Chemistry, MA

Master of Arts Program

The MA program in chemistry satisfies the needs of students who desire a master’s degree based primarily on coursework.

The departmental graduate committee recommends for the degree of MA in chemistry students who complete the following requirements:

  • An acceptable research project (at least four credits of CHEM 597)
  • Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
  • Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
  • Six graduate courses, at least four of which are in chemistry, the balance to be related courses approved by the departmental graduate committee
  • Public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the research project
  • A total of at least 32 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements

MA candidates must complete six graduate courses; a research thesis is not required. Requirements for Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) are determined by the Graduate School of Education; a minimum of 20 credits in graduate-level chemistry courses is required.

Once You’re Admitted

Placement Exams

Placement Examinations will be given to entering students to evaluate their background in undergraduate level chemistry. Examinations will be offered in the following six sub-discipline areas: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Materials Chemistry. Entering PhD/MS students take a minimum of three/two placement exams. The placement examinations will provide the Chemistry Department with information that helps to assess the entering class as a group. The Graduate Program Director will review the results with each graduate student and advise them individually on their course selections.