Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry M.S.

Education Emphasis

This Chemistry, M.S. extends and builds upon the knowledge and skills learned at the undergraduate level and, through the science education component, develops skills necessary to become increasingly effective in the chemistry classroom.

Successful completion of this degree will enhance advancement opportunities in the education field and provide a teacher advanced training in content and pedagogy. The degree can also qualify graduates to teach at the junior or community college level.

Admission. The students should have completed chemistry courses comparable to those required in the B.S. degree in chemistry including courses in organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry. If these requirements are not met, a candidate may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis.

Research Emphasis

The Chemistry, M.S. extends and builds upon the knowledge and skills learned at the undergraduate level and, through the research component, develops independence in the chemical laboratory and in dealing with the chemical literature. Candidates have the opportunity to work closely with faculty trained in biochemistry and in analytical, inorganic, physical and organic chemistry.

Successful completion of this degree will enhance chances for professional advancement and expand employment opportunities. Further education in a Ph.D. program in chemistry is also a possibility.

Admission. The students should have completed a program equivalent to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (ACS Certified) including courses in organic, inorganic, analytical (quantitative and instrumental analysis) and physical chemistry plus college mathematics through differential and integral calculus and one year of physics. If these requirements are not met, a candidate may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Chemistry M.S. — Education Emphasis   

Chemistry M.S. — Research Emphasis     

Chemical Education Ph.D.

This program prepares versatile, well-informed chemistry teachers by providing advanced training for chemistry teachers or chemists who wish to pursue educational opportunities beyond the master's degree. Students completing this program are qualified to work in the chemical education field at a variety of levels; such as, science coordinators or supervisors in the secondary school, chemistry instructors at two- and four-year colleges or chemistry educators at a university. At the professional level, program graduates are qualified to do fundamental research in chemical education and to direct chemistry research at the undergraduate level.

Admission. The student should have completed requirements of an ACS-certified baccalaureate degree in chemistry.

Master’s en route to the Ph.D. Students who have been admitted to the Ph.D. program in Chemical Education may complete a master’s degree in Chemistry en route to completion of the doctoral degree. Requests for a simultaneous master’s degree in a discipline other than Chemistry will not be accepted. Students in collaboration with the students’ advisors, will develop a plan of study that includes clearly distinct master’s and doctoral requirements. Students must graduate from the master’s degree program in a minimum of one semester prior to conferring of the doctoral degree.

For degree and program requirements see:

Chemical Education Ph.D.