UMass Boston

Chemistry MS

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Develop your research experience in chemistry and specialize in an area for advanced study.

UMass Boston's Chemistry Department offers a Master of Science degree in addition to a dual BS/MS degree. This flexible program is designed for recent graduates and those holding positions in the chemical industry, high schools, and community colleges who seek advancement through further professional training. Attempts will be made to arrange schedules for those who must study part time.

For students who are intent upon continuing their studies in a research-oriented graduate program, the curriculum offers the opportunity for both extensive coursework and high impact chemistry research projects.

The master’s program allows students to focus on a particular research area: Biological Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical/Analytical Chemistry, or Chemistry Education.

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Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

  • Test Scores: GRE recommended
  • Two Letters of Recommendation

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: April 1 (priority deadline) and June 15 (final deadline) for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or November 1 (final deadline) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Curriculum

Core Course (4 Credits)

  • CHEM 631 - Chemical Toxicology 4 Credit(s)
    OR
  • CHEM 671 - Introduction to Green Chemistry 4 Credit(s)

Additional Graduate-Level Courses (17 to 20 Credits)

Complete at least five courses from below.

At least three must be CHEM courses.

It is recommended that students take the core courses for the PhD track that aligns with their research specialization.

Up to two courses may be from other departments with approval of the student’s research advisor and the graduate program director.

Green Chemistry

  • CHEM 631 - Chemical Toxicology 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 671 - Introduction to Green Chemistry 4 Credit(s)

Biological Chemistry

  • CHEM 658 - Medicinal Chemistry 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 680L - Physical Biochemistry 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 681 - Medical Biochemistry 4 Credit(s)

Chemistry Education Research

  • CHEM 641 - Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research on Learning, Learning Environments, and Teaching 4 Credit(s)
  • ENVSCI 611 - Applied Statistics 3 Credit(s)
    OR
  • BIOL 607 - Biostatistics and Experimental Design 3 Credit(s)
  • HIGHED 752 - Research Methods in Higher Education: Qualitative Analysis 3 Credit(s)
    OR
  • PSYCLN 775 - Qualitative Methods in Clinical Psychology 3 Credit(s)
    OR
  • SOCIOL 609L - Qualitative Methods and Field Research 3 Credit(s)
  • PSYDBS 623 - Cognitive Neuroscience 3 Credit(s)
    OR
  • PSYDBS 762 - Knowledge Acquisition 3 Credit(s)

Organic Chemistry

  • CHEM 621 - Organic Synthesis & Mechanisms 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 622 - Physical Organic Chemistry 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 658 - Medicinal Chemistry 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 689 - Topics in Organic Chemistry 3 Credit(s)

Inorganic Chemistry

  • CHEM 611 - Organometallic Catalysis 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 612 - Physical Inorganic Chemistry 4 Credit(s)

Physical/Analytical Chemistry

  • CHEM 601 - Thermodynamics & Kinetics 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 602 - Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 661 - Analytical Instrumentation 4 Credit(s)

Graduate Seminar (4 Credits)

Take one from below each semester.

  • CHEM 691 - Seminar I 1 Credit(s) (Fall)
  • CHEM 692 - Seminar II 1 Credit(s) (Spring)

Thesis Course (8 Credits)

  • CHEM 699 - Master’s Thesis 1-10 Credit(s)

Literature Seminar

During the second semester of enrollment, students are expected to fulfill their literature seminar requirement. The literature seminar requires students to deliver a talk presenting current research on a topic of interest.

Students work closely with their advisor and the seminar instructor to obtain approval for their topic and to prepare for the presentation.

Graduation Criteria

Complete a minimum of 33 credits from nine courses including one core course, five additional graduate-level courses, four seminar courses, and one thesis course.

Students must pass a literature seminar in the first year of study.

Capstone: Complete and defend a master’s thesis based on original research.

Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Plan of Study

Contact

Graduate Program Director Marianna Torok (Green Chemistry)
marianna.torok [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-6199

Graduate Program Director Neil Reilly (Physical/Analytical Chemistry)
neil.reilly [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-4065

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