COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS in Chemistry at Rochester Institute of Technology (thesis option) is a 30-credit graduate program designed to combine advanced coursework, continuous seminar participation, and intensive research training over two years. In the first year, students begin with foundational graduate-level development through CHEM-670 Graduate Chemistry Writing and CHEM-771 Graduate Chemistry Seminar I, alongside two graduate chemistry focus courses that build depth in specialized areas of chemistry. In the spring semester, students continue with seminar participation in CHEM-772 and begin formal research through CHEM-790 Research & Thesis, while completing additional focus courses to strengthen their expertise. The summer term is dedicated primarily to thesis research, allowing students to make significant progress on their independent projects. In the second year, students continue refining their specialization through advanced focus coursework and ongoing thesis work, while also participating in a structured seminar sequence (CHEM-773 and CHEM-774) that supports professional development, scientific communication, and research presentation skills. Throughout the program, the emphasis is on integrating coursework with active laboratory or theoretical research, enabling students to develop strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills. Overall, this curriculum prepares graduates for careers in scientific research, industry, or further doctoral study by providing deep disciplinary knowledge and extensive hands-on research experience in chemistry.