Chemistry - M.A., M.S. and Ph.D. Download to print

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Chemistry provides opportunities with courses in analytical, bio-, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.  The extraordinary breadth of the program gives students considerable flexibility in curriculum design, ensuring a modern and dynamic graduate education.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry provides opportunity in research in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry as well as biochemistry. Many of the research topics are built around interdisciplinary themes in biomedical research (bioanalytical, bioinorganic and biophysical chemistry) and materials science (nanomaterials, liquid crystals, photonic materials, spectroscopy, surface science).

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry provides students with opportunities for research in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry as well as biochemistry. Many of the research topics are built around interdisciplinary themes in biomedical research (bioanalytical, bioinorganic and biophysical chemistry) and materials science (nanomaterials, liquid crystals, photonic materials, spectroscopy, surface science).

Official transcript(s), goal statement and three letters of recommendation. In addition, a minimum quantitative Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 600 or a minimum score of 143 on the quantitative revised GRE is expected. Although the subject GRE is not required, candidates are encouraged to provide a subject GRE score to strengthen their application. The M.S. requires a 3.0 GPA. The Ph.D. requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and 3.25 graduate GPA. For the M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. a background of undergraduate courses consisting of one year each in analytical chemistry or biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, calculus and physics is expected. Please refer to the University policy for graduate admissions.

M.A.: A total of 32 semester hours of graduate credit is required, including at least 21 hours of classroom courses. The selection of these hours will be planned by the student and a faculty adviser to best fulfill the needs of the student. There is no research requirement for this degree. This program is only available with permission.



M.S.: Each student must complete a total of 32 semester hours of courses including research and thesis. Of these, at least 18 hours must be for graduate credit other than research and thesis. Required courses include College Teaching of Chemistry (CHEM 60894; 1 hour) and, in the major area, two semester hours of Seminar (CHEM 62191, 62291, 62391, 62491 or 62591) and two semester hours of Problem Solving or Recent Developments courses (CHEM 61191, 60291, 60391, 60491 or 60591). A total of 13 semester hours of graduate chemistry classroom courses are also required; one of these courses must be outside the major area.



Ph.D.: Each student must complete a total of 90 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree or 60 hours beyond the master’s degree including research and dissertation. Of these, at least 27 hours must be for graduate credit other than research and dissertation. Required courses include College Teaching of Chemistry (CHEM 70894; 1 hour) and, in the major area, four semester hours of Seminar (CHEM 72191, 72291, 72391, 72491 or 72591) and four semester hours of Problem Solving or Recent Developments courses (CHEM 71191, 70291, 70391, 70491 or 70591). A total of 18 semester hours of graduate chemistry classroom courses are required; one of these courses must be outside the major area.

 

M.A. Chemistry

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an improved knowledge of a narrow specialization within chemistry by their performance on course examinations and assessments.

M.S. Chemistry

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an improved knowledge of a specialization within chemistry by their performance on course examinations and assessments.

2. Develop their abilities to plan and execute chemical experiments by successfully completing an independent research project.

3. Develop their presentation skills by giving two seminars to their colleagues in the subdiscipline, by authoring or contributing to publications of their research, by oral or poster presentations of their research at conferences, and by writing and defending a thesis.

Ph.D. Chemistry

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an improved knowledge of a specialization within chemistry by their performance on written and oral candidacy examinations.

2. Develop their abilities to plan and execute chemical experiments by successfully completing independent research projects.

3. Develop their presentation skills by giving four seminars to their colleagues in the subdiscipline, by authoring or contributing to publications of their research, by oral or poster presentations of their research at conferences, and by writing and defending a dissertation.

To be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree, the student must pass a written examination in the field of specialization, the form and time of the examination being determined by each division (analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry or physical chemistry). Those failing this examination may repeat the examination once. After passing the written examination, the student must present a detailed written proposal for his/her dissertation research. The successful oral defense of this proposal and its acceptance by the advisory committee admits the student to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

 

M.S.: A thesis presenting and interpreting the results of original research is required. The Department of Chemistry considers research to be a fundamental part of the M.S. program. Areas in which research may be carried out are analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. The thesis must be successfully defended in an oral examination before the student’s advisory committee.