Chemistry, MS

Location(s): Main Campus

A candidate for the degree of MS in chemistry is expected to demonstrate a general knowledge in the field and the ability to do original work in a specialized area of the field of chemistry, leading to an acceptable thesis. The program is guided by an advisor and the departmental graduate committee until certification and approval of a research subject and advisor. The research problem is started as early as possible in the student’s graduate education, consistent with the attainment of an acceptable general proficiency as determined by the satisfactory completion of appropriate courses and examinations.

In addition to the four traditional areas of chemistry - analytical, inorganic, organic and physical - students in the MS program can specialize in the interdisciplinary areas of biological chemistry and materials chemistry.

Admission Requirements

All applicants should submit scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test and the GRE advanced test in chemistry, as well as submit all materials required for admission to the graduate school.

Program Requirements

Placement Examination

On entering the graduate programs, 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.

A student in the biological chemistry program must demonstrate proficiency in any two traditional subdisciplines of chemistry (organic, analytical, inorganic, physical) and a placement examination in biochemistry. A student in the materials chemistry program must demonstrate proficiency in inorganic and physical chemistry and in solid state and materials sciences. (The last topic may be replaced by taking placement examinations in both analytical and organic chemistry.)

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 either to pass all placement examinations or otherwise remove deficiencies prior to the beginning of the second calendar year of study.

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MS in Chemistry must complete 30 credits of graduate coursework, which includes:

An acceptable research project and thesis (CHEM 599)
Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
Four graduate courses, at least three of which are in chemistry with the balance in related courses approved by the departmental graduate committee.
- A student in the biological chemistry program must complete at least two courses in chemistry and the remainder from the fields of biological sciences and other sciences (physics, computer science, geology, mathematics or engineering), as approved by the faculty advisor.
- A student in the materials chemistry program must complete at least two courses in chemistry, including CHEM 544, and at least two courses from the fields of materials science and engineering, geology, physics or engineering, as approved by the faculty advisor.

Choosing Examining Committee

The examining committee for each candidate consists of at least three faculty members appointed by the departmental graduate committee. In interdisciplinary programs, one member may be from another department.

Exam Requirement

Students are required to pass an oral examination on the subject of the research thesis for completion of the degree.

Thesis Requirement

Students are required to complete and submit a thesis on an original research idea for completion of the degree.

Additional Information About the Program

For more information on the Chemistry MS program, please refer to the Chemistry Department website for more information. To apply to the Chemistry MS program, please visit the University Admissions website.