The M.S. degree is not a stand-alone admissions option. It is available only to students who are already enrolled in the Ph.D. program. Students may earn the M.S. degree either:

• En route to the Ph.D., as part of their progression through the doctoral program (not required to earn a Ph.D.), or
• As a terminal degree, if they choose not to continue toward the Ph.D.

Learning Outcomes

1. Master's students in Chemistry will identify and conduct research scholarship or creative endeavors.
2. M.S. students in Chemistry will effectively communicate in their field of study through oral and written components.
3. M.S. students in Chemistry will critically and creatively solve problems in their field of study.
4. Master's students in Chemistry will conduct ethical research in a responsible manner.
5. Master's students in Chemistry will demonstrate attributes of professional development consistent with expectations within their field of study.

Admissions Requirements

No direct admission to the Master’s program. Enrollment in the master’s program is restricted to those in the Ph.D. program.

Degree Requirements (30 Hours)

Coursework

A candidate for the M.S. degree, while earning a minimum of 30 hours of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree, must complete the following:

Five 700-Level CHEM Courses (15 Hours)

Courses are chosen by area of interest with the guidance of an academic advisor.¹

¹

CHEM 701, CHEM 790, CHEM 791, CHEM 898, and CHEM 899 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

Two Semesters of Thesis Research (6 Hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
CHEM 790	Introduction to Research	3
CHEM 791	Introduction to Research	3
Total Credit Hours		6

Present One Divisional Seminar (1 Hour)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
CHEM 701	Seminar	1
Total Credit Hours		1

Research (6 Hours minimum)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
CHEM 898	Research in Chemistry II	6-15
Total Credit Hours		6-15

Note: Students must include additional hours on a program of study of either additional CHEM 700+ level or CHEM 898 courses to total a minimum of 30 hours, with the guidance of an academic advisor.  The Oral Comprehensive Exam is a combined oral and written exam and consists of a description of the thesis research progress to date and future plans.  The Oral Comprehensive Exam satisfies the Graduate School requirement for a Comprehensive Assessment of Candidates for the M.S. degree.  A thesis is required to obtain an M.S. degree. 

Detailed departmental degree requirements are outlined in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s Graduate Student Handbook, which is available on the website.