Analytical, Inorganic, Organic or Physical Chemistry

The applicant seeking a master’s degree in one of these areas will plan a program with the assistance of his/her research professor and the committee. A graduate major must present credit for at least 30 semester hours. The student must maintain a B average in all formal chemistry course work. The student must write a thesis describing his or her research and must defend the thesis at an oral examination administered by the advisory committee.

The Department of Chemistry requires completion of three of the four core courses (one of which must be in the student’s area of research) with an average grade of B or above. A thesis is required. The degree requirements are determined by consultation with the graduate affairs committee.

Chemistry Education

This program is designed primarily for students who do not possess a degree in chemistry (e.g., secondary education majors) but who may desire to enter a graduate program. With the aid of the chemistry advisor, the student may choose a 30-semester-hour program, including thesis, or a 36-semester-hour program without thesis. In order to qualify for this degree, a student must have received teaching certification prior to admission or must obtain this certification prior to receiving the degree.

Under each option above, a minimum of 18 hours of the formal graduate courses must be in the chemistry department. Of these 18 hours, course work must include three 3-hour graduate-level (5000 or above) lecture classes in any of the four traditional areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical). Students must meet the normal proficiency requirements set forth by the department. The other 9 hours may include courses in chemistry education or other approved chemistry courses. The remaining 18 hours required for the chemistry education concentration are the graduate courses required for certification, if the student is not already certified. If the student is already a certified teacher, the 18 remaining hours may be selected from graduate-level chemistry courses or other approved graduate courses. No more than 3 credits of seminar may be included in the required 30 or 36 hours.