Department of Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry offers a Master of Science degree. Students can fulfill the requirements for the degree via two different tracks: a General Chemistry Track or a Biochemistry Track. The General Chemistry Track covers all areas of chemistry, whilst the Biochemistry Track has an emphasis on Biochemistry and related subjects.
For each track, students can choose one of the three degree options: (i) thesis option, (ii) research project option, or (iii) course-work only option.
Additionally, the Department of Chemistry offers a graduate level certificate in Nano Materials Science and Engineering. Students will receive the certificate upon completing all courses (B or better) stated in course requirements.
Chemistry (CHEM)
CHEM 5300 Chemistry Graduate Practice 0 SCH (0-0)
The beginning graduate student must complete a one-semester course Chemistry Graduate Practice. The course provides a general orientation and resources for incoming graduate students related to the Chemistry Graduate Program. Students are explained the different degree plan options and concentration areas. The course offers workshops for thesis writing, group discussion, and meetings with the the course instructor for individual guidance.
CHEM 5301 Advanced Chemistry Instruments 3 SCH (2-4)
Principles and practices in design of instruments for research, analysis and process control. Prerequisite: CHEM 4401.
Fee: $5.00
CHEM 5303 Advanced Analytical Chem 3 SCH (3-0)
An advanced survey of principles of chemical analysis with emphasis on newer developments in the field of analytical chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 4401.
CHEM 5305 Project Research 3 SCH (3)
Designed for students on a project research degree plan. Requires completion of a research project within one semester of research activity. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
CHEM 5306 Thesis Research 3 SCH (3)
Designed for students on a thesis research degree plan. Requires completion of a thesis project in two semesters of research activity. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours. Prerequiste: Departmental approval.
CHEM 5308 Chem/Biochem Analysis 3 SCH (3-0)
The use of advanced synchronous x-ray, Raman and mass spectrometry for surface-profiling and depth-profiling of chemical and biochemical materials, material-air/solution interface. Prerequisite: CHEM 4401 or equivalent measurement, spectroscopy or analytical course.
CHEM 5311 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 SCH (3-0)
In depth study of d- and f-block elements, their acid-base properties, standard reduction potentials, periodic trends of properties of the elements and their compounds, ligand field theory, coordination compounds, bonding and structure, optical and magnetic properties, and reaction mechanism of coordination compounds. Recovery of d- and f-block elements and industrial applications as well as metal ions in biomolecules will be discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 4311.
CHEM 5313 Chemistry and Nanoscience 3 SCH (3-0)
Chemical concepts related to nanoscience. Selected topics include chemical, optical, electronic, and magnetic interactions produced by nanomaterials, the relationship between microstructural scale and its influence on physical mechanism, and appropriate applications such as solar devices, fuel cells or biomedical agents. Prerequisite: Departmental Approval.
CHEM 5323 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 SCH (3-0)
CHEM 5327 Advanced Organic Synthesis 3 SCH (3-0)
CHEM 5328 Physical Organic Chemistry 3 SCH (3-0)
CHEM 5329 Asymmetric Synthesis 3 SCH (3)
CHEM 5332 Molecular Modeling 3 SCH (3-0)
As an introduction to Quantum Mechanics-Molecular Modeling, this course serves two purposes: (1) Use computational tools to help increase student understanding of material already covered in various chemistry courses (2) Teach students about computational chemistry (molecular modeling) itself, with the goal to enable them to apply these computational tools in research projects. Prerequisite: CHEM 3332 or approval by instructor.
CHEM 5333 Bioinformatics 3 SCH (3-0)
Computational models of biological systems and mechanisms. Models may use tools and web applications to solve diverse problems, such as protein or nucleic acid structure, function, stability, or evolutionary relationship. Prerequisite: CHEM 3181 or equivalent literature or research methods course.
CHEM 5341 Biochem Analysis of Proteins 3 SCH (3-0)
Biochemical study of proteins (methods of protein purification, principles of protein structure and the study of proteins as enzymes). Prerequisite: CHEM 4341.
CHEM 5342 Biochem Analysis of Gene Ex 3 SCH (3-0)
Biochemical study of nucleic acids and the expression of genetic information (nucleic acid structures and manipulation, transcription and translation). Prerequisite: CHEM 4341.
CHEM 5343 Forensic Chemistry 3 SCH (3-0)
Understanding the theory, concepts and application of forensic chemistry to complex problem solving related to crime detection and solving of crime via chemical means, such as use of mass spectrometry, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 4401 or equivalent analytical or bioanalytical course.
CHEM 5345 Medical Biochemistry 3 SCH (0-3-0-0-1)
The course examines fundamental aspects of biochemistry critical to understanding the chemical and cellular mechanisms relevant to health and disease including metabolism, enzymology, and genetics. Counts as an elective for the Health Science Post-baccalaureate Certificate
CHEM 5351 Environmental Chemistry 3 SCH (3-0)
CHEM 5365 Graduate Research 3 SCH (3-0)
Individual research problems defined and supervised by a Department of Chemistry graduate faculty member with permission of the department chair. Provides experiences in individual design, execution and reporting of small units of research of professional caliber. May be repeated; no more than 6 hours may be counted toward one degree. Prerequisite: Departmental approval and completion of appropriate safety courses, as defined by the research mentor.
CHEM 5412 Special Topics in Chemistry 1-4 SCH (1-4-0)
A detailed study of special areas of chemistry featuring current advances and trends. Course may be repeated for credit when topics are different. A laboratory may or may not be offered.
Fee: $5.00
Chemistry, M.S.
Requirements for admission are:
- A grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a satisfactory score on the GRE Aptitude Test;
- 20 hours of approved undergraduate chemistry, including 12 advanced;
- 8 hours of approved physics and 6 hours of calculus.
Students not satisfying these requirements may be admitted conditionally. The department, in examining the applicant's prerequisites, may accept equivalent hours or require additional work. An entering graduate student is normally subjected to five placement examinations in analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry that are used for advising the student's beginning course work.
Chemistry, M.S. - General Chemistry Track
All General Chemistry Track MS students are required to show proficiency by taking courses of at least four out of following five core areas of Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, Analytical, Physical and Biochemistry. The degree plan may vary depending on the chosen option.
The Chemistry graduate program offers courses which are classified in core areas as follows:
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 5323 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 5324 | 3 | |
| CHEM 5325 | 3 | |
| CHEM 5326 | 3 | |
| CHEM 5327 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 3 |
| CHEM 5329 | Asymmetric Synthesis | 3 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 5311 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 5312 | 3 | |
| Analytical Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 5301 | Advanced Chemistry Instruments | 3 |
| CHEM 5303 | Advanced Analytical Chem | 3 |
| CHEM 5308 | Chem/Biochem Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 5363 | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 5328 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 5331 | 3 | |
| CHEM 5332 | Molecular Modeling | 3 |
| Biochemistry | ||
| CHEM 5333 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHEM 5341 | Biochem Analysis of Proteins | 3 |
| CHEM 5342 | Biochem Analysis of Gene Ex | 3 |
Chemistry, M.S. - General Chemistry Track - Thesis Degree Option (30 Credit Hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core/Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5300 | Chemistry Graduate Practice | 0 |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 1 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 2 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 3 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 4 | 3 | |
| CHEM 5306 | Thesis Research | 6 |
| Elective Courses 1 | 12 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry. Up to 2 appropriate courses from outside the CHEM program can be accepted as part of the student's degree plan with approval of the student's Masters Advisor and of the Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Students may take a maximum of 6 semester credit hours of the Graduate Research course CHEM 5365 (this course is repeatable). Special Topics courses in Chemistry (CHEM 5412) may be repeated for credit under different topics.
Chemistry, M.S. - General Chemistry Track- Research Project Degree Option (36 Credit hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core/Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5300 | Chemistry Graduate Practice | 0 |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 1 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 2 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 3 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 4 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 5 | 3 | |
| CHEM 5305 | Project Research | 3 |
| Elective Courses 1 | 18 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry. Up to 2 appropriate courses from outside the CHEM program can be accepted as part of the student's degree plan with approval of the student's Masters Advisor and of the Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Students may take a maximum of six (6) semester credit hours of the Graduate Research course CHEM 5365 (this course is repeatable). Special Topics courses in Chemistry (CHEM 5412) may be repeated for credit under different topics.
Chemistry, M.S. - General Chemistry Track - Course-Work Only Degree Option (36 Credit Hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core/Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5300 | Chemistry Graduate Practice | 0 |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 1 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 2 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 3 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 4 | 3 | |
| CHEM 53XX - Core Area 5 | 3 | |
| CHEM 5XXX - Topic Course 1 | 3 | |
| Elective Courses 2 | 18 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Topic CHEM courses can be selected from: CHEM 5313 Chemistry and Nanoscience, CHEM 5343 Forensic Chemistry, CHEM 5351 Environmental Chemistry, and CHEM 5412 Special Topics in Chemistry.
- 2
Graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry. Up to 2 appropriate courses from outside the CHEM program can be accepted as part of the student's degree plan with approval of the student's Masters Advisor and of the Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Students may take a maximum of 6 semester credit hours of the Graduate Research course CHEM 5365 (this course is repeatable). Special Topics courses in Chemistry (CHEM 5412) may be repeated for credit under different topics.
Chemistry, M.S. - Biochemistry Track
All Biochemistry Track MS students are required to take CHEM 5341 and CHEM 5342 as core courses. The remaining course work depends on the chosen option as listed below.
Chemistry, M.S. - Biochemistry track - thesis degree option (30 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core/Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5300 | Chemistry Graduate Practice | 0 |
| CHEM 5341 | Biochem Analysis of Proteins | 3 |
| CHEM 5342 | Biochem Analysis of Gene Ex | 3 |
| CHEM 5306 | Thesis Research | 6 |
| Elective Courses 1 | 18 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry or the Department of Biological and Health Sciences. Other appropriate courses can be accepted as part of the student's degree plan with approval of the student's Masters Advisor and of the Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Students may take a maximum of 6 semester credit hours of the Graduate Research course CHEM 5365 (this course is repeatable). Special Topics course in Chemistry (CHEM 5412) or Advanced Topics in Biology courses (BIOL 5302 or BIOL 5402) may be repeated for credit under different topics.
Chemistry, M.S. - Biochemistry track - research project degree option (36 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core/Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5300 | Chemistry Graduate Practice | 0 |
| CHEM 5341 | Biochem Analysis of Proteins | 3 |
| CHEM 5342 | Biochem Analysis of Gene Ex | 3 |
| CHEM 5305 | Project Research | 3 |
| Elective Courses 1 | 27 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry or the Department of Biological and Health Sciences. Other appropriate courses can be accepted as part of the student's degree plan with approval of the student's Masters Advisor and of the Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Students may take a maximum of 6 semester credit hours of the Graduate Research course CHEM 5365 (this course is repeatable). Special Topics courses in Chemistry (CHEM 5412) or Advanced Topics in Biology courses (BIOL 5302 or BIOL 5402) may be repeated for credit under different topics).
Chemistry, M.S. - Biochemistry Track - Course-Work only degree Option (36 Credit hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core/Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5341 | Biochem Analysis of Proteins | 3 |
| CHEM 5342 | Biochem Analysis of Gene Ex | 3 |
| Elective Courses 1 | 30 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry or Department of Biological and Health Sciences. Other appropriate courses can be accepted as part of the student's degree plan with approval of the student's Masters Advisor and of the Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Students may take a maximum of 6 semester credit hours of the Graduate Research course CHEM 5365 (this course is repeatable). Special Topics courses in Chemistry (CHEM 5412) or Advanced Topics in Biology course (BIOL 5302 or BIOL 5402) may be repeated for credit under different topics.
Nano Materials Science and Engineering, Certificate
The graduate Nano Materials Science and Engineering Certificate is a 9-hour program open to all majors and professionals. This certificate will provide students the necessary skills to apply Nano and Materials Science effectively in a variety of areas. In order to qualify for the certificate, students need to take three courses, two required and one chosen from among electives.
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CHEM 5313 | Chemistry and Nanoscience | 3 |
| MEEN 5331 | Advance Materials Science | 3 |
| Elective Courses: | 3 | |
| Fiber Composite Mechanics | ||
| Chem/Biochem Analysis | ||
CHEM 5363 | ||
| Advanced Topics in Elec Eng | ||
or EEEN 5333 | Prin of VLSI Circuit Design | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 9 | |
In addition, student may take any research (Thesis or Project) course (numbered 5305 or 5306) offered by the Department of Chemistry or within the College of Engineering or any research course (CHEM 5365) focused on research aspects of material science. Prerequisites for various courses have to be met. Contact the specific department course instruction for information and advising concerning prerequisites.
Forensic Science, Transcripted Certificate
The graduate Forensic Science Certificate, offered jointly by the Departments of Chemistry and Biological & Health Sciences, is open to all majors and professionals. This certificate aims to equip students with essential skills to apply forensic science across various domains, including environmental forensics, nanoscience, chemical, cell biology, biochemical, pathophysiological analysis, and hands-on research experience.
Certificate Description: The Forensic Science Transcripted Certificate provides a comprehensive and distinct curriculum that spans multiple knowledge domains and analysis tools used in forensic investigations. Students will gain practical skills through specific courses, project research or thesis research related to forensics. The certificate is designed to meet the increasing demand for forensic expertise in South Texas and beyond, with input from the Department of Homeland Security and The Kleberg County Law Enforcement Center.
Curriculum: To qualify for the certificate, students must complete three courses: one required course (CHEM 5343) and two electives. Prerequisites for various courses must be met. Contact the specific department course instructor for information and advising concerning prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5343 | Forensic Chemistry | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Project Research | ||
or CHEM 5306 | Thesis Research | |
| Chem/Biochem Analysis | ||
| Chemistry and Nanoscience | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Graduate Research Project | ||
or BIOL 5306 | Thesis | |
| Advanced Bacteriology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 9 | |
Planned Course Offerings
This section provides a comprehensive list of graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry, along with a two-year schedule indicating when each course is expected to be available. Please note that course offerings and scheduling are subject to change based on faculty availability and student demand. To ensure steady progress toward degree completion, students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their advisor to develop a personalized academic plan.
Chemistry (CHEM)
| Course | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 5300 | X | X | ||
| CHEM 5301 1 | ||||
| CHEM 5303 1 | ||||
| CHEM 5305 | X | X | X | X |
| CHEM 5306 | X | X | X | X |
| CHEM 5308 | X | |||
| CHEM 5311 | X | |||
| CHEM 5313 | X | |||
| CHEM 5323 | X | X | ||
| CHEM 5324 | X | X | ||
| CHEM 5327 | X | |||
| CHEM 5328 | X | X | ||
| CHEM 5329 | ||||
| CHEM 5332 1 | ||||
| CHEM 5333 | X | |||
| CHEM 5341 | X | |||
| CHEM 5342 | X | |||
| CHEM 5343 | X | |||
| CHEM 5345 | X | X | ||
| CHEM 5351 | X | |||
| CHEM 5363 | ||||
| CHEM 5365 | X | X | X | X |
| CHEM 5412 | X | X | X | X |
1 This course is available during the summer term only.
Marketable Skills
Texas A&M University-Kingsville is dedicated to equipping graduate and doctoral students with the advanced marketable skills necessary for professional and academic excellence beyond the university setting. These skills encompass a range of high-level interpersonal, analytical, and applied competencies that are sought after in today’s competitive workforce.
Our graduate programs are structured to cultivate these capabilities through rigorous academic inquiry, experiential learning, faculty-mentored research, professional internships, and opportunities for scholarly and community engagement.
Below are the marketable skills cultivated through the department's graduate academic program.
Chemistry, M.S.
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Empirical and quantitative skills
- Personal and social responsibility
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Technical skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills