The Master of Science in Chemistry

Note that this document is not binding - students who have questions should consult with their adviser or refer to the official printed undergraduate / graduate catalog.

Coordinator: Kathleen H. Moore

The Master of Science in Chemistry can be viewed as either a terminal or non-terminal degree. By itself it serves as preparation for employment in chemical and related industries, a wide range of government agencies, and two-year college teaching. It also prepares the student for further study toward advanced degrees in chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, oceanography, medicine, environmental science and related fields. The program may be adapted to both full-time and part-time students.

The Master of Science in Chemistry is offered in both thesis and non-thesis plans. The thesis plan, which includes a significant laboratory or theoretical research component, is particularly valuable for persons planning to pursue a future Ph.D. degree, or for those preparing for or engaged in industrial laboratory employment. The non-thesis option is designed for those students who either cannot schedule or do not need the thesis research component, and offers opportunity for extended study of advanced chemistry for persons currently employed in industry or teaching professions, or for those who wish a more rigorous technical background ancillary to professional employment in business, law, or medicine.

With appropriate course selection, the Master of Science candidate can focus his/her graduate work in a traditional area of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, or physical) or in an interdisciplinary area such as environmental chemistry, chemical education, polymer chemistry, and toxicology.

Admission requirements

The applicant for admission to regular status in the Master of Science program must have received a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students should have a strong background in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, so that they are academically prepared to complete the master's program. Students with deficiencies in these areas will need to correct them. Applicants with degrees over five years old may also need to complete additional course work. A grade point average of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is usually required, but applicants will be considered in their individual merits upon recommendation of persons familiar with each applicant's academic background. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required, specifically if the applicant does not hold a degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants who do not meet the above requirements may be admitted with probationary status into special graduate status or into post-baccalaureate status.

Degree requirements (thesis plan)

The candidate for the thesis plan Master of Science in Chemistry must complete 32 credits in courses carrying graduate credit, of which 24 credits must be in chemistry. Courses with 400-level numbers may be included providing they do not duplicate courses in the student's undergraduate degree. At least one lecture course must be taken in each of four different areas chosen from biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, polymer or industrial chemistry, analytical chemistry, and environmental science. At least 8 of the 32 credits must be in CHM 690. The candidate must have demonstrated accomplishment in research and must complete a thesis approved by a departmental thesis committee before receiving the degree. All theses must conform to university standards (see "Master's thesis and doctoral dissertation" in the Policies and Procedures section of this catalog). No minimum time can be specified for the degree program. Students working on a continuing research project should be registered concurrently for at least one credit of CHM 690. Courses taken without an adviser's approval may be excluded from those to be applied to the degree.

Degree requirements (non-thesis plan)

The candidate for the non-thesis plan Masters of Science in chemistry must complete 32 credits in courses carrying graduate credit, of which 24 credits must be in chemistry. Courses with 400-level numbers may be included providing they do not duplicate courses in the student's undergraduate degree. At least one lecture course must be taken in each of four different areas chosen from biochemistry (or approved biology courses), inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, polymer or industrial chemistry, analytical chemistry, and environmental science. Students might choose either concentration in a specialized area related to employment or a broad background in preparation for teaching. Courses taken without an advisers approval may be excluded from those to be applied to the degree. For students interested in a research experience, up to 6 credits of CHM 690 may be included in the program by arrangement with an individual faculty researcher. No minimum time can be specified for the degree program.

Research fields

Current research interests of faculty include: chemistry of free radical species generated from biological intermediates; fate of toxic organic compounds in the environment; electroanalytical and surface chemistry at solid/liquid interface; computational modeling of intermolecular interactions and surface phenomena; metabolism and biological activity of modified fatty acids and xenobiotic carboxylic acids; physiologic and pathologic mechanisms that modulate immune responses; synthesis and characterization of novel organic, organometallic and inorganic compounds with potential biochemical significance; synthetic modeling of metalloenzyme active sites; chemical education software; trace environmental analyses and environmental modeling; novel analytical instrumentation; protein folding and assembly; and development of new organocatalytic methods. For current, detailed information on individual research efforts, please consult the faculty section of the Department of Chemistry web site www2.oakland.edu/chemistry