Master of Science in Chemistry

Advance Your Career as a Chemist or Educator

Dive deep into advanced topics in chemistry. Conduct original research and acquire the skills and knowledge you need for your next step forward. The Master of Science in chemistry program at The University of Texas at Tyler immerses you in a supportive, active community of faculty researchers who will help you grow as a scientist and innovator.

Whether you want to increase your expertise as an educator, prepare for a career in industry or lay a foundation for advanced graduate study, you’ll leave here with competence and confidence for whatever’s ahead. Considering these career paths, the MS in chemistry is available in thesis and non-thesis formats.

Why Earn a Master’s in Chemistry at UT Tyler?

You have the endless curiosity of a scientist. You thrive in analyzing the details and find satisfaction in discovery. Maybe you are a teacher who is ready for an advanced degree so that you can teach dual-credit courses to the next generation of budding scientists here in East Texas. Or, you need the skills and credentials to enter industry as a research chemist. Looking beyond, you might have your sights set on a doctorate and a career as a researcher at the university level.

Whichever path you’re on, an MS in chemistry from UT Tyler gets you closer to your goals. In our program, you’ll find:

• Student-Focused Professors: Get individualized attention from faculty who care about your success. Our low student-to-faculty ratio and small classes foster mentoring relationships to support you during your studies and even after.
• Expert Researchers: Learn the craft from experts in the field. Our faculty are published scholars and award-winning researchers who are skilled at mentoring graduate students for career success.
• Hands-on Learning: Master the techniques and tools of the trade in classroom laboratories and as you conduct your own original research.
• Outstanding Facilities: Get access to state-of-the-art instruments and facilities, including several teaching and research labs, as well as computer labs with the latest chemistry software.
• Flexibility: Earn your degree without disrupting your life. We hold our graduate chemistry classes in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.
• Affordability: Build your skills without building a burden of debt. We offset our already low tuition with graduate assistantships, scholarships and other forms of financial support.

Curriculum

The master’s in chemistry is a 30-credit-hour course of study you can complete in two years. The curriculum builds on your undergraduate work in chemistry by deepening your knowledge and skills as a chemist and researcher. You’ll be prepared for further studies at the doctoral level or to enter the job market as an educator or researcher.

Introductory courses orient you to graduate-level research and teaching. Then, chart your own path by choosing from a set of advanced courses in chemistry and biochemistry to fine-tune your education to meet your career goals.

Pursue an independent research project and write a thesis in your second year to prepare yourself for further studies or a position as a research chemist. Alternatively, finish your studies with a comprehensive exam to demonstrate what you’ve learned.

During your time at UT Tyler, you will:

• Master the techniques and equipment of modern chemistry.
• Build advanced knowledge in chemistry in the areas that are most strategic for your future career.
• Grow in confidence and competence as a scientist and researcher.
• Understand how to access, read and evaluate scientific research literature.
• Be prepared for careers in chemistry or to continue your education in a doctoral program.
• Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate complex topics with clarity.
• Plan and engage in your own original research (if you select the thesis option).

See All MS in Chemistry Degree Requirements

What Can You Do With an MS in Chemistry?

Your strong research skills and advanced knowledge of chemistry will prepare you for a variety of positions as a research chemist or materials scientist, a career path projected to see average growth over the next decade. You’ll investigate the chemical properties of substances and develop new materials or products. Or, you’ll engage in primary research to add to our understanding of the world. You may work for the government, in industry or for a research organization.

Specializations include:

• Analytical Chemist
• Chemical Engineer
• Forensic Chemist
• Materials Engineer
• Medicinal Chemist
• Organic Chemist
• Theoretical Chemist

Your degree will also serve as preparation for doctoral studies. On this path, you’ll continue to build your knowledge and research skills through advanced independent work that will prepare you to teach and research at the university level or enter a more senior position in industry.

If you currently serve as a high school science teacher, an MS in chemistry from UT Tyler will qualify you to advance in your career and teach dual-enrollment courses here in Texas. Teaching opportunities in chemistry at junior colleges will also be open to you.