The M.A. program in chemistry has the following goals, which are designed to build upon undergraduate training to facilitate further training or career opportunities in the field:

 

• Preparation of students for successful pursuit of Ph.D. programs in chemistry.
• Provision of instruction in research methodologies useful in the workplace.
• Provision of instruction.         

 

          Students who complete the graduate program in chemistry will be able to:

 

• demonstrate a general knowledge of the major areas of chemistry;
• understand the operation and theory behind research instrumentation utilized during matriculation in the program;
• contribute new information to the scientific community as a result of original research;
• utilize library and other resources to gather and organize known information within a specific area of chemistry; and
• effectively communicate information resulting from laboratory work or literature searches both orally and in writing.

 

Students entering the graduate program in chemistry are expected to have completed full year courses in each of the areas of chemistry__ general, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The department may require that the student take written placement examinations to demonstrate understanding of the general principles of these subjects, and an ability to apply this understanding toward the solution of specific problems. In the event that a student fails to show satisfactory performance on placement examinations, the department may require the student to register for prescribed undergraduate courses to correct the deficiency. Usually no graduate credit is allowed for these prescribed undergraduate courses. The student must meet the general graduate requirements of the University as described previously.

 

The student should consult the department chair or research advisor to work out a program of study allowing for a proper distribution of courses. The program in chemistry requires at least 30 semester hours of study for the master's degree. CHEM 591-592, Chemical Research, is required of all M.A. candidates, as is the master's thesis. In addition, each student is required to participate in CHEM 501-502, Chemical Colloquium, and serve as a laboratory assistant (minimum of six hours per week) at least four semesters of residence. Service as laboratory assistant is considered to be a part of graduate training and is required irrespective of sources of funding. The candidate must also pass a final oral examination on the thesis.