Chemistry, M.S.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in chemistry are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An official application for graduate admission
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
3. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing)
4. Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields. An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination is expected. A bachelor‘s degree with a concentration in chemistry from an accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four–year program, is required for admission, along with a “B” average or better in chemistry courses. Admission decisions are based upon several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criteria in one of the areas may be considered for admission.

Degree Requirements

1. Programs leading to the Master of Science degree require a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate study. No more than 12 credit hours from those courses cross listed as 400/500 may be applied toward the degree. Up to eight hours of graduate courses offered by other departments may be approved by the student‘s advisory committee. A maximum of six hours of credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to a “B” or better, and courses must be acceptable to the student‘s advisory committee. A minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate study must be completed in residence.
2. Deficiencies in a student‘s undergraduate preparation will be ascertained by a committee of faculty members in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Placement tests in the basic areas of chemistry may be administered to incoming students at the discretion of the faculty committee to assist with evaluation of deficiencies. Any deficiencies must be remedied prior to graduation.
3. A thesis reporting the results of the student‘s original research project must be submitted by the student and approved by the student‘s advisory committee. Each student will present a seminar on his or her research project.
4. The student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination and an oral defense of the thesis.
5. The program shall be completed within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.