Master Requirements

Requirements for the Thesis-Type Master of Science (MS) Degree

The thesis-type program is designed to provide the student with advanced work in chemistry and experience in chemical research. Once students have selected a major professor to direct their research, a supervisory committee chaired by the major professor is formed. A course of study, consistent with University- and college-wide requirements, is formulated for each student by the supervisory committee and consists of a minimum of 15 hours of graded classroom work and three hours of graded directed individual study (DIS). The program may consist entirely of courses in chemistry or may include courses from related areas, depending upon the interests and goals of the student. At least one semester of teaching is required. The student conducts research in consultation with the major professor and prepares a thesis with the professor’s guidance. The student presents and defends the thesis before the supervisory committee.

Special Requirements for the Course-Type Master of Science (MS) Degree

The course-type program is designed to provide the student with a strong technical education, but with less emphasis on research. In this program, at least twenty-one of the University-required thirty-two semester hours of credit must be taken on a letter-grade basis at the 5000 level or above. The coursework requirement includes 15 hours of graded classroom coursework and three hours of graded directed individual study (DIS). A supervisory committee must be formed to guide the student.