Master of Science in Chemistry
A minimum of 32 credit hours is required for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry degree. A minimum of 20 credit hours of 500-level coursework is required with 15 credit hours required from the chemistry disciplines. A maximum of 12 credit hours of 400-level coursework may be used to fulfill graduate study requirements.
The M.S. Chemistry program is tailored to fit the student's background and goals. Two options are available: a thesis option, and a non-thesis option.
Thesis Option
Students seeking the M.S. in Chemistry degree with the thesis option must also register for six to eight credit hours of research coursework numbered 591, write a thesis based on original research, and defend it before his or her M.S. thesis committee. The thesis and oral defense should be completed before the end of the third year of academic study. M.S. Chemistry students fulfill their comprehensive examination requirement with their thesis defense.
Non-Thesis Option
Students seeking the M.S. Chemistry non-thesis degree must pass an oral comprehensive examination by the end of the fourth semester in the program. The non-thesis program is intended for students to develop skills necessary in preparation for careers in the highly competitive chemical industry, education, and administration, among others. It is also tailored for students in the IIT-Paris double degree program. The IIT-Paris program can be completed in one calendar year by taking classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Curriculum
Master of Science in Chemistry (Coursework Only Option)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Core Courses | (21) | |
| CHEM 584 | Graduate Seminar in Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEM 585 | Chemistry Colloquium | 1 |
| CHEM 585 | Chemistry Colloquium | 1 |
| Select a minimum of six credit hours from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory | 3 | |
| Analytical Method Development Laboratory | 3 | |
| Environmental Chemistry | 3 | |
| Environmental Analytical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 3 | |
| Forensic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Graduate Chemistry Laboratory | 3 | |
| Advanced Spectroscopic Methods | 4 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Projects | 1-4 | |
| Sensor Science and Technology | 3 | |
| Laboratory Rotations | 3 | |
| Reading and Special Problems | 1-6 | |
| Select a minimum of 12 credit hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Biochemistry | 3 | |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Survey of Analytical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Polymer Synthesis | 3 | |
| Theoretical and Computational Quantum Chemistry | 3 | |
| Professional Development Courses | (5-6) | |
| Select a minimum of two courses from the following: 2 | 5-6 | |
| Statistics for Analytical Chemists | 3 | |
| Synthesis and Intellectual Property Management | 2 | |
| Industrial Leadership | 3 | |
| Project Management | 3 | |
| Public Engagement for Scientists | 3 | |
| Elective Courses | (5-6) | |
| Select a minimum of five to six credit hours of 400-level and above CHEM courses in consultation with adviser 3 | 5-6 | |
Minimum degree credits required: 32
- 1
For students in the IIT-Paris partner program, a two-credit hour CHEM 560 must be taken in the summer.
- 2
For students in the IIT-Paris partner program, two professional development courses can be substituted by 400- or 500-level chemistry electives.
- 3
For students in the IIT-Paris partner program, six credit hours of transferred engineering courses can be substituted for the elective courses.
Master of Science in Chemistry (Thesis Option)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | (15) | |
| CHEM 584 | Graduate Seminar in Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEM 585 | Chemistry Colloquium | 1 |
| CHEM 585 | Chemistry Colloquium | 1 |
| Select a minimum four core courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Biochemistry | 3 | |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Survey of Analytical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Polymer Synthesis | 3 | |
| Theoretical and Computational Quantum Chemistry | 3 | |
| Elective Courses | (9-11) | |
| Select 9-11 credit hours of 400-level and above CHEM courses in consultation with adviser | 9-11 | |
| Thesis Research | (6-8) | |
| CHEM 591 | Research and Thesis | 6-8 |
Minimum degree credits required: 32
