COURSE CURRICULUM

The graduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry are designed to provide advanced training in both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory research, supported by internationally recognized faculty engaged in cutting-edge work funded by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the National Institutes of Health, with additional research resources including specialized centers like the Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center. The Master of Science (M.S.) in chemistry is a research-intensive degree that typically requires about two years of study with continuous enrollment in coursework and research, totaling approximately 30 credit hours, including lecture-based classes, a departmental seminar series, and thesis research support, with core training in organic, physical, analytical, and inorganic chemistry along with electives tailored to student interests. In contrast, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in chemistry maintains the same credit-hour requirement but does not require completion of a thesis, offering a more coursework-focused pathway. Students in the M.S. program build depth through structured seminars such as CHEM 5110 Seminar in Chemistry and research foundations in CHEM 5395 Fundamentals of Research, while also selecting advanced core and elective courses such as Advanced Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Separation Methods in Chemical Analysis. Additional elective options expand interdisciplinary exposure to areas like medicinal chemistry, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, enzymology, molecular biology, polymer science, materials chemistry, nanocomposites, and biomaterials. The curriculum is designed to allow flexibility while ensuring rigorous scientific preparation, enabling students to develop both specialized expertise and broad analytical skills applicable to careers in research, industry, or further doctoral study.