Chemical Science Program
The programs leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Science emphasize the attainment of a high level of competency in one of four specialized areas of chemistry, each represented by a separate track of study. The four tracks cover the major classical divisions of Chemical Science: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. By completing the M.S. degree, the student will have acquired a sound foundation for a career in chemical research or for continuing advanced graduate studies.
The major emphasis for the Ph.D. degree is on research. The program leading to the Ph.D. degree requires the development of a broad knowledge through additional coursework beyond the M.S. requirement and through supervised research. Upon completion of the Ph.D. degree, the student is expected to be capable of designing and executing independent research projects.
A student seeking either a master’s or a doctorate in the Chemical Science must select one of the following four program tracks:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
A student seeking a master’s degree in the Chemical Science program must specify one track as a major and complete a minimum of three courses in that track at or above the 200 level. The M.S. degree requirement is 30 credit hours, of which 15 credit hours must be taken in Chemical Science. A student pursuing a doctoral degree must complete five courses in the chosen track, at least two of which must be at the 300 level or above. The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, at least 21 of which are taken in Chemical Science. Further details on degree coursework requirements as well as Ph.D. program qualification and requirements are described in Section 4.
The courses in each track are as follows:
Analytical Chemistry:
- ChemS 250, ChemS 365, ChemS 370, ChemS 375, ChemS 420
Inorganic Chemistry:
- ChemS 200, ChemS 210, ChemS 220, ChemS 350, ChemS 360
- ChemS 410, ChemS 440
Organic Chemistry:
- ChemS 220 ChemS 230, ChemS 240, ChemS 330, ChemS 335
- ChemS 340, ChemS 345, ChemS 400, ChemS 450
Physical Chemistry:
- ChemS 260, ChemS 265, ChemS 270, ChemS 300, ChemS 325
- ChemS 350, ChemS 355, ChemS 360, ChemS 380, ChemS 430