Chemistry, M.S. - Online

A master of science degree in Chemistry enables graduate students to increase the depth and scope of their knowledge by working and studying alongside practicing chemists from both academia and industry. This degree is largely self-designed with the assistance of a faculty member, allowing students to tailor their studies to meet their specific educational goals. Potential candidates from both educational and industrial settings are encouraged to apply. Graduates advance to exciting careers in research and education or pursue doctoral degrees in Chemistry. Specifically designed for working professionals, classes meet online. The majority of students are already working professionals in industry and area schools.

Program outcomes

The student will:

1. Recognize the interconnections between different areas of Chemistry
2. Relate advanced areas of Chemistry to each other
3. Recognize periodic trends and use them to predict and explain structure and reactivity
4. Interpret the relationship between the physical properties of reactants and products to their reactivity
5. Analyze chemical reactions in Organic, Inorganic, and Biochemistry
6. Apply advanced chemical principles to one or more of the following: Forensic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Planetary Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or Cancer Biochemistry
7. Formulate chemical mechanisms for organic reactions
8. Evaluate the research literature in Chemistry and Biochemistry
9. Use advanced chemical concepts to solve novel problems

Matriculation requirements

1. Graduate application and nonrefundable application fee
2. Sealed official undergraduate transcripts from all institutions the student has attended
3. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, in Chemistry or in a closely related discipline
4. Science GPA of 2.8 or higher
5. The prerequisites for admissions include two semesters of introductory Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics (all with labs) and one semester of calculus all with a B- or better
6. Two letters of recommendation
7. An initial completed planned program of study (a final Plan of Study created in consultation with the program director must be submitted to graduate admissions prior to registration for the second term)

Progression standards

Non-thesis progression standards:

In addition to maintaining a 2.67 GPA, students must earn a B- or better in all required coursework. Failure to meet these requirements will result in probation. Required courses that were completed with a grade less than a B- must be retaken. Students may retake a course only one time. Students failing to have a GPA of 2.67 must increase the GPA to 2.67 within six (6) credits. Students who fail to increase the GPA in six (6) credits or do not earn a B- in a required course in the second attempt will be dismissed. Students who earn a D or an F in any course will be dismissed.  

Thesis progression standards:

To progress to a thesis master’s program, the student must have a GPA of 3.3 without having repeated any courses in the program. Thesis students must have completed the coursework without academic probation. Any student who has been accepted as a thesis candidate and earns a grade less than a B will be subject to departmental review. The department determines whether the student may continue in the thesis option or be asked to submit a non-thesis plan of study.