Texas State Technical College at Waco offers course work in Chemical Technology (Chemtech) leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Technology degree. TSTC is an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a State of Texas funded college.  The Chemical Technology program is one of six two year chemical technology (Chemtech) programs approved by the American Chemical Society  and was rated as an exemplary program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Industry recognizes the excellent educational training program offered at TSTC. As graduates of the Chemical Technology program (Chemtech), students are in high demand for job opportunities from companies across Texas. Graduates are employed statewide in chemical and petrochemicals, plastics, semiconductors, food, environmental, consulting, and numerous other companies requiring the skills of degreed chemical technicians. Most graduates accept job positions before or soon after graduation. Graduates may work in a variety of industries with starting salaries for our most recent graduates ranging from $18,000 to $36,000 per year.

As an undergraduate student studying chemistry, you become aware of the broad scope of the contemporary chemical sciences, including such areas as material science, molecular biology, biotechnology, environmental chemistry, polymer science, biochemistry, pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, as well as, the traditional sub-disciplines of organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. Within any of these areas, building upon your background and interests, you can, with a associate's (A.A.S) or bachelor's-level (B.A. or B.S.) degree, pursue numerous challenging and rewarding career opportunities.

A background in chemistry is a powerful springboard to launch you into your career. Chemistry is the central science. It connects on one side with physics and mathematics, on another with earth and environmental sciences, and on still another with biology and medicine. A person with an education in chemistry is prepared to assume a wide variety of positions in industry, education, or public service. It is obvious that a chemistry background is important if you plan to work in the chemical industry . It may be less obvious that a significant knowledge of chemistry is often required in professions such as molecular biology and biotechnology, hazardous waste management, art conservation, and forensic science. Many chemistry graduates begin their careers working "at the bench" in a laboratory or in quality or process control in the factory. However, their background can make them strong candidates to move into sales, marketing, or management. In addition, an undergraduate chemistry degree may be effectively combined with advanced work in other fields.

It is often observed that today's graduate, unlike the graduate of a generation ago, should anticipate not a single position with one employer or in one industry, but rather many careers. You will be well prepared for this future if, in your college years, you take advantage of the opportunity to become broadly educated, to learn to be flexible and work within a team, and to be a creative problem solver. Even though the knowledge and skills gained in your college courses may be directly applicable in your first job, science and technology continues to change at a rapid pace. You will have the background to keep up and stay ahead with the skills and self-discipline acquired in college so as to pursue a lifetime of learning.

In 1994, the ACS Committee on Professional Training (CPT) and the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates (CCA) held a roundtable discussion on undergraduate training for careers in chemistry. The major conclusions are in the following advice for chemistry students planning for a career in industry.

In addition to obtaining a strong background in the core subdisciplines of chemistry, experience in the following areas is highly valued:

Other studies have drawn similar conclusions and have also emphasized leadership skills, strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and initiative.

Many predict a growing role for chemistry as we confront the major issues facing the world in the 21st century: providing energy, responding to regulation, protecting the environment, improving health, and feeding the world. This is an exciting time to be planning for your career.

The program, which is two years in length (six semesters), involves training using state-of-the-art instruments, materials, and techniques employed in the chemical industry. An advisory committee, consisting of practicing professionals in the chemical field, works closely with the faculty to insure that the program is kept abreast with up-to-date information and developments in the chemical industry. As a result, TSTC Chemical Technology graduates leave with complete confidence that they have had the best possible education and training available upon graduation. advisory committee, consisting of practicing professionals in the chemical field, works closely with the faculty to insure that the program is kept abreast with up-to-date information and developments in the chemical industry. As a result, TSTC Chemical Technology graduates leave with complete confidence that they have had the best possible education and training available upon graduation.

The curriculum, though at first glance seems difficult, is taught from the basics, and can be completed by anyone with a high school degree and the determination to succeed. Qualified faculty are available to tutor and help students in every possible way toward becoming degreed chemical professionals.

A tour of the chemical technology program facilities is available upon request. We encourage you to tour the TSTC campus, talk with the Chemical Technology instructors and students, and see for yourself what we have to offer your students.

The Chemical Technology program accepts new students during the Spring (January), Summer (June) and Fall (September) semesters. Students who are weak in basic math and language skills (TASP) may wish to start a semester earlier to reinforce these necessary skills.

If you plan to attend for the Summer, Spring or Fall semester, it is suggested that you contact the department in advance to make all necessary arrangements.

If financial assistance is needed, we recommend that you contact the Financial Aid Office at TSTC at least eight weeks prior to enrollment.

If we can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to email us. Please call or write the Chemical Technology Department, Texas State Technical College at Waco, 3801 Campus Drive, Waco, Texas 76705.  The phone number is (254) 867- 4859 or toll free (800) 792 - 8784.