Chemistry, MS
for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry
Admission
For those interested in pursuing a Master's degree, applications are not encouraged except for the Master's Program in the Teaching of Chemistry.
Graduate College requirements apply. Further, applicants should have at least 25 semester hours in chemistry (properly distributed) and a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0), to be considered for admission to the graduate programs. Applications from students with less than the usual preparation in chemistry or with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis.
International students whose native language is not English are required to submit passing scores from the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to qualify for admission and to be eligible for in person teaching duties, which is required by the department of Chemistry. The following are the minimum passing scores for each test:
TOEFL (iBT) minimum scores: 103 overall, 24 on the speaking subsection
IELTS minimum scores: 7 overall, 8 on the speaking subsection, and no less than 6 on any subsection.
Students might be admitted without a degree from their current institution under exceptional circumstances that will need to be described in detail via a letter from the applicant and a separate statement from the department head of the student's current graduate program.
Contact chemistry graduate admissions for further information.
Financial Aid
Support for graduate students is available through fellowships and assistantships. All candidates are considered for these upon application. Graduate students making normal progress toward their degrees generally receive a tuition waiver as well as a stipend.
for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry
The program leading to the degree of Master Science in Chemistry is designed to be completed in one year of full-time study by students entering without deficiencies. A research thesis is optional.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 599 | Thesis Research (12 max applied toward degree) | 12 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
Non-Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 20 (16 in CHEM) |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry
NOTE: Some of the learning outcomes below were taken or adapted from the 2013 American Chemical Society Presidential Commission on Graduate Education in the Chemical Sciences. The Department of Chemistry uses these as its main guidelines.
- To have a deep working knowledge of the principles, techniques, and concepts of contemporary chemistry.
- To be able to effectively design and carry out independent research leading to new knowledge or a practical, applicable result.
- To be able to communicate clearly and effectively within and across disciplinary lines.
- To be able to educate students interested in chemical sciences.
- To be aware of and prepare for various career opportunities with an advanced degree in chemistry.
- To clearly understand the ethical conduct of research.
- To understand and adopt the best safety practices in chemical research.
Graduate Degree Programs in Chemistry
Majors
- Chemistry, MS
- Chemistry, PhD
- optional concentration
- Teaching of Chemistry, MS
for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry
Chemistry Department
Department Head: Catherine J. Murphy
Chemistry Department website
Department faculty
109 Noyes Laboratory, 505 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801-3080
(217) 333-0711
Chemistry email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Admissions
Department Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements