In developing this new degree program, input was sought from corporate representatives and industry leaders to gain insights into the curriculum and the employment landscape for potential graduates.
The aim of this non-thesis MS program is to offer an alternative path for students to obtain an MS degree in chemistry or biochemistry without the requirement of an extensive research project and thesis. This option caters to individuals whose interests or current professional obligations make the completion of research-based courses for a thesis-based MS degree less feasible. This includes undergraduate students, non-traditional learners, and professionals in local industries seeking career advancement through an MS degree.
Graduates from existing programs are highly sought after in the job market. Biochemistry's significance spans across medicine, pharmaceuticals, food production, and biodefense. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biochemists is projected to increase by eight percent over the next decade. The Texas Medical Center and local industries offer abundant opportunities in biotechnology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, forensics, and clinical laboratories, constantly seeking qualified professionals for various roles.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates can explore employment opportunities across various sectors, including government agencies, biotechnology firms, chemical labs, manufacturing units, oil and petroleum industries, pharmaceutical companies, and heavy chemical enterprises.
With a Professional Science Master’s in Applied Chemical Sciences, students are equipped for diverse roles in numerous settings:
Environmental science
Pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug safety operations
Organizations focusing on watershed, land use, and ecosystems
Toxicology and risk assessment divisions
Entrepreneurship, especially in startup specialty chemical or pharmaceutical ventures
Administration in industrial biotechnology
Bioinformatics and computational chemistry
Project management
Business development in chemical industries
Technology transfer
Product marketing
Clinical and regulatory affairs
Clinical research analysis
Lab management and analytical laboratory positions
Chemistry Professional Associations
Engaging with professional associations offers students valuable resources on internships, career pathways, conferences, scholarships, networking opportunities, and other career-related topics. These associations often provide discounted membership rates for college students. Some notable associations include:
American Chemical Society
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
American Institute of Chemists
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science
American Association for Clinical Chemistry
American Society for Testing and Materials
Royal Society of Chemistry Chemsoc Network
Association for Women in Science
Medical/Health Associations
For students interested in medical and health-related careers, these associations offer relevant resources and connections:
American Academy of Physician Assistants
American Public Health Association
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
American Dietetic Association
American Medical Writers Association