COURSE CURRICULUM

The M.S. in Chemistry is a research-intensive graduate program designed to provide advanced scientific training, professional development, and hands-on research experience in chemical sciences, while preparing students for careers in industry, academia, or further doctoral study. The program requires a total of 30 credit hours and emphasizes both depth in specialized chemistry areas and independent research leading to a master’s thesis. Students must complete a minimum of 20 credits of coursework, including at least 8 credits at the 900 level or above, along with satisfactory performance in at least three path-specific courses such as analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry, ensuring strong specialization in a chosen subfield. A key component of the degree is 6 to 10 credits of CHEM 899 Thesis/Problems research, where students conduct original research under faculty supervision. Throughout the program, students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, attend departmental seminars and Graduate Research Updates, and actively engage in the academic research community. In the second year, students present a Thesis Research Proposal and later complete a formal written thesis, public presentation, and oral defense evaluated by a faculty thesis committee. Professional development is supported through structured courses such as CHEM 800 Introduction to Chemistry Teaching and Research Practices, CHEM 801 Modern Tools for Researchers in the Chemical Sciences, CHEM 802 Critical Thinking for Chemists, CHEM 991 Graduate Presentation Portfolio, and CHEM 992 Graduate Writing Portfolio, all of which strengthen communication, analytical thinking, and research skills. Students also take advanced program courses such as CHEM 855 Advanced Organic Chemistry, CHEM 903 and 904 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM 862 Advanced Chemical Analysis Instrumentation, CHEM 925 Surface Chemistry, and CHEM 935 Advanced Analytical Chemistry, among others, to build strong disciplinary expertise. The program structure requires students to select a faculty advisor early, develop a focused research plan, and later form a thesis committee to evaluate progress and final research outcomes. Overall, the degree integrates advanced coursework, structured professional development, and independent research to produce highly skilled chemists capable of contributing to scientific innovation, industry problem-solving, and academic advancement.