Program Information

The department offers the Master of Science (thesis or non-thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a major in chemistry and specialization in biochemistry, analytical, organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry. The non-thesis degree Master of Science in Teaching is also offered with a major in chemistry. New graduate students should have adequate undergraduate training in inorganic, analytical, organic, and physical chemistry. Normally this will include as a minimum a year of general chemistry, one semester of quantitative analysis, one year of organic chemistry, one year of physical chemistry, and one semester of advanced inorganic chemistry. Additional courses in instrumental analysis, biochemistry, and advanced physical and organic chemistry are desirable. Deficiencies in any of these areas may be corrected during the first year of graduate study. Such deficiencies are determined by a series of placement tests given prior to registration, and the results of these tests are used in planning the student’s program. Doctoral candidates are required to complete at least 9 semester credits of courses specified by the division of the Chemistry Department in which they choose to specialize, as well as at least 9 semester credits of out-of-major-division courses. There are some minor restrictions on courses that may be used to meet this requirement. Additional courses may be required by the student’s supervisory committee or major professor.

Ph.D. candidates must serve not less than one year as teaching assistants. This requirement will be waived only when, in the opinion of the department, unusual circumstances justify such action. A chemical physics option is offered for students who will be doing research in areas of physical chemistry which require a strong background in physics. For this option, a student meets the departmental requirements for concentration in physical chemistry, except that only one out-of-major division course is required. In addition, a minimum of 14 credits in 4000 level or higher physics courses or a minimum of 7 such credits in physics and 7 in 4000 level or higher mathematics courses is required. Candidates for the master’s degree are required to complete any two core courses. The Master of Science degree in chemistry has both thesis and non-thesis options. The non-thesis degree Master of Science in Teaching is offered with a major in chemistry and requires a written paper of substantial length (30 to 50 pages) on an approved topic pertaining to some phase of chemistry, under the course CHM 6905 Individual Problems, Advanced (1-5 cr.).

Degrees Offered with a Major in Chemistry

• Doctor of Philosophy
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Clinical and Translational Science
  • concentration in Imaging Science and Technology
• Master of Science
• Master of Science in Teaching

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Chemistry Courses

Chemistry Departmental Courses

Chemistry (PHD)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will define, identify, and describe the fundamental science of the declared sub-discipline within chemistry (physical, biochemistry, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry)

SLO 2     Skills     
Students will formulate new research ideas and carry them out in the laboratory

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Practice ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, professional conduct and high level oral and written communication skills

Chemistry (MS)

SLO 1     Knowledge         Students will define, identify, and describe the fundamental science of the declared sub-discipline within chemistry (physical, biochemistry, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry)

SLO 2     Skills      Students will formulate new research ideas and carry them out in the laboratory

SLO 3     Professional Behavior    Practice ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, professional conduct and high level oral and written communication skills

Chemistry (MST)             

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will define, identify, and describe the fundamental science of chemistry with a focus on teaching
SLO 2     Skills     
Students will formulate and evaluate new strategies and approaches to teaching chemistry and practice them in the classroom or the teaching laboratory
SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Practice ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, professional conduct and high level oral and written communication skills