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Chemistry

Major in the College of Natural Sciences

Chemistry is the science that deals with and investigates the composition, properties, and transformation of substances and various elementary forms of matter.

A degree in chemistry is designed to prepare students for professional careers as chemists, either upon graduation or after graduate study in chemistry or related fields.

In addition, it may serve as a basis for a wide range of career choices outside chemistry, including but not limited to: materials science, medicine and other healthcare related occupations, pharmacology, secondary school teaching, environmental science, and patent law.

Declaration Requirements

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Prospective University of Texas at Austin students should visit UT Admissions to learn about the application process and how to declare a major.

How to Declare

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Step 1: Internal transfer students must apply to the College of Natural Sciences prior to completing 60 hours or four long semesters at UT. Applications are due to the College of Natural Sciences in the spring. Learn more about the college's internal transfer requirements.

Step 2: Once accepted into the College of Natural Sciences, all students will start as entry-level chemistry majors until they successfully complete the entry-level requirements. Learn the difference between the B.A. versus B.S.A. versus B.S. degrees.

Required Courses

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For information on required courses, students can view chemistry degree plans by specific major. For additional information, view the chemistry course descriptions.

Specializations

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The chemistry curriculum provides broad and comprehensive training in all areas of modern chemistry, including course work in the major sub-disciplines of chemistry - organic, inorganic, physical, biological, and analytical.

Degree Options:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science and Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
    • Focus Area I: Chemical Physics & Instrumentation
    • Focus Area II: Molecular Theory & Simulation
    • Focus Area III: Materials Chemistry
    • Focus Area IV: Synthesis & Chemical Biology
    • Focus Area V: Teaching
    • Focus Area VI: Honors (must be admitted to Dean’s Scholars)

Personality

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Students generally have a strong mathematical background and enjoy studying chemistry. Chemistry majors tend to be observant and curious about the world around them, especially within the realm of science.

Learn about chemistry-related student organizations on campus.

Skills

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  • Aptitude for accurate details
  • Ability to organize and interpret data
  • Enjoy problem-solving and decision-making
  • Ability to derive information from computers
  • Sensitive to the health and safety of others
  • Desire for life-long learning
MAJOR ≠ CAREER

Your major does not always determine your career path. Many graduates pursue careers outside their field, depending on their interests and experiences.

EXPERIENCE + DEGREE = CAREER

It’s not just your major that matters! Make yourself marketable by gaining a variety of experiences in college. Read a few inspiring stories by professionals whose experiences led to great careers.

Contact a Texas Career Engagement career counselor today to find out how you can turn your major into a career.