Chemistry

Investigating diverse composition, structure, properties, reactions and functions.

Innovative, Forward-Thinking Science

Chemistry for a Better Tomorrow

From drug discovery and green chemistry, to cancer and energy research to developing new materials, research from chemists at UT Austin changes the world. Ranked third for analytical chemistry and in the top tier overall, University of Texas at Austin chemistry is home to world-class facilities, first-rate scientists who have won their field’s top awards and brand-new classrooms and laboratories.

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The Freshman Research Initiative at UT introduced me to the art of scientific communication early in my undergraduate career. Because of this, I was equipped with skills to better understand advanced chemistry concepts in my other lecture and laboratory courses.”

David Sarabia

Chemistry

Experiences & Careers

Chemistry students at UT join research labs, land great internships and study abroad. They go on to pursue careers and graduate and professional education in a wide range of fields, from business and technology to health professions, research education and government. Job titles of recent graduates include:

  • Forensic technician
  • Environmental analyst
  • Research and development chemist
  • Fermentation specialist

Discover chemistry Major career paths

Find opportunities for chemistry Majors

Explore Stories

Rigorous courses combine with opportunities to conduct lively research only available at UT Austin. Our students have helped solve forensic mysteries, worked with faculty on the cutting-edge of energy research and helped out in labs seeking to understand the chemical underpinnings of cancer-fighting.

Amping up solar cells and improving batteries

Forensic mystery-solving as an undergraduate

Getting cancer to self-destruct

Study & Learn

Chemists investigate various elementary forms of matter and details about the substances of our lives and universe. Chemistry majors receive broad and comprehensive training in all areas of modern chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, biological and analytical. Below are undergraduate degrees, and graduate programs in chemistry and in biochemistry are also available.

bachelor’s degrees & examples of courses
Graduate studies in chemistry

Type
BA
Academic Program

Chemistry

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BSA
Academic Program

Chemistry

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 1

Chemical Physics & Instruction

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 2

Molecular Theory & Simulation

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 3

Materials Chemistry

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 4

Synthesis & Chemical Biology

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 5

Teaching Physical Science

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 5

Teaching M, PS & E

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 5

Teaching Composite Science

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Chemistry: Focus Area 6

Chemistry Honors

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
C
Academic Program

Evidence and Inquiry

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
N/A
Type
C
Academic Program

Pre-Health Professions

Non-Science Major Track. Students outside of the College of Natural Sciences only.

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
N/A
Type
C
Academic Program

Pre-Health Professions

Science Major Track

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
N/A
Type
C
Academic Program

UTeach-Natural Sciences Accelerated Track

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
N/A
Type
C
Academic Program

UTeach Natural Sciences Secondary Teaching Option

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
N/A

Chemistry News

A doctor shows a brain scan image to a woman in a blue hospital gown

Research

Newfound Link Between Alzheimer’s and Iron Could Lead to New Medical Interventions

A novel imaging method using DNA-based fluorescent sensors is yielding new insights about the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.