Chemistry

Course Structure

1. The Department of Chemistry offers a research-based Master of Science (M.S.) degree. This degree requires successful completion of two advanced graduate courses, regular participation in departmental seminar programs, and a thesis based on original research carried out under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Students choose a research advisor during their first semester in the program and are encouraged to begin hands-on laboratory work as early as possible. Students select a thesis committee for additional guidance, and are given multiple opportunities to present their research progress and accomplishments to department faculty and to their peers.
2. Because this is a research-intensive Master\x92s program, required formal coursework is kept to a minimum: just two 6000-level electives. In lieu of a \x93core\x94 curriculum, the department uses placement exams to ensure that our master\x92s students are broadly competent chemists. Incoming students take nationally normed ACS standardized exams in five traditional areas of chemistry. Students are required to demonstrate \x93proficiency\x94 in organic and physical chemistry and in two out of three of analytical, inorganic, and biochemistry. Refresher courses are available if needed.
3. A grade point average of 3.0 is required for the degree. In addition, the thesis must be accepted within six calendar years after admission into the M.S. program as a degree student. This includes a successful defense of the written thesis before a special thesis committee of no fewer than four persons, at least one of whom must be from outside of the Chemistry Department.