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The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry and the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biochemistry. The BS degrees may have, but do not require a minor.  The BS in Chemistry degree includes the opportunity to obtain a minor in Secondary Education with Certification in Physical Science or Science. The BS degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry are certified by the American Chemical Society if the course of study is 43 Chemistry semester credit hours (BS Biochemistry) or 47 Chemistry semester credit hours (BS Chemistry). 

Pre-Professional Career Advice

The BS Chemistry and BS Biochemistry degrees offer excellent preparation for students interested in careers in dentistry, forensic science, medicine, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine.  Students interested in these professions should seek advice from the Pre-Professional Advisor in the Dean of Science Office. 

Five-Year Bachelor of Science-Master of Science Program

The curriculum for the BS degree in Chemistry can be completed in three and one-half years. After admission to the Graduate School of the University, it is possible to obtain the MS degree at the end of the fifth year of study in chemistry. Qualified students should consult an academic advisor about the course of study for this program before reaching 60 undergraduate semester credit hours.

Advising and Placement

All students majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry are required to consult with and have their semester enrollment approved by an advisor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry before every enrollment.  For additional information about advisors and advising in chemistry see https://www.utep.edu/science/chemistry/index.html.  For advising in secondary education see https://www.utep.edu/science/core/ or contact the College of Science Central Office for Readiness and Engagement, 915-747-8027. 

Any entering freshman students with at least one year of high school chemistry with an A or B in Chemistry can receive Credit by Examination for CHEM 1305 by achieving a score of 80 or above on an Examination administered by the Department of Chemistry covering the content of this course. 

An entering freshman student with two years of high school Chemistry with grades of A or B can receive Credit by Examination for CHEM 1305 and CHEM 1306 by achieving a scores of 80 or above on Examinations administered by the Department of Chemistry covering the content of these two courses.