Chemistry Program

The Chemistry faculty seeks to provide a high quality educational experience for students majoring in chemistry in preparation for industrial or government positions, for graduate study, and for entry to medical or dental schools. The program is also designed for those planning to teach chemistry or physics at the 8-12 level, or who need chemical knowledge and skills relevant to future studies in the sciences.

The student who wishes to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry may do so by following one of the four curriculum plans referred to as concentrations:

Students who are pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, or pre-veterinary medicine may follow the biochemistry concentration. In addition, the biochemistry concentration offers an option that would allow students to pursue certification in clinical chemistry while obtaining their bachelor's in Chemistry.

A prospective 7-12 physical science (chemistry or physics) teacher could obtain a BS in Chemistry while following the physical science education concentration. Details on the requirements for the physical science education concentration and for obtaining a teaching certificate are in the College of Science and Engineering: Science, Mathematics and Technology Education section of this catalog.

The BS in Chemistry requires at least 120 semester hours with a university required minimum number of 45 upper-division hours. Students may have to take additional hours to meet university general education requirements such as First-Year Seminar courses. The major consists of at least 52 semester hours (24 upper-division), some of which may be designated courses outside of chemistry. Every candidate for the BS in Chemistry following the general, environmental, or biochemistry concentration must complete the course CHEM 4085 - Major Field Test in Chemistry during their senior year, prior to graduation. The details of the general, environmental, and biochemistry concentrations follow.

As the newest addition to TAMUCC's degree offerings, the Master's Program in Chemistry provides research and education experience to students that are interested in further education to enhance their knowledge and professional skills. Students in the M.S. in Chemistry program can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. The mission of the Master of Science program in Chemistry is to prepare students for technical careers, careers in chemical education at the secondary level or who aspire to enroll in a doctoral program. This program is designed to provide students with a quality experience that will help them grow as scholars and as professionals