 398,348 | 7.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Chemists | 91,666 | 3.1% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Theoretical Chemistry graduates earn a median $46,311 one year after completing their program, $74,187 after four years and $72,061 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46,311 |
| 4 years | $74,187 |
| 5 years | $72,061 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to theoretical chemistry is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | $69,509 |
| Chemists | $59,779 |
Theoretical Chemistry has 10 similar majors in the Physical Sciences field, which together award 19,852 degrees a year; the largest are Chemistry, General (18,718), Chemistry, Other (574) and Forensic Chemistry (363). Browse all Physical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry, General | 18,718 |
| Chemistry, Other | 574 |
| Forensic Chemistry | 363 |
| Polymer Chemistry | 72 |
| Chemical Physics | 44 |
| Analytical Chemistry | 38 |
| Environmental Chemistry | 21 |
| Organic Chemistry | 9 |
| Physical Chemistry | 9 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.