BS Chemistry

The BS Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin combines laboratory-based coursework with opportunities for supervised undergraduate research. Students can develop modern experimental and analytical skills through courses such as CH 204 Introduction to Chemical Practice, CH 153K/154K Physical Chemistry Laboratory, and CH 206K Undergraduate Research, while UT Austin’s Chemistry Department provides access to advanced research infrastructure including NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and electron paramagnetic resonance facilities.

Students can build hands-on and research experience through:

• Undergraduate research: CH 206K Undergraduate Research introduces research practices through supervised individual research in chemistry; BS students can also receive college credit for approved undergraduate research and use it toward upper-division Chemistry requirements.
• Experimental chemistry training: CH 204 Introduction to Chemical Practice develops basic laboratory and analytical skills across areas that may include organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science.
• Physical chemistry laboratory: CH 153K/CH 154K Physical Chemistry Laboratory provides dedicated practical training connected with the physical chemistry curriculum.
• Advanced laboratory options: Students can take CH 341 Special Topics in Laboratory Chemistry, with topics that include physical measurement techniques, electronics for scientists, advanced synthetic chemistry, and separation techniques.
• NMR instrumentation: UT Austin’s Chemistry Department operates eight NMR spectrometers ranging from 400–600 MHz, including automated systems, solid-state capabilities, variable-temperature instrumentation, and high-power diffusion capabilities. The facility also uses MNOVA for NMR data processing and provides training for users.
• Mass spectrometry: The Mass Spectrometry Facility provides chemical and biological sample analysis, student training to operate self-service equipment, and opportunities for independent and collaborative research.
• Mass spectrometry imaging: The Mass Spectrometry Imaging Facility provides access to MALDI and DESI mass spectrometry imaging, including instruments such as the Waters SELECT SERIES MRT and Thermo Fusion Lumos Tribrid Mass Spectrometer; its software environment includes SCiLS Lab and MetaboScape for imaging and metabolite analysis.
• Electron paramagnetic resonance: The Chemistry Department’s EPR facility houses a Bruker EMX Plus spectrometer with X-band, Q-band, ENDOR, and variable-temperature capabilities for advanced research applications.
• X-ray diffraction: The department maintains an X-ray diffraction laboratory serving the UT Austin scientific community, providing another advanced analytical platform for chemistry research.
• Research institutes and centers: Chemistry students can engage with research environments connected to centers such as the Allen J. Bard Center for Electrochemistry and the Center for the Creation of Abiotic Replicating Materials and Assemblies (CARMA), alongside research areas including analytical chemistry, chemical biology, computational chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and structural biology. 

The BS Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin develops a strong foundation for professional chemistry careers while also supporting progression into graduate, medical, and other professional programs. UT Austin’s Chemistry Career Services reports that Chemistry graduates move into technology, business, government, research, health professions, and graduate education, with recent alumni examples including forensic, environmental, R&D, and fermentation roles.

Typical career roles: Research and Development Chemist, Forensic Technician, Environmental Analyst, Fermentation Specialist.

Career development and progression are supported through:

• Career services: UT Austin’s College of Natural Sciences Career Services provides Chemistry students with career coaching and access to information on jobs, employers, internships, graduate schools, and research opportunities; students can also make appointments with a CNS Career Coach.
• Research opportunities: Chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, and BS students may earn college credit toward upper-division Chemistry requirements for approved research conducted with faculty supervision.
• Internship opportunities: Official Chemistry Career Services resources identify opportunities including City of Austin Forensic Science Internships, biotech and pharmaceutical internships, ACS undergraduate chemistry internships, and Texas Global internships abroad.
• Employment outcomes: Chemistry respondents in the 2014–2023 CNS Graduation Survey reported 35% employed, 20% entering graduate school, 7% entering medical school, 7% entering other health-professional schools, 18% seeking employment, and 13% with other plans. These figures are Chemistry-specific but represent the survey period rather than a single graduating class.
• Salary figures: UT Austin’s official Chemistry Career Services page does not publish a Chemistry-specific average starting salary, so a Chemistry salary figure is not stated. The university does provide alumni job-title and employer information rather than presenting an unsupported salary estimate.
• University–industry connections: Chemistry alumni have been hired by organizations including 3M, Alcon, Applied Materials, Dell, Baylor College of Medicine, City of Austin, City of Arlington Water Utilities, and Capital One, based on UT Austin Chemistry Career Services’ self-reported alumni data.
• Research-industry ecosystem: UT Austin Chemistry research spans areas such as drug discovery, green chemistry, cancer, energy, and new materials, with specialized facilities and interdisciplinary connections supporting research with real-world applications.
• Professional recognition: The official UT Austin Chemistry pages identify an American Chemical Society student chapter and ongoing ACS engagement, including the 2026 ACS Catalyst Scholarship awarded to a UT Austin undergraduate chemistry student. An ACS accreditation/certification claim for the BS Chemistry degree itself is not stated on the official program pages reviewed, so no accreditation claim is made here.
• Graduation pathways: UT Austin offers six BS Chemistry focus areas, including Chemical Physics & Instrumentation, Molecular Theory & Simulation, Materials Chemistry, Synthesis & Chemical Biology, Teaching, and Chemistry Honors, allowing students to align their undergraduate preparation with professional, teaching, or research-oriented goals.

Further Academic Progression: After the BS Chemistry, students can progress to graduate study in chemistry or related fields, with UT Austin’s Chemistry Department offering its own graduate program. Students interested in healthcare can also use UT Austin’s Health Professions Office for guidance on medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and other health-professional pathways; Chemistry’s advanced preparation can also support fields such as materials science, pharmacology, environmental science, computation, and medicine.