Chemistry — Master’s Program

The requirements for the MS Program in Chemistry have been designed with a flexibility that accommodates not only students interested in the usual areas of concentration in chemistry, but also those with interests in other, interdisciplinary, chemistry-related fields. As many as nine of the required thirty-three graduate credits may be earned in a related area of study. In addition to the traditional subdivisions within the field of chemistry, candidates may work in such areas as chemical physics and chemical biology, or in such divergent fields as chemical economics, and chemical writing or editing.

All candidates for the master of science degree take required courses in each of three areas: synthesis, structure, and dynamics. These courses, which cut across the traditional boundaries of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, are designed to give students of diverse backgrounds and with diverse aims a broad overview of the recent advances in chemistry. A group of elective courses allows the student to specialize in a field of his or her choice. For students hoping to continue their studies in a research-oriented PhD program, the curriculum offers the opportunity for both extensive course work and a research project. This flexible program is designed for recent graduates as well as for people who hold positions in high schools, community colleges, and industry and who are seeking advancement through further professional training. Attempts will be made to arrange schedules for those who must study part-time.

MS Degree Requirements

Requirements for this degree include:

The following three Level I courses:

• CHEM 601 (Chemical Dynamics I)
• CHEM 611 (Chemical Structure I)
• CHEM 621 (Chemical Synthesis I)

The student must complete each of these courses with a grade of B or better in order to become a degree candidate.

The following are also required:

1. Three elective courses. These may be chosen from a list including CHEM 602 (Chemical Dynamics II), CHEM 612 (Chemical Structure II), and CHEM 622 (Chemical Syntheses II), as well as a number of courses offered through the Graduate Program in Chemistry or other UMass Boston graduate programs. Students wishing to take electives offered through other programs should seek prior approval of the Chemistry Graduate Program Director.
2. CHEM 691-692 (Seminars I and II). Students participate in a seminar each semester through enrolling in these courses, and each student makes a total of two oral presentations during the time he/she is enrolled in the program.
3. An original contribution (thesis) in chemistry or in a chemistry-related field based on individual research (10 credits maximum), which the student submits and defends.

A minimum of 33 graduate credits is required. Up to six credits in courses in which the student received a grade of B or better may be transferred from other institutions subject to the approval of the program director.