Graduate programs
The Department of Chemistry offers graduate work leading to the following degrees: Master of Arts or Master of Science; Master of Arts in Teaching or Master of Science in Teaching (Science); Ph.D. in Chemistry.
The M.S. program is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career as a professional chemist or a scientist in other allied disciplines. The program involves work in advanced courses with training in research techniques. An integral part of the program is the individual research project and thesis.
The M.A. program is designed for the student who wishes to obtain an advanced degree in chemistry, but for whom the time commitment of a traditional research degree (M.S.) is not feasible due to (typically) employment obligations. The M.A. program involves advanced coursework, a literature project, and a seminar presentation.
The M.A.T./M.S.T. is offered to provide scientific training for teachers in secondary schools. The program is composed of courses intended to increase the sophistication of the student in chemical principles and to acquaint the student with current techniques in teaching methods.
The program leading to the Ph.D. in Chemistry combines original research with advanced coursework in various disciplines of chemistry. Research foci in the department are biological chemistry, materials chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Students that complete the program are prepared to pursue careers in academic, industrial, or government research.
Chemistry M.A.T./M.S.T.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers the M.A.T/M.S.T. degrees in Science/Chemistry. In consultation with the graduate adviser, the student should establish the degree program before the completion of 15 credits of coursework. The program must include a minimum of 45 credits in approved graduate courses, to include a minimum of 24 credits in the area of concentration. At least 9 credits, but no more than 15 credits, must be in education courses. In order to fulfill requirements for the degree, the student must satisfactorily complete the degree program and pass both a final written examination and a final oral examination.