Chemistry MS
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 40.0501
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-2031
About the Program
The Master of Science in Chemistry program provides students currently holding an undergraduate degree the opportunity to further their knowledge in numerous areas of chemistry, including analytical, atmospheric, biological, inorganic, organic, materials, physical, educational, and polymer chemistry. The curriculum prepares students for the research and practical application of chemistry necessary to address the challenges facing humankind in the modern world.
As chemistry is known as the “Central Science”, many of our faculty members maintain active collaborations with colleagues in the College of Arts and Science, the School of Education, the College of Engineering, and the College of Medicine. This collaborative spirit is reflected in our curriculum.
Two MS degree options are offered – the thesis MS and non-thesis MS. For both options, classroom courses form the core of the degree requirements. Most students also choose to conduct research alongside one of our faculty members. Areas of chemistry research include the traditional subcategories (e.g., organic and physical) as well as several that reside at the interface with other disciplines.Students participate in seminar series which brings visiting scientists from academia and industry to campus for weekly talks.
Both full- and part-time study are available. Classes are offered in the early evening and can be attended remotely, facilitating the completion of the degree while simultaneously working a full-time job. Students who earned an MS in the department have found careers in the chemical, biomedical, analytical, and pharmaceutical industries that are well represented in the greater Philadelphia region. The MS degree can also facilitate advancement within an existing career. Others have continued their studies and gained admission to PhD programs in Chemistry.
The chemistry department strives to maintain a community of research scholars – faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students – that is large enough to provide diverse experiences within chemistry, yet small enough to provide each student with individualized attention.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate degree (B.S. preferably) in Chemistry or a closely-related field.
Degree Requirements
Thesis Option
| Required Courses | ||
| Select six (6) of the following courses: | 18.0 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry I | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Biochemistry II | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Analytical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical and Analytical Spectroscopy | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
| Polymer Chemistry I | ||
| Polymer Chemistry II | ||
| Seminar | ||
| CHEM 8650 | Chemistry Seminar | 3.0 |
| Research | 9.0 | |
| CHEM 7997 | M.S. Research 1 | 6.0 |
| CHEM 7999 | Master's Thesis | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 39.0 | |
- 1
CHEM 7997 is taken 2 times for a total of 6 credits.
Non-Thesis Option
| Required Courses | ||
| Select seven (7) of the following courses: | 21.0 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry I | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Biochemistry II | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Analytical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical and Analytical Spectroscopy | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
| Polymer Chemistry I | ||
| Polymer Chemistry II | ||
| Seminar | ||
| CHEM 8650 | Chemistry Seminar | 3.0 |
| Research | ||
| CHEM 7997 | M.S. Research 1 | 6.0 |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
- 1
CHEM 7997 is taken 2 times for a total of 6 credits.