Master's Degree Requirements
Preliminary
Advisement
Students who have been admitted for graduate work in chemistry will be contacted
by the Director of Graduate Studies in order to develop a tentative plan of study
which takes into consideration the student's background and interests. Entering
students are required to demonstrate proficiency at the undergraduate level in
four areas of chemistry (biochemistry, organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical).
Proficiency may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
- Outstanding performance in recent undergraduate course work.
- Satisfactory performance in standardized placement examinations. These examinations are given twice a year, approximately one week before the beginning of the fall and winter semesters.
- Successful completion of assigned course work.
Master of Science in Chemistry
Candidates for the M.S. degree in chemistry must demonstrate proficiency
in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry within
two years of initial enrollment.
A minimum of 30 hours is required, normally including 3 hours in Chem 6897 Chemistry Colloquium. No more than 3 hours in Chem 6897 may be applied toward the required minimum of 30 credit hours.
Master of Science in Chemistry with Thesis
Students selecting this option must be enrolled full-time for at least two
consecutive semesters. During this time, students are expected to enroll
in Chem 6905, Graduate Research in Chemistry, and conduct their thesis research. A
maximum of 12 hours of Chem 6905 may be applied toward the required 30 hours.
At least 9 hours must be at the 5000 level, excluding Chem 6905. A maximum
of 9 hours in 3000 level or above courses outside the department may be accepted
if students receive prior approval of their advisers and the Director of
Graduate Studies. Students are expected to follow all other general
requirements of the Graduate School regarding master’s degree and thesis
requirements.
Master of Science without Thesis
Unlike the thesis option, students need not be enrolled full-time. Of the required
30 hours, 15 credits must be at the 5000 level. A maximum of 6 credits of
Chem 6905, Graduate Research in Chemistry, may be included in place of 4000
level courses. A maximum of 12 hours taken in 3000 level or above courses
outside the department may be accepted with prior approval of the Director
of Graduate Studies.
Distribution Requirement
Students must take chemistry courses for graduate credit at the 4000 and 5000
levels. Students may choose to concentrate the majority of their coursework
in one of four areas (biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry,
or physical chemistry). Students must complete at least 6 hours of
chemistry coursework in one (or more) sub-disciplines(s) outside of their
major emphasis area. The following courses may not be used to fulfill
the distribution requirement: Chem. 4212, 4233, 4302, 4343, 4412, and
4433.