Chemistry M.S. – Education Concentration Non-Thesis Option

Program Overview

College of Natural and Health Sciences

General Master's Degree Admission Requirements

View delivery options, start terms and admission requirements.

Location: Ross Hall 3480

Website: www.unco.edu/nhs/chemistry-biochemistry/

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.

Degree Requirements — 30 Credits

Required Courses — 7 credits

CHEM 682	Problems in Teaching Chemistry	3
PSY 540	Theories and Principles of Learning	3

CHEM 600	Seminar in Chemistry	1
	or
CHEM 622	Directed Studies	1- 3

Note: Take CHEM 600 or CHEM 622. Students should consult their advisor to choose the appropriate option.

Chemistry Electives — 3-12 credits

In consultation with their advisor, candidates can select up to 12 hours of chemistry elective coursework.

CHEM 522	Advanced Analytical Chemistry	3
CHEM 523	Chemical Spectroscopy	3
CHEM 525	Forensic Chemistry	4
CHEM 533	Organic Synthesis and Stereochemistry	3
CHEM 534	Theory and Mechanisms of Organic Reactions	3
CHEM 543	Organometallic Chemistry	3
CHEM 560	Environmental Chemistry	2
CHEM 581	General Biochemistry I	4
CHEM 582	General Biochemistry II	4
CHEM 590	Advanced Topics in Chemistry	3
CHEM 622	Directed Studies	1- 3

Pedagogy Electives — 11 credits minimum

In consultation with their advisor, candidates can select at least 11 credits of appropriate graduate-level courses in supporting areas such as Psychology, Educational Technology, Science Education, Education Foundations, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, and Statistics and Research Methods.

Note: In addition to course requirements, all students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination in chemical education that includes the ACS General Chemistry I and II standardized examinations with a grade of 80% or higher.

Qualifier Examinations — Each student must pass qualifying examinations in three of five areas selected from chemistry content (analytical, biological, inorganic, organic or physical chemistry). Students will have two opportunities to pass each area exam. Qualifier examinations are scheduled during the two week period preceding the beginning of the Fall semester. If an examination is failed, the requirement may be satisfied by completing designated undergraduate coursework in the appropriate subdiscipline with a minimum grade of “B.”