The M.S. degree programs in Chemistry provide the student an opportunity to participate in graduate education without the longer academic and research commitment of doctoral study. Students who wish to extend their training prior to entering a doctoral program can avail themselves of this intermediate stage of education. Students who do not wish to commit the time necessary for a doctorate may find the shorter graduate period of the M.S. degree of value before they begin their professional career. The M.S. degree program allows the student to participate in advanced course work and to develop a significant research program.

The rules and information, which follow, are intended to supplement those found in the Graduate School Catalog. Students should become familiar with the rules found in this catalog as well as those listed below. The M.S. program in Chemistry permits capable students to complete their work in two to three years. Financial support is guaranteed for two years and is normally available to third-year students in good standing. The student may elect to major in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, or Physical Chemistry.

Courses

Students must demonstrate proficiency in each of the four major areas of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical. Students satisfy this requirement by taking the appropriate 900 level courses in their area of specialization. Outside their area, students satisfy the requirements by either passing the advanced placement exams given to entering students the week before classes begin or by passing the appropriate 800-level courses (Chem 862 for analytical chemistry, 874 for inorganic chemistry, 855 for organic chemistry, and 876 for physical chemistry) with a grade of at least B-.

Required Credit/Course Information

• In accord with Graduate School requirements, the student must present 30 credits for completion of the M.S. program with no more than 10 and no fewer than 6 of these in thesis research (Chem 899).
• Of the remaining 20 credits, at least 8 must be in courses numbered 900 or above. Specific divisional requirements should also be fulfilled:
  • Analytical - at least three courses of the following: Chem 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, or 935
  • Inorganic - at least three courses of the following: Chem 903, 904, 995A and 908. Note: It is recommended that you take Chem 908, and Chem 808 is recommended in preparation for 908.
  • Organic - at least three courses of the following: Chem 901, 902, 911, & Chem 908. Note: It is recommended that you take Chem 908, and Chem 808 is recommended in preparation for 908.
  • Physical - at least three courses from the following: Chem 905, 906, 926, 927, 995D
• In certain cases, courses may be taken in areas outside of chemistry, provided such courses constitute an integral part of the overall program as approved by the Graduate Coordinator and thesis committee.
• Successful completion of seminar (Chem 997 or 998).

Research Progress Report

All students in the M.S. program will submit an outline of a Research Progress report to their research advisor by January 15th of their second year.  This outline is to be comprised of 2-3 pages of double-spaced typed text.  The advisor will return this with comments to the student within seven days.  The student will then prepare a final fuller version, which is to be distributed to the student's committee by February 15th.  A meeting between the student and the committee will be scheduled by the end of March.  The committee will evaluate the document at this meeting.  The advisor will summarize orally the consensus of the committee to the student.  Written summary of the committee recommendations will be retained in department files.  If the committee's consensus is that the student's report or research progress is inadequate, a follow-up report and meeting with the committee will be required before the end of the semester.  The Committee may advise the student to withdraw from the graduate program if problems associated with the first progress report have not been adequately addressed during this second meeting.

The Research Report should include a review of the relevant literature.  It should summarize the student's research progress to date, as well as the student's plans and ideas for future work.  As a guideline, it is suggested that the report should comprise about ten pages of double-spaced typed text.  Any figures, references and tables incorporated should not be included in that total.

Seminar

The student will present one satisfactory seminar (Chem 997 or 998), usually during the second year of residence, as part of the course requirements. "The Students' Guide to Seminars" should be studied by every student well in advance of choosing a seminar topic. Attendance at the student's divisional and at departmental seminars is MANDATORY for all graduate students while in residence.

Evaluation

The performance of each M.S. student will be reviewed periodically, and recommendations will be made to the student concerning the subsequent program. A review by the entire faculty will occur at the end of the first and second years.  At these times, course and teaching performance, seminar participation, and research progress will be considered. The student will be informed whether continuing in the program is advisable and will be apprised of any weaknesses. Students whose performance is inadequate or who show they may not be able to successfully complete the program will be asked to withdraw at this point.