Master of Science in Chemistry

1. A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, with a minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate chemistry courses.
2. Satisfactory completion of a research project or comparable professional experience.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in courses used to meet graduate requirements.
4. At least one year of academic study beyond the undergraduate degree. All work must be completed in five calendar years.
5. A thesis must be prepared and orally defended to a committee consisting of a minimum of three committee members.
6. Candidates in chemistry must (i) complete a minimum of two credit hours of CM900 and (ii) present one seminar as part of their degree requirements.

Example Courses and Concentrations

Spring

• Bioelectronics & Bionanotechnology
• Colloids and Surface Science
• Advanced Bioanalytical Chemistry
• Special Topics in Polymer Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
• Biochemistry & Biotechnology Laboratory
• Thesis, Dissertation and Special Projects
• Fundamental Chemical Kinetics
• CM Seminar

Fall

• Physical Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Biomaterials
• Modern Spectroscopic Methods
• Manufacturing Implications/Advanced Materials
• Special Topics/Colloids and Surfaces
• Nanostructured Materials
• CM Seminar
• Thesis, Dissertation and Special Projects

Courses are provided as an example.

Solving real-world problems based on cutting-edge research is at the core of what we do. With access to nationally recognized faculty and collaborative research centers and institutes, our students engage in research intended to provide them with the knowledge and skills to solve complex problems. Our more than 380 partners in industry, government agencies, chambers of commerce and research organizations also extend graduate students a wealth of opportunities to continue doing important work.

Recognized as leaders in their fields, our faculty helm pioneering projects and collaborate closely with each other to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. They value the talents of our student body and serve as active and engaged mentors, sharing their knowledge while inviting master's candidates to collaborate on joint projects.

Several of our faculty are engaged in industry collaborations and provide opportunities for professional networking and immediate employment in the chemical, materials and biotech industries.

Faculty 

The MS in Chemistry is located on our main campus in Potsdam, New York. Many of our full-time, research-based master's and PhD programs are housed here, as well. Students have access to many of our research labs and centers, our libraries and other resources.

Potsdam Campus

The 4+1 program allows students to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Chemistry in five years. Students follow the regular BS in Chemistry curriculum. Undergraduate work must include a minimum of six credit hours of undergraduate-directed research with the same faculty member as a student's intended graduate work.

Up to 10 credit hours of coursework taken during senior year may be counted toward graduate coursework requirements, provided the courses are taken at the 500 level. These courses count toward both undergraduate (120 credit hours) and graduate (30 credit hours) requirements. Students must declare their intentions to pursue the five-year option by the end of their junior year.

A completed application consists of the following:

• Online Application Form
• Résumé.
• Statement of purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Official transcripts.
• GRE Test Scores: the GRE requirement will be waived for spring and fall 2024 applicants.
• For international applicants, an English proficiency test is required:
• Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
• The English language-testing requirement is not waived based on language of instruction, nor do we accept university certificates. English testing is waived if an applicant has a degree from a country where English is the Native Language. Click here to see the list of these countries.

MS Prerequisites: Applicants must possess a baccalaureate (BS) degree in chemistry or a related major (e.g., materials science, biochemistry, biophysics, environmental science) and must have completed the following minimum college course preparation: introductory chemistry courses, including general chemistry, as well as specialized classes in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. In addition, basic training in mathematics and physics is required.