Placement Examination

On entering the graduate program, students are expected to demonstrate a general competence equivalent to the baccalaureate degree with a major in chemistry or to be prepared to make up deficiencies by taking appropriate courses. Proficiency is determined by placement examinations in the major subject areas of the field. A written comprehensive examination is given in each of the areas of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry, offered in the week preceding registration for each semester.

Students who perform satisfactorily are admitted to graduate courses numbered 500 and above. Students showing deficiencies in specific areas are required to correct these deficiencies, normally by taking appropriate courses at lower levels or by passing subsequent examinations. Undergraduate deficiencies may be removed by audit (without credit), wherein all the requirements, including examinations, must be completed; the instructor provides a grade used by the departmental graduate committee in evaluating the student’s progress. To remain in the program, students are expected to either pass all placement examinations or otherwise remove deficiencies prior to the beginning of the second calendar year of study.

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MA in Chemistry must complete at least 32 credits of graduate coursework, which includes:

• An acceptable research project (at least four credits of CHEM 597)
• Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
• Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
• Six graduate courses, at least four of which are in chemistry, with the balance to be related courses approved by the departmental graduate committee

Presentation Requirement

Students are required to complete a public presentation of a seminar on the subject of their research project for completion of the degree.