COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry requires applicants to meet general Graduate School admission standards and submit specific application materials that demonstrate academic readiness and research potential. These include a current resume outlining academic and professional experience, a Statement of Purpose (limited to 1,000 words) describing the applicant’s motivation for graduate study, research interests, prior laboratory or scientific experience, and faculty members whose research aligns with the applicant’s goals, as well as contact information for three individuals who can provide academic or professional references. International applicants whose native language is not English must also meet minimum English proficiency requirements, including a TOEFL score of at least 550 (PBT), 217 (CBT), or 80 (iBT), or an IELTS score of at least 6.5. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis pathways, allowing flexibility based on career goals and research interests. In the thesis option, students complete original research under faculty supervision and must successfully defend a written master’s thesis before their graduate committee. In the non-thesis option, students complete at least 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, with a minimum of 18 credit hours at the 600 level or above, along with substantial research participation. Students in the Chemistry and Biochemistry program typically enroll in up to 12 credit hours of CHE 791 (research) per semester, allowing them to accumulate significant research experience alongside formal coursework. Regardless of pathway, students are evaluated through a required research progress assessment, which is graded on a pass/fail basis by the student’s committee during an annual research update. This assessment ensures that students demonstrate adequate progress in research skills, scientific understanding, and academic development. The program structure supports both terminal M.S. students and those continuing toward a Ph.D., with research progress evaluations typically occurring in the fourth semester for M.S. candidates or later for doctoral students. Overall, the program is designed to provide rigorous training in chemical sciences, combining advanced coursework with hands-on research experience to prepare graduates for careers in research, industry, or further doctoral study.