Undergraduate Degree(s):

Through the Department of Chemistry, courses (CHEM) are offered at the undergraduate level for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry, for students majoring in other disciplines wishing to pursue a minor in Chemistry, and for students in other academic areas requiring some preparation in Chemistry. Although only one undergraduate degree (the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry) is offered, three concentrations leading to this degree are possible for majors: (1) an American Chemical Society (ACS) approved concentration, (2) a pre-medical and pre-dental concentration and (3) forensic chemistry concentration. All concentrations are composite programs of study, and neither concentration requires the declaration of an official minor in another academic discipline. The ACS approved concentration is designed to prepare students for professional careers as chemists and to ensure their preparation for graduate study. The pre-medical and pre-dental concentration is designed for students seeking careers in the medical or dental fields. The forensic chemistry concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in forensic science. Members of the Department are housed on the fourth floor of the New Science Building with the Department Office located in Suite 403.

At the graduate level, one degree is offered: the Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry. The admission criteria, requirements, and graduate courses associated with this degree are described in the Graduate School Bulletin of Texas Southern University. For information on the Master of Science in Chemistry click here. 

Overall, the Department of Chemistry seeks to fulfill two primary missions: (1) to prepare students for professional careers in Chemistry and, eventually, graduate study; and (2) to give students, who are majoring in related fields, an understanding of fundamental principles and experimental techniques that will permit them to be successful in their chosen majors. Specific requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry, as well as the minor in Chemistry, are described below.

Students wishing to pursue either the B.S. in Chemistry or an undergraduate minor in Chemistry must first gain admission to the University, must satisfy The New TSI Assessment requirements or equivalent and eradicate identified deficiencies, and must contact the Department Office regarding the declaration of a major or minor as The New TSI Assessment requirements or equivalent are fulfilled. Although the Department has no specific criteria for accepting students as majors, it does have criteria for continuance once the major in Chemistry is declared. In order to remain as a candidate in good standing for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.50 with respect to courses taken in the following academic disciplines: Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Students whose overall averages in these academic disciplines fall below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters and students who fail individual courses in these targeted areas more than once will be required to seek another major.

In order to remain as a candidate in good standing for a minor in Chemistry, a student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.50 with respect to courses taken in the following academic disciplines: Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Students whose overall averages in these academic disciplines fall below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters and students who fail individual courses in these targeted areas more than once will be required to seek another major. All required Chemistry (CHEM) courses must be completed with grades of “C” or better, where grades of “C-“ are unacceptable, to qualify for minor in chemistry. All required Chemistry (CHEM) courses must be completed with grades of “C” or better, where grades of “C-“ are unacceptable, to qualify for graduation. All Chemistry majors are required to pass the Major Field test prior to conferral of their degree. It is recommended that all enrolled Chemistry majors to take the Major Field test during the spring semester of the junior year. The test date will be announced during the first week of the spring semester. Students who do not pass the Major Field test may take a remedial course CHEM 480 Selected Topics in Chemistry. NOTE: if a student fails the Major Field test and takes CHEM 480 Selected Topics in Chemistry, these credits will not be applicable to the total chemistry hours required for the student’s specific curriculum.

For a minor in Chemistry, click here.

Each major in the Department is assigned a faculty advisor, and this advisor must approve the schedule of courses for assigned students each semester. Majors are expected to keep the Department Office informed of their current local addresses and telephone numbers up to the time of graduation. By the start of the first semester of their senior year, majors should have their transcripts evaluated by the Faculty Chair to ascertain graduation status and to assure that they are eligible for degree conferral at the end of the senior year.

In summary, interested students must first gain admission to the University, must fulfill The New TSI Assessment requirements or equivalent, and must contact the Department Office with regard to the declaration of a major and/or minor and graduation requirements. An exit examination is required of graduating seniors. For further information, the Department Office should be contacted at (713) 313-7003.

Chemistry

Medicinal Plant Chemistry