The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a graduate program of studies with a choice of areas of specialization in analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry or in biochemistry. The student is expected to develop breadth of study beyond the boundaries of traditional areas and disciplines. The student is afforded the opportunity of interdisciplinary study in the Surface Studies Laboratory and in the Center for Great Lakes Studies.

Minimum degree requirement is 30 graduate credits for MS. Normally these include at least five 600-899 level courses, chosen by the student in consultation with the advisor. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 must be earned in formal coursework, not including research courses (990-996) or seminars (912, 931-935). The remaining credits are taken in research and seminars. The student must take or audit Chemistry 912 (Graduate Seminar) each semester in residence. This requirement may be modified for part-time students who may be employed during normal hours of the seminar and colloquium. Graduate School regulations require that a majority of all courses taken be at the 700-999 level. Prior to initial registration, all students must take entrance examinations in analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The entrance exams are intended to measure the individual’s ability to perform at the bachelor’s degree level in each of the five disciplines. For M.S. students these exams are used for advising only. In consultation with the major professor, the student plans a program based on the results of these examinations. The student must also participate in at least one term of part-time teaching as a teaching assistant. A graduate student in our program will be offered full TA support only if they are determined to be in good academic standing in the Department.

Thesis

The student writes a thesis, essentially a formal report of that student’s research. Since the M.S. is largely a research degree, the quality of research reported in the thesis is an important measure of the student’s success in the program.