Its faculty are committed to excellence in education and research, and they are dedicated to serving the various science-dependent elements of the Texas community. Research is an integral part of the College's program. It develops new knowledge and, at the same time, develops the students' investigative skills and techniques. The Masters degree is offered in all departments, and doctoral degrees are offered in Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. A doctoral program in Earth Sciences in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department is currently under development.(Students in Earth and Environmental Sciences may participate in the doctoral programs in Mathematical Sciences and Environmental Sciences and Engineering.)

Students learn through close interaction with professors and other scientists engaged on research . Research also enhances the faculty's capabilities, and research capacity continues to be an important criterion in the selection and advancement of faculty. Faculty in the College of Science currently attract annual research funding of $1.5 million. Much of the research within the College is applied in nature. Generally it addresses basic scientific questions of mutual interest to both university and industrial scientists. It is consistent with the university's role of providing education and training to its students and of developing new knowledge through research while, at the same time, addressing some of the basic needs of industry. This applied science thrust received its major impetus with approval of the doctoral programs in Applied Chemistry and Applied Physics which have industrial internships as one of their key degree requirements.

We also have joint programs with the College of Engineering in Material Science and Engineering and in Environmental and Earth Sciences. We have received both philosophical and financial support from industry in the development and implementation of these programs. We value this cooperation and are continually exploring new opportunities to interact more effectively with industrial scientists by identifying research areas of mutual interest. We invite and welcome your suggestions, and promise you an eager reception.