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George Mason University
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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Chemistry, MS


Banner Code:  SC-MS-CHEM

College: College of Science  
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry  

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

CHEM 500  may not be applied toward the MS degree.

CHEM courses numbered 502 through 510 may be applied toward the degree only with prior written approval of the department.

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the bachelor of science program. See the Chemistry, BS/Chemistry, Accelerated MS  for specific requirements.

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 a regionally accredited institution and must meet general admission requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies  section of this catalog. Admission is based on a departmental evaluation of the applicant’s background as evidenced by transcripts, résumés, and letters of recommendation.

Degree Requirements


To receive this degree, students must complete the coursework listed below with the option of completing a thesis or completing a research project or teaching experience.

Core Courses (9 credits)


All students in the Chemistry, MS  program must complete three of the following core courses. Courses must be selected from the three different core areas shown below.

Core courses may also be taken as electives beyond the stated credit requirement for each option.

MS without Concentration (21 credits)


General chemistry students who do not wish to pursue a concentration complete the following requirements and choose either the thesis or nonthesis option:

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 (3 credits)


Thesis or Nonthesis (6 credits)


Choose one of the following options:

Thesis Option

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.

Students must choose a research laboratory advisor during their first semester in the program and begin working on their thesis project no later than the second semester. 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 must complete CHEM 799  and present a seminar, followed by an oral defense.

Nonthesis Option

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 must complete a research project or gain teaching experience in undergraduate chemistry labs, as described below.

Additional Chemistry Electives

  • 3 credits of CHEM designated courses
Teaching and Research

Any combination of CHEM 670  and CHEM 796  may be used to fulfill this requirement. However, CHEM 796  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 must otherwise enhance the student’s teaching skills.

Choose 3 credits from the following:

MS with Concentration (21 credits)


▲ Concentration in Biochemistry (BC)


Students who wish to pursue an optional concentration in biochemistry complete the following requirements and choose either the thesis or nonthesis option:

One Additional Core Course (3 credits)

Chemistry Electives (3 credits)

  • 3 credits of CHEM designated courses
Seminar (3 credits)

Thesis or Nonthesis (12 credits)

Choose one of the following options:

Thesis Option

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.

Students must choose a research laboratory advisor during their first semester in the program and begin working on their thesis project no later than the second semester. 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 must complete CHEM 799  and present a seminar, followed by an oral defense.

Biochemistry Electives

  • 6 credits of electives in biochemistry or related fields with approval from department
Nonthesis Option

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 must complete a research project or gain teaching experience in undergraduate chemistry labs, as described below.

Biochemistry Electives

  • 9 credits of electives in biochemistry or related fields with approval from department
Teaching and Research

Any combination of CHEM 670  and CHEM 796  may be used to fulfill this requirement. However, CHEM 796  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 must otherwise enhance the student’s teaching skills.

Choose 3 credits from the following:

Degree Total: 30 credits