A female MS in Chemistry student checks on a chemical reactor in the chemical engineering lab at UT Tyler

 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:

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.

How to Apply

To be considered for admission to the MS in chemistry program, you must have the equivalent of an American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified BS in chemistry with an average GPA of 3.0 in all chemistry courses completed. Students who fail to meet the minimum GPA requirement may prove proficiency by achieving an acceptable score on three ACS graduate placement exams.

International students need to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the English language, both spoken and written, and may be required to pass an English proficiency test.

Your application must include the following:

  • A completed online application.
  • Official transcripts for all prior college- or graduate-level work, submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and critical thinking/analytical writing) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the last five years (GRE code for UT Tyler: 6850).

Consideration may also be given to one or more of the following: your demonstrated commitment to your chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, status as a first-generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence and level of responsibility in other matters, including extracurricular activities, employment, community service and family responsibilities.

Review All Application Requirements

See General Graduate School Admissions Requirements

February 28

Application deadline for summer admission for international students.

April 15

Application deadline for summer admission for domestic students.

April 30

Application deadline for fall admission for international students.

August 15

Application deadline for fall admission for domestic students.

October 1

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) opens for the upcoming academic year.

October 30

Application deadline for spring admission for international students.

December 20

Application deadline for spring admission for domestic students.

Spotlight

A male MS in Chemistry student in a lab coat and safety goggles stands in the chemical engineering lab at UT Tyler
UT Tyler chemistry professors have always strived to have a high-caliber undergraduate program, and I’m seeing those same standards in the graduate program. DiStefano is earning his graduate chemistry degree to further his career as a laboratory supervisor and chemistry lecturer.

Jason DiStefano, BS in Chemistry, 2004; MBA, 2014

Next Steps

Your future starts here. Build your skills and step into your next opportunity with an MS in chemistry from UT Tyler.