MS in Chemistry

Students may choose to pursue a thesis or non-thesis MS in Chemistry degree. Both degree tracks require a minimum of 30 credit hours.

This degree is granted to students who perform original research and submit a thesis in addition to completing four graduate lecture courses. Students must take a minimum of four (4) lecture courses totaling at least 12 credit hours, or other lecture courses approved for graduate credit. There is no specific course requirement for this degree. However, each student must demonstrate proficiency in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Typically, students accomplish this by passing the ACS Placement Exam in the area or taking a core graduate course in the area. The remaining credit hours are typically appropriate 700-level chemistry graduate research courses including CHE 700 (Thesis Guidance) as approved by the student’s major professor.

A degree without a thesis will be granted to students who demonstrate competency in graduate level course work by taking a minimum of six (6) lecture courses totaling at least 18 credit hours.  Each student must also demonstrate proficiency in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Typically, students accomplish this by passing the ACS Placement Exam in the area or taking a core graduate course in the area. The remaining credit hours are typically taken as CHE 571 (Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry), dedicated to a supervised project. An acceptable written report which summarizes the accomplishments in CHE 571 is required to be submitted to the student’s supervisory committee and the Department of Chemistry.