2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
We offer comprehensive opportunities for advanced study and research through our Master of Science (MS) in Chemistry and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry programs. Immerse yourself in a robust curriculum that fuels intellectual curiosity and propels career growth. Our MS program provides a tailored education in core principles, advanced coursework, and specialized electives, equipping you with skills to excel in academia, industry, or research. The PhD program offers a transformative experience, combining rigorous coursework, comprehensive examinations, and original research under esteemed faculty guidance.
Master of Science in Chemistry
Our M.S. program offers two distinct tracks: non-thesis and thesis, allowing students to customize their educational journey. The thesis track places a strong emphasis on research, with students engaging in two research experiences, guided by a mentoring committee. In addition to recommended coursework, students culminate their studies by completing and defending a thesis.
Alternatively, the non-thesis track focuses on advanced coursework, empowering students to expand their knowledge through a minimum of 30 credits of graduate courses and the opportunity to deliver a public seminar, showcasing their expertise. Whether driven by research or coursework, our M.S. program provides a comprehensive and enriching experience in the field of Chemistry.
Learning Outcomes
- Achieve a Strong Theoretical Foundation in Advanced Chemistry - Students will acquire a deep understanding of advanced concepts of Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, preparing them for diverse applications of chemistry in academia, industry, and professional fields.
- Communicate Scientific Outcomes Effectively Through Oral and Written Methods – Students will be able to effectively disseminate results from the chemistry literature, both through oral presentations and written documents.
- Understand the role of integrity and ethics in science – Student will gain an understanding of scientific and academic ethics as well as how it applies to both their work and the scientific community as a whole.
Required Chemistry Courses
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 513 | Scientific Communications I | 1 |
| CHEM 515 | Scientific Communications II | 1 |
| CHEM 516 | Research Experience I (Thesis track only) | 1–6 |
| CHEM 518 | Research Experience II (Thesis track only) | 1–6 |
| CHEM 542 | Advanced Data Analysis and Statistics | 2 |
| CHEM 573 | Ethics I | 1 |
| CHEM 575 | Ethics II | 1 |
| CHEM 576 | Ethics III | 1 |
| CHEM 588 | Research in Progress Seminar (Thesis only) | 0–1 |
| CHEM 691 | Departmental Seminar | 0 |
| — | Graduate-Level Chemistry Courses | 12+ (minimum) |
PhD in Chemistry
This innovative graduate program is structured around variable credits, commencing with two research experiences. As students progress, they actively engage in dissertation research, complemented by fundamental and specialized courses determined by their committees, and culminate their studies by crafting and defending original research proposals. Emphasizing the importance of effective communication and pedagogical skills, all Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a minimum of two semesters of teaching experience. Ultimately, the program concludes with a successful dissertation defense, marking a significant milestone in students' scientific journey.
Learning Outcomes
- Achieve a Strong Theoretical Foundation in Advanced Chemistry - Students will acquire a deep understanding of advanced concepts of Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, preparing them for diverse applications of chemistry in academia, industry, and professional fields.
- Communicate Scientific Outcomes Effectively Through Oral and Written Methods – Students will be able to effectively disseminate their chemistry experimental results or those from the chemistry literature, both through oral presentations and written documents.
- Synthesize Chemical Knowledge for the Purpose of Scientific Discovery – Students will be able to synthesize chemistry knowledge to solve complex research problems. They will be able to independently conceptualize, defend and execute research plans to answer scientific questions. They will understand the role of integrity and ethics in science.
Required Chemistry Courses
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 511 | Foundations in Chemistry | 1–6 |
| CHEM 513 | Scientific Communications I | 1 |
| CHEM 515 | Scientific Communications II | 1 |
| CHEM 516 | Research Experience I | 1–6 |
| CHEM 517 | Scientific Communications III | 1 |
| CHEM 518 | Research Experience II | 1–6 |
| CHEM 542 | Advanced Data Analysis and Statistics | 2 |
| CHEM 573 | Ethics I | 1 |
| CHEM 575 | Ethics II | 1 |
| CHEM 576 | Ethics III | 1 |
| CHEM 588 | Research in Progress Seminar | 0–1 |
| CHEM 691 | Departmental Seminar | 0 |
| CHEM 695 | Original Research Proposal | 0 |
Electives (Four Required)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 503 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 505 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 506 | Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 507 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 508 | Biomolecular Structure & Function | 3 |
| CHEM 519 | Advanced Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 527 | Biophysical & Biochemical Characterization of Macromolecules | 3 |
| CHEM 528 | Polymer Science | 3 |
| CHEM 529 | Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanisms | 3 |
| CHEM 536 | Advanced Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 541 | Structural Proteomics | 3 |
| CHEM 544 | Inorganic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 547 | Reaction Mechanisms | 3 |
| CHEM 549 | Single Crystal X-Ray Crystallography | 3 |
| CHEM 565 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 566 | Mass Spectrometry Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 567 | Statistical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 598 | Special Topics | 3 |