Master of Science in Chemistry

California State University - Fullerton

The Masters of Science in Chemistry degree is primarily a research-based degree where students spend the majority of their time in a research laboratory working on an independent research project. In addition to taking a number of advanced-level classes, students carry out sophisticated experiments and gain valuable critical thinking skills by analyzing data and planning the next steps in the project. The degree culminates in the presentation of a written thesis and a public oral defense. The skills learned in the program prepare students for a career in teaching, industry or graduate school. Because of its broad scope, contemporary chemistry offers exciting employment opportunities in rapidly growing fields, such as materials science, polymers, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry, chemical education research and environmental science. Graduates with a Master’s degree in chemistry are prepared to enter any of these fields or others, since chemistry is the central science with connections to physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and environmental sciences. Graduates with a master's degree in chemistry are prepared to enter any of these fields or others, since chemistry is the central science with connections to physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and environmental sciences. According to the American Chemical Society, the national professional association for chemists, "Many predict a growing role for chemistry as we tackle the major issues confronting the world in the 21st century: providing energy, responding to regulation, protecting the environment, improving health and feeding the world."

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics