Chemistry Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Chemistry
The department offers graduate programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry. Each student's program is planned individually to meet the student's needs, interests and capabilities. The aim of these programs is to develop chemists who are able to think creatively and critically. In recognition of the value of teaching experience in strengthening an individual's understanding of his or her field of study and as an aid in making career decisions, the department requires all full-time students to participate in instructional activities.Each new graduate student is assigned a student adviser and must obtain the approval of the adviser each semester before registering for any graduate classes.
Degree Requirements
Students seeking the Master of Science degree must pass the written M.S. Comprehensive Examination in their area of specialization:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
- Physical chemistry
The student then writes a thesis based on original research, to be submitted no later than one calendar year after passing the qualifying examination. A total of 32 credit hours of coursework is required, including up to 12 hours of thesis research (CHEM 591).
Required Courses
| CHEM 505 | Spectroscopic Methods I | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 520* | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 521* | Structural Inorganic and Solid State Chemistry | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 530** | Organic Reaction Mechanisms | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 531** | Tactics of Organic Synthesis | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 550 | Chemical Bonding | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 584 | Graduate Seminar | 1 Credit |
The remainder of the program can consist of additional graduate courses and up to 12 credit hours of CHEM 591 (Thesis Research). Students are strongly encouraged to choose additional courses from those listed below:
| CHEM 500 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 518 | Electrochemical Methods | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 535 | Polymer Synthesis | 3 Credits |
| CHEM 553 | Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics | 3 Credits |
*Students must complete either CHEM 520 or CHEM 521.
**Students must complete either CHEM 530 or CHEM 531.