Chemistry and Biochemistry, M.S.

I. Admission Requirements

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test score (of less than 5 years). Optional. For unconditional admission to the graduate program with thesis option, the student must present at least 30 semester hours of “B” work in chemistry, including two semesters of physical chemistry*, and credit for two semesters each of calculus and general physics.  Students who do not meet these requirements may gain conditional admission and can complete a course of study to rectify any deficiencies.  These courses include Physical Chemistry 4010 and/or 4020, Advanced Organic Chemistry 4200, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 4300, Instrumental Analysis 4400, and Biochemistry 4500.

*For M.S. in Chemistry with non-thesis option, the student only needs to present one semester of physical chemistry with a grade “B” or better.

II. Program Requirements

Master of Science in Chemistry with Non-Thesis Option

Core Requirement - 6 hours

• CHEG 5200  -  Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis ( 3 )  

• CHEG 5300  -  Chemical Bonding and Stereochemistry ( 3 )  

Electives- 18 hours

Completion of at least six courses from the following four area of chemisty (18 credit hours): Students will need to consult with their advisor.

• Biochemistry: CHEG 5000  , CHEG 5030 , CHEG 5210  
• Inorganic: CHEG 5010 , CHEG 5020  
• Organic: CHEG 5400 , CHEG 5500  
• Physical Chemistry : CHEG 5710 , CHEG 5720 , CHEG 5730  

Other Electives- 6 Hours

Completion of at least two additional 5000-level courses in Chemistry or a related area

Total Credit- 30 hours

III. Exit Requirements

1. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher for a minimum of 30 credit hours.
2. Comprehensive Written Examination - Once the student has completed all of the courses needed for graduation and has been admitted to candidacy, a comprehensive written examination is required.  The examination is based on the courses taken in both the major and minor areas.  The faculty who taught these courses to the student will prepare and grade the examination.  Note that the faculty members involved may or may not be the same faculty who serve on the student’s Graduate Committee.  The examination should be scheduled in conformance with deadlines shown in the Academic Calendar. 
3. { Thesis option only }Successful completion of the Thesis - The typical thesis will contain enough information that could form the basis for a short journal article.  The preparation of the thesis is a research experience.  It should show the capacity of the student, under guidance, to accomplish an independent investigation, and it must demonstrate mastery of the techniques of research.  The work will represent an original contribution to knowledge.
4. { Thesis option only }Master’s Oral Examination - A final oral defense is required, and will be held only after all members of the graduate committee have had adequate opportunity to review a full draft of the master’s thesis. The thesis advisor is responsible for determining that the draft is in an appropriate form for committee evaluation. If substantial revisions are necessary, they should be completed before the final oral defense is scheduled. All Graduate Committee members are expected to be present at the defense.

Timeline for Completion of the Degree

A full time student, working with their advisor, should be able to complete all requirements and graduate in two years.  Students who are not full time will take longer to earn the degree.  The research thesis must be submitted in time for review and corrections well before either spring graduation (May) or fall graduation (December).  Students should work closely with their graduate advisors to complete their theses in a timely fashion. 

Graduate Curriculum Guide for Chemistry and Biochemistry

Note:

Not all courses are offered every semester.  This is only a guide.  Please consult with your advisor about specific requirements.