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)

Chemistry Core Courses (21)
CHEM 584Graduate Seminar in Chemistry1
CHEM 585Chemistry Colloquium1
CHEM 585Chemistry Colloquium1
Select a minimum of six credit hours from the following: 16
Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory3
Analytical Method Development Laboratory3
Environmental Chemistry3
Environmental Analytical Chemistry3
Forensic Chemistry Laboratory3
Forensic Chemistry3
Graduate Chemistry Laboratory3
Advanced Spectroscopic Methods4
Advanced Chemistry Projects1-4
Sensor Science and Technology3
Laboratory Rotations3
Reading and Special Problems1-6
Select a minimum of 12 credit hours from the following:12
Biochemistry3
Advanced Organic Chemistry3
Survey of Analytical Chemistry3
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry3
Polymer Synthesis3
Theoretical and Computational Quantum Chemistry3
Professional Development Courses (5-6)
Select a minimum of two courses from the following: 25-6
Statistics for Analytical Chemists3
Synthesis and Intellectual Property Management2
Industrial Leadership3
Project Management3
Public Engagement for Scientists3
Elective Courses (5-6)
Select a minimum of five to six credit hours of 400-level and above CHEM courses in consultation with adviser 35-6

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)

Required Courses (15)
CHEM 584Graduate Seminar in Chemistry1
CHEM 585Chemistry Colloquium1
CHEM 585Chemistry Colloquium1
Select a minimum four core courses from the following:12
Biochemistry3
Advanced Organic Chemistry3
Survey of Analytical Chemistry3
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry3
Polymer Synthesis3
Theoretical and Computational Quantum Chemistry3
Elective Courses (9-11)
Select 9-11 credit hours of 400-level and above CHEM courses in consultation with adviser9-11
Thesis Research (6-8)
CHEM 591Research and Thesis6-8

Minimum degree credits required: 32