Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

For more information about degree offerings, visit the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry webpage.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers master’s degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. The Master of Science in Chemistry and the Master of Science in Biochemistry provide graduates with the advanced knowledge necessary to continue in Ph.D. programs at other institutions and the skills and expertise needed by those who will use master’s-level training in industry. While research is oriented towards applications of chemistry and biochemistry, the curriculum emphasizes essential principles and basic knowledge. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. The Ph.D. is the terminal degree in chemistry and is designed to provide a breadth of knowledge in the field of chemistry. An in-depth understanding of one area of specialization is achieved through elective courses, independent study and dissertation research.

Learning Objectives

Master of Science in Chemistry.

• Focus on coursework and independent research supervised by a faculty advisor (thesis option).
• Develop a working knowledge of basic chemical principles, an understanding of their application in the laboratory, and the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in their field.
• Develop and implement an independent research project in the basic chemical sciences that is expected to generate novel results contributing to their field.

Master of Science in Biochemistry.

• Focus on coursework and independent research supervised by a faculty advisor (thesis option).
• Develop a working knowledge of basic biochemical principles, an understanding of their application in the laboratory, and the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in their field.
• Develop and implement an independent research project in the biochemical sciences that is expected to generate novel results contributing to their field.

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry.

• Completed coursework and cumulative exams to demonstrate proficiency in fundamental and advanced topics in chemistry.
• Successfully presented to their thesis committee preliminary independent research results obtained under the direction of their research advisor.
• Have the ability to independently assess chemical problems in their field and devise solutions.
• Gain a large breadth of laboratory, writing, critical thinking, and presentation skills.

Admission 

To be admitted to the graduate programs an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and an adequate background in chemistry or biochemistry. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is required; however, students with industrial experience in chemistry and averages below 3.0 may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the graduate advisor and with permission of the Graduate School.

Applicants must achieve acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination. Applicants from non-English speaking countries who have not received a degree from a United States university must satisfy English proficiency requirements, including a minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based exam, or 550 on the paper exam. Applicants from non-English speaking countries may submit a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS exam in place of a TOEFL score.

General Requirements for Masters’ Programs. Upon admission, the student will confer with the appropriate graduate advisor to plan course sequencing and discuss research or report options. Satisfactory progress in course work is required and a 3.0 grade-point average in all graduate courses is required to remain in good academic standing.

Students without the necessary prerequisite undergraduate courses will be required to take these as deficiencies. No more than six hours of transfer credit beyond the bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may contribute toward fulfilling these requirements. No more than six hours of independent study will be allowed. No more than 40 percent of the degree program’s total credit hours may come from 6000-level courses.

Programs

• Biochemistry, Non-Thesis Option, M.S.
• Biochemistry, Thesis Option, M.S.
• Chemistry, Non-Thesis Option, M.S.
• Chemistry, Thesis Option, M.S.

• Chemistry, Ph.D.

• Biochemistry, B.S./M.S.
• Chemistry, B.S./M.S.

Courses

• CHEM 6083 Analytical Chemistry I
• CHEM 6101 Inorganic Synthesis and Characterization
• CHEM 6181 Analytical Chemistry II Laboratory
• CHEM 6183 Analytical Chemistry II
• CHEM 6193 Chemical Nanotechnology
• CHEM 6213 Medicinal Chemistry
• CHEM 6301 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
• CHEM 6303 Physical Chemistry I
• CHEM 6323 Chemical Kinetics
• CHEM 6421 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
• CHEM 6423 Physical Chemistry II
• CHEM 6443 Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 6453 Environmental Chemistry
• CHEM 6493 Polymer Chemistry
• CHEM 6531 Biochemistry I Laboratory
• CHEM 6533 Biochemistry I
• CHEM 6543 Biochemistry II
• CHEM 6863 Special Topics in Chemistry
• CHEM 7113 Physical Organic Chemistry
• CHEM 7123 Advanced Physical Chemistry
• CHEM 7143 Biochemistry of Cell Fate
• CHEM 7153 Materials Chemistry
• CHEM 7193 Biochemistry of Disease
• CHEM 7213 Clinical Biochemistry
• CHEM 7243 Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• CHEM 7253 Analytical Separations
• CHEM 7263 Analytical Spectroscopy
• CHEM 7283 Biochemistry of Nutrition
• CHEM 7293 Biochemistry of Cancer
• CHEM 7313 Biochemistry of Neutraceuticals
• CHEM 7863 Advanced Topics in Chemistry and Biochemistry
• CHEM 7913 Master’s Report
• CHEM 7961 Residency
• CHEM 7973 Graduate Seminar
• CHEM 7981-6 Research and Thesis
• CHEM 7991-6 Independent Study
• CHEM 9981-9 Research and Dissertation