Graduate programs
The Department of Chemistry offers graduate work leading to the following degrees: Master of Arts or Master of Science; Master of Arts in Teaching or Master of Science in Teaching (Science); Ph.D. in Chemistry.
The M.S. program is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career as a professional chemist or a scientist in other allied disciplines. The program involves work in advanced courses with training in research techniques. An integral part of the program is the individual research project and thesis.
The M.A. program is designed for the student who wishes to obtain an advanced degree in chemistry, but for whom the time commitment of a traditional research degree (M.S.) is not feasible due to (typically) employment obligations. The M.A. program involves advanced coursework, a literature project, and a seminar presentation.
The M.A.T./M.S.T. is offered to provide scientific training for teachers in secondary schools. The program is composed of courses intended to increase the sophistication of the student in chemical principles and to acquaint the student with current techniques in teaching methods.
The program leading to the Ph.D. in Chemistry combines original research with advanced coursework in various disciplines of chemistry. Research foci in the department are biological chemistry, materials chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Students that complete the program are prepared to pursue careers in academic, industrial, or government research.
Chemistry M.A./M.S.
See University master’s degree requirements. Specific departmental requirements are listed below and in the graduate handbook.
Prior to initial course registration in the M.A./M.S. program, the student must take entrance examinations in those areas of chemistry represented in the student’s previous coursework. Any three of these examinations must be passed by the end of the first three academic terms of residence.
The candidate must complete a minimum of 45 credits in approved graduate courses. Of these, 6 credits of coursework must be outside of the major area of interest but within the Department of Chemistry. All students participate in a one-term course entitled Seminar Preparation as well as present to the department one seminar on an acceptable topic. For the M.A., if the student has not successfully completed two academic years of German, Russian, or French at the undergraduate level, the student must show competence by examination.
Each candidate for the M.S. degree in chemistry must complete a thesis. The thesis, an experimental or theoretical research project resulting in an original contribution to chemical knowledge, must be defended in an oral examination. The examination is not restricted to the thesis material alone but may cover any aspect of chemistry or related fields.