Why Pursue a Chemistry Master's Degree
The master’s degree in Chemistry emphasizes cutting-edge research directed to the preparation of our students for competitive future careers. Diverse opportunities are provided by our faculty in fields of specialization that extend from the classical subdivisions of chemistry to biochemistry. This program includes graduate programs of study in:
- Analytical chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
Thesis Option
A thesis option is recommended for students who are planning a career in research or who contemplate pursuing a doctorate in their program of study. Students electing the thesis option must complete six semester credit hours of Master’s Thesis (CHE 6983). Students may also earn up to three semester credit hours of Directed Research (CHE 6991-3). Students must successfully defend their thesis research before their Graduate Committee prior to the submission of the thesis to the Dean of the Graduate School for approval.
Non-Thesis Option
A non-thesis option is available for those who want the opportunity to earn the Master of Science degree primarily through organized coursework and nine credit hours of Directed Research (CHE 6991-9). Students must submit an acceptable final written report and pass an oral presentation during the last semester of work.
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.
| Chemistry (MS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Coursework | Completed adequate credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program. | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) directly from the graduate admission application platform | |
| English Language Proficiency | 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 | |
| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Resume | Required | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time) | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Chemistry (MS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2025 | Not Available | November 1 | December 1 |
| Summer 2025 | Not Available | May 1 | May 1 |
| Fall 2025 | March 15 | June 1 | June 1 |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | November 1 | December 1 |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | May 1 | May 1 |
Funding Opportunities
Qualified students are encouraged to apply for teaching and/or research assistantships and fellowships. Requests should be sent to the Graduate Advisor of Record for chemistry when application is made for admission to UTSA.
Career Options
UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
This program is housed on UTSA’s Main Campus.
