About the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry program
Excel in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry at the University of St. Thomas in Houston provides a strong foundation in chemistry with significant curricular flexibility. The program pairs rigorous undergraduate chemistry coursework with UST’s broader liberal arts education while allowing students to pursue additional academic interests and develop interdisciplinary pathways aligned with their educational and career goals.
Our Curriculum
Choose from Multiple Academic and Career Pathways
The B.A. in Chemistry curriculum includes General, Organic, Analytical, Inorganic, Biological, Physical and Advanced Organic Chemistry, along with Calculus, Physics and Scientific Communication. Chemistry laboratory courses provide hands-on experience in chemical synthesis, purification, measurement, instrumental analysis, data interpretation and the communication of experimental results.
Student Experience
Combine a Chemistry Degree With Another Track
The B.A. in Chemistry is well suited for students interested in combining chemistry with other professional and academic pursuits, such as business, education, communication, environmental studies, public policy, mathematics or the humanities. The program can also support preparation for professional school, teaching, technical sales, regulatory work, science communication and other careers that require a strong understanding of chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions: B.A. in Chemistry
What is the UST advantage for B.A. in Chemistry students?
B.A. in Chemistry students receive personal attention, small classes, faculty expertise and access to modern laboratories that characterize UST’s Chemistry and Biochemistry programs. Individualized academic advising helps students connect their chemistry coursework with another academic interest or professional goal.
What technology and laboratory resources are available to B.A. in Chemistry students?
Students have access to chemistry laboratory technology and instrumentation, including NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, cyclic voltammetry, fluorescence analysis, molecular modeling and computational chemistry tools.
Do B.A. in Chemistry students have opportunities to conduct undergraduate research?
Although independent research and a senior thesis are not required for the B.A., students may pursue faculty-mentored undergraduate chemistry research when positions and funding are available. Students seeking a deeper research experience may apply to the Welch Undergraduate Research Scholars Program.
Available chemistry research opportunities span bioanalytical chemistry, cancer-related biochemistry, computational molecular modeling, sustainable catalysis, environmental remediation, inorganic and microbial chemistry, antimicrobial discovery, carbon dioxide capture, organic synthesis, electrochemistry, hydrogen production and clean-energy technologies.
What skills do B.A. in Chemistry students develop?
B.A. in Chemistry students develop laboratory, analytical and scientific communication skills through the curriculum. In Scientific Communication, students research an approved scientific topic and present their work in a professional-meeting format.
UST’s liberal arts core further develops communication, ethical reasoning, critical thinking and an understanding of the broader human and societal contexts of scientific work
What opportunities are available beyond the classroom?
Students may have opportunities to present at the American Chemical Society National Meeting or the UST Research Symposium, contribute to scientific publications, collaborate with external researchers and participate in the American Chemical Society student chapter.
Why UST
Personal Attention. Hands-On Experience. Flexible Pathways.
At UST, B.A. in Chemistry students benefit from small classes, experienced faculty, modern laboratory resources and individualized advising. Students receive personal guidance as they connect their chemistry education with another academic interest, professional program or career goal.