Graduate Degree Programs in Chemistry

The Department offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry.

The aim of these programs is to develop chemists who are able to think creatively and critically. Each student's program is planned individually to meet his or her needs, interests, and capabilities. 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 graduate student advisor and must obtain the approval of the advisor each semester before registering for any graduate classes.

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Master of Science in Chemistry

• 32 credit hours
• written comprehensive examination
• dissertation and oral defense

Students seeking the Master of Science degree must pass the written M.S. Comprehensive Examination in their area of specialization: analytical, inorganic, organic, polymer or physical chemistry. The student then writes a thesis based on original research, which is expected 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).

An M.S. student must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of approved graduate work this includes 2 credits hours of CHEM 585 Colloquium in Chemistry and:

CHEM 505 Spectroscopic Methods I,
CHEM 550 Chemical Bonding,
CHEM 584 Graduate Seminar.

The student must also complete one course in inorganic chemistry:
CHEM 520 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry or CHEM 521 Structural Inorganic and Solid State Chemistry;

and one course in organic chemistry:
CHEM 530 Organic Reaction Mechanisms or CHEM 531 Tactics of Organic Synthesis.

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 above or:

CHEM 500 Advanced Analytical Chemistry,
CHEM 518 Electrochemical Methods,
CHEM 535 Polymer Synthesis,
CHEM 553 Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics.

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

• 84 credit hours, including Master's degree studies
• written qualifying examination
• comprehensive examination
• dissertation and oral defense

A minimum of 84 credit hours is required for the Ph.D. in chemistry. Students who have received an M.S. degree from another university may petition for transfer of up to 32 credit hours applicable toward the Ph.D. degree. Students must pass the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination in 2 areas of chemistry, including their area of specialization and one other of the students choice. Examinations are given in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, polymer, and physical chemistry. The Ph.D. program is tailored to fit the student's background and goals and is subject to approval at the time of filing of the Program of Study (Form 401).

Programs of study must include 4 semesters of CHEM 585 Colloquium in Chemistry and:

CHEM 505 Spectroscopic Methods I,
CHEM 550 Chemical Bonding,
CHEM 584 Graduate Seminar,
CHEM 684 Graduate Seminar.

The required coursework includes a minimum of 3 additional courses chosen from the following core. Two of the courses must be in inorganic and organic chemistry, respectively:

CHEM 500 Advanced Analytical Chemistry,
CHEM 518 Electrochemical Methods,
CHEM 520 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry,
CHEM 521 Structural Inorganic and Solid State Chemistry,
CHEM 530 Organic Reaction Mechanisms,
CHEM 531 Tactics of Organic Synthesis,
CHEM 535 Polymer Synthesis,
CHEM 553 Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics.

The remainder of the program of study will be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. All research for the dissertation must be carried out under the direct supervision of a faculty research advisor. The faculty research advisor also will act as the candidate's academic advisor.

Students must have passed the written qualifying examination before registering for CHEM 691 Ph.D. Thesis Research.

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Chemistry Division, 3101 South Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312.567.3480     FAX: 312.567.3494
Chemistry Webmaster (segre@iit.edu)