2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Chemistry, MS


Banner Code:  SC-MS-CHEM

The MS in chemistry provides advanced training for recent college graduates, professionals in teaching, and technical workers in research organizations who have an interest in chemistry or biochemistry.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to degree status, students must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution and must meet general admission requirements for graduate study. Admission is based on a departmental evaluation of the applicant’s background as evidenced by transcripts and letters of recommendation. Applicants who received a bachelor’s degree more than five years before the application date must submit a résumé.

Degree Requirements


To receive an MS in chemistry, students must complete 30 credits of graduate work. The thesis option is designed for students planning to pursue a doctoral degree or a career involving research in the chemical, biochemical, environmental, or pharmaceutical industries. The thesis is based on research that must be preapproved by the thesis or advisory committee, which is appointed prior to the first semester of registration in CHEM 799. Students who select the thesis option complete 6 credits of 799 and present a seminar followed by an oral defense. Students in this option are expected to choose a laboratory advisor during their first semester in the program and begin working on their thesis project no later than the second semester.

The nonthesis option is designed for those seeking to go on to professional school, teach chemistry in secondary schools, or pursue other careers in which advanced work in chemistry is necessary or advantageous. Students selecting this option are not required to complete a laboratory-based thesis. Instead, they are required to take an additional elective in chemistry (or biochemistry) and complete a research project or gain teaching experience in undergraduate chemistry labs, as described below.

CHEM 500 and 501 may not be applied toward the MS degree. CHEM 502 through 510 may be applied toward the MS degree only with prior written approval of the department.

Core Courses (9 credits):


All students in the Chemistry MS program take 9 credits of chemistry core courses. The three courses must be selected from three different core areas as shown below. Core courses may also be taken as electives beyond the stated credit requirement for each option.

Choose a total of three courses (9 credits) from three different core areas below:

General Chemistry


Students who do not wish to pursue a concentration complete the following requirements for either the thesis or nonthesis option.

Thesis Option


This program is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree or a career in the chemical industry.

In addition to the 9 credits of general core courses, students must complete the following requirements:

One Additional Core Course (3 credits):

Chemistry Electives (9 credits):

  • 3 credits of CHEM designated courses
  • 6 credits of courses in chemistry or related fields, approved by the Graduate Committee prior to registration
Seminar/Thesis (9 credits):

Nonthesis Option


This program is specifically designed for students seeking to go on to professional school, teach chemistry in secondary schools, or pursue other careers in which advanced work in chemistry is necessary or advantageous.

In addition to the 9 credits of general core courses, students must complete the following requirements:

One Additional Core Course (3 credits):

Chemistry Electives (12 credits):

  • 6 credits of CHEM designated courses
  • 6 credits of courses in chemistry or related fields, approved by the Graduate Committee prior to registration
Teaching/Research (3 credits):

Any combination of CHEM 579 and CHEM 670 may be used to fulfill this requirement. However, CHEM 579 may be used to fulfill this requirement only with prior written approval of the department and must be used to complete a laboratory- or library-based research project or enhance the student’s teaching skills.

Seminar (3 credits):

▲ Concentration in Biochemistry (BC)


Students who wish to pursue an optional concentration in Biochemistry complete the following requirements for either the thesis or nonthesis option.

Thesis Option


This program is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree or a career in the biochemical or pharmaceutical industry.

In addition to the 9 credits of general core courses, students must complete the following requirements:

One Additional Core Course (3 credits):

Students take either CHEM 531 or CHEM 633 as instructed by the Graduate Admissions Committee

Biochemistry Electives (6 credits):

  • 6 credits of electives in biochemistry (see the department for the list of approved courses)
Chemistry Electives (3 credits):

  • 3 credits of CHEM designated courses
Seminar/Thesis (9 credits):

Nonthesis Option


This program is specifically designed for students seeking to go on to professional school, teach biochemistry in secondary schools, or pursue other careers in which advanced work in biochemistry is necessary or advantageous.

In addition to the 9 credits of general core courses, students must complete the following requirements:

One Additional Core Course (3 credits):

Students take either CHEM 531 or CHEM 633 as instructed by the Graduate Admissions Committee

Biochemistry Electives (9 credits):

  • 9 credits of electives in biochemistry (see the department for the list of approved courses)
Chemistry Electives (3 credits):

  • 3 credits of CHEM designated courses
Teaching/Research (3 credits):

Any combination of CHEM 579 and CHEM 670 may be used to fulfill this requirement. However, CHEM 579 may be used to fulfill this requirement only with prior written approval of the department and must be used to complete a laboratory- or library-based research project or enhance the student’s teaching skills.

Seminar (3 credits):

Total: 30 credits