MS in Chemistry

Student working in the Banerjee lab.

Students in the MS in Chemistry program benefit from the state-of-the-art instrumentation required for modern research in chemistry, as well as close faculty mentorship within a nurturing and supportive graduate community. 

Thesis or Non-Thesis Degree Requirements

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

Thesis Option

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.

Non-Thesis Option

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.

Did You Know?

All domestic master's applicants who meet minimum admissions criteria are eligible for an application fee waiver. Such applicants will be considered for a waiver during processing.

Questions?

Email chemgrad@buffalo.edu or contact Prof. Timothy Cook, director of graduate studies, for more information on this program and the admissions process.