The program is based on the conviction that the needs of students are best met in a program where much individual attention is possible. The course training is equivalent to the standards set for the PhD, regardless of whether the MS is to be terminal or preparatory to the PhD degree.
The department currently offers three graduate tracks:
- Thesis option: For students who would like to have more research experience. It requires lesser course work, more research, research thesis, and defense. It is ideal for students who would like to apply for jobs after graduation.
- Non-thesis option: For students who like to increase their knowledge base as well as to have exposure to research. It requires more coursework and some research. It is ideal for students who would like to apply for PhD programs as well as jobs after graduation.
- Professional option: For students who would like to pursue a career in the business side of chemistry field. It requires both chemistry and business coursework as well as an internship. Students in this option may also choose to perform research in addition to the internship.
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Chemistry
This program is designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in chemistry – which focuses on a variety of career goals, both academic and professional, bolstered by individual mentoring and extensive research opportunities.
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Professional Science Master's
The Professional Science Master's is an innovative graduate degree that allows students to pursue advanced training in chemistry, while simultaneously developing workplace skills highly valued by employers. This non-thesis degree prepares students for career opportunities in businesses utilizing advanced chemistry courses coupled with an internship and selected business courses.
Professional master’s programs consist of two years of academic training in an emerging or interdisciplinary area, along with a professional component that may include internships and cross-training in business and communications. All have been developed in concert with industry and are designed to dovetail into present and future professional career opportunities.
The Professional track option is designed for candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry who choose not to pursue a doctorate, but need/want additional training and skills both in science and business to compete in today’s global market. The PSM is designed as a terminal degree preparing candidates for entry directly into the workforce by preparing them through professional coursework in business and a three-credit-hour internship in a related setting.