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About the Program
Connect the World with the Central Science
A degree in chemistry or biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas offers more than a solid academic foundation; it opens the door to discovery, innovation and real-world impact. Our program prepares you to thrive in one of the country’s most dynamic science and technology markets.
With Houston serving as a global hub for healthcare, energy, biotechnology, and chemical manufacturing, our graduates are well positioned for exciting local and national career opportunities. Employers such as the Texas Medical Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, ExxonMobil, Shell, and a growing number of biotech startups and pharmaceutical companies regularly seek graduates with the skills our programs provide.
Academic Programs
Chemistry & Biochemistry Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Combines a rigorous chemistry foundation with the flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary interests, professional-school preparation or complementary study in another field.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
UST’s most comprehensive chemistry degree, featuring advanced coursework, independent research and a senior thesis for students preparing for scientific careers or graduate study.
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Integrates chemistry and biology with laboratory research focused on biological systems, preparing students for biomedical research, biotechnology, professional school or graduate study.
Chemistry Minor
Allows students in other majors to build a broader foundation in chemistry through additional coursework.
The UST Advantage
Personal Attention, Real Impact
In our program, you’ll get personal attention and targeted advice with small class sizes and faculty mentorship. Students in our B.S. programs have the opportunity to earn an ACS-certified degree through UST’s ACS-approved chemistry program. We’ve invested more than $1.5 million to ensure we have cutting-edge instrumentation, including a Flow Cytometer, RT-PCR System, NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, Raman Spectrometer, and more.
You’ll find great opportunities here, whether it’s preparing for grad school, access to global companies headquartered in Houston, our pre-health programs, or our STEM foundation.
Global Access
Houston Drives Demand for Chemistry
Between health services, pharmaceuticals, and energy production, if you want a career in chemistry or biochemistry, Houston is the place to be!
Houston has the world’s largest medical complex (Texas Medical Center), fueling biotech growth and R&D. Biotech firms like Lonza, CTMC, and Bionova Scientific are adding quality local jobs. Houston’s growing life-sciences sector includes Eli Lilly’s planned $6.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at Generation Park, which is expected to create more than 600 permanent jobs.
ExxonMobil has its global headquarters near Spring, TX. We also house the headquarters or major offices for Chevron, Shell, BP, LyondellBasell, Dow, ConocoPhillips, Huntsman Corporation, Baker Hughes, SLB, Halliburton, and many more!
Student Experience
Be Part of Real-World Research as a Welch Scholar
Funded by the Robert A. Welch Foundation, the Welch Undergraduate Research Scholars Program provides Chemistry and Biochemistry majors with hands-on research experience and opportunities to contribute to scientific presentations and publications. Students work closely with faculty mentors in small research groups exploring fields such as cardiovascular bioanalytical chemistry, environmental and computational chemistry, gene therapy and cancer biology, antimicrobial discovery, clean-energy technology and carbon dioxide capture.
Through access to state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced scientific instrumentation, students develop practical research, analytical and communication skills that support their preparation for graduate study and careers in chemistry, biochemistry and related scientific fields.
Study Chemistry
Chemistry & Biochemistry Leadership
Richa Chandra, Ph.D.
Richa Chandra, Ph.D., is a professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. She is a tenured faculty member, an award-winning researcher, and a dedicated mentor whose bioanalytical chemistry research has led to peer-reviewed publications with undergraduate students.
