Chemistry, MS

Overview

for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry

Two tracks lead to the Master of Science in Chemistry. Currently the department does not encourage students seeking the master’s degree via either track. The coursework master’s degree program is designed to be completed in one year of full-time study by students entering without deficiencies. For this track, 32 hours of formal coursework is required. The thesis master’s degree program requires 20 hours of formal coursework plus the submission of a thesis based on original research; the research component usually takes an additional year.

Degree Requirements

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

CHEM 591Introductory Professional Development for Chemists1
Area-Specific Core Coursework4-12
400- or 500-level CHEM courses or courses in a related discipline in consultation with your advisor7-15
CHEM 599Thesis Research (max 12 applied toward degree)0-12
Total Hours32

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap.
Minimum 500-level hours required overall 20 (8 CHEM)
CHEM 599 hours do not count toward the minimum 500-level hours required
C/NC courses do not count toward degree
CHEM 590 can count toward the 500-level requirement up to 4 hours
Maximum of 2 hours from 1 credit hour courses can count toward the minimum 500-level hours required
Literature seminar course (CHEM 515, CHEM 525, CHEM 535, CHEM 545, CHEM 575, or CHEM 585) does not count toward the minimum 500-level hours required
Minimum GPA 3.0

Non-Thesis Option

CHEM 591Introductory Professional Development for Chemists1
Area-Specific Core Coursework4-12
400-/500-level CHEM courses or courses in a related discipline in consultation with your advisor19-27
CHEM 599Thesis Research (up to 4 hours of CHEM 599 can be allowed to count toward the total 32 hours, after internal student request and approval by the Chemistry Head or DGS)0-4
Total Hours32

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap.
Minimum 500-level hours required overall 20 (16 CHEM)
CHEM 599 hours do not count toward the minimum 500-level hours required
C/NC courses do not count toward degree
CHEM 590 can count toward the 500-level requirement up to 4 hours
Maximum of 2 hours from 1 credit hour courses can count toward the minimum 500-level hours required
Literature seminar course (CHEM 515, CHEM 525, CHEM 535, CHEM 545, CHEM 575, or CHEM 585) does not count toward the minimum 500-level hours required
Minimum GPA 3.0

Learning Outcomes

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.

  1. To have a deep working knowledge of the principles, techniques, and concepts of contemporary chemistry.
  2. To be able to effectively design and carry out independent research leading to new knowledge or a practical, applicable result.
  3. To be able to communicate clearly and effectively within and across disciplinary lines.
  4. To be able to educate students interested in chemical sciences.
  5. To be aware of and prepare for various career opportunities with an advanced degree in chemistry.
  6. To clearly understand the ethical conduct of research.
  7. To understand and adopt the best safety practices in chemical research.

Graduate Degree Programs in Chemistry

Majors

Contact Information

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
chemadm@scs.uiuc.edu

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website

Admissions

Department Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements