Oct 05, 2024  
2022-23 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-23 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry, M.S.


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Charles Chusuei, Program Director
(615) 898-2079
gradchem@mtsu.edu

The Department of Chemistry  offers a Master of Science degree with a major in Chemistry. The department also participates in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in Computational Science , Molecular Biosciences , and the Mathematics and Science Education Chemical Education  concentration. Also offered is a minor in Chemistry at the graduate level.

Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.

Admission Requirements


Applications for admission are considered year-round with preference being given to students who apply by the following deadlines: March 1 for Summer/Fall, and October 1 for Spring.

Admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s qualifications including a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and undergraduate and graduate grade point average.

An applicant must have an undergraduate minor in chemistry or its equivalent at time of admission.

Application Procedures


All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must

  1. submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
  2. submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  3. submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
  4. have two confidential letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of the applicant.
  5. provide a statement of purpose (SOP). In the SOP
    1. state career goals and describe how a Master of Science in Chemistry degree would help achieve them; and
    2. list the most likely faculty members with whom independent research would be performed and comment on the reasoning of selections, especially as it relates to stated career goals.

Degree Requirements


The Master of Science in Chemistry requires a minimum of 30-43 semester hours with no more than 30 percent of the total degree hours dually listed as undergraduate/graduate.

Candidate must

  1. prepare an annual plan of study for the following twelve months with the academic advisor;
  2. successfully complete and present an original thesis approved by the student’s advisory committee;
  3. successfully complete a comprehensive examination in conjunction with the defense of the thesis (may be taken no more than twice).

Curriculum: Chemistry


The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 19 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.

Required Courses (17 hours)


Electives (5-7 hours)


Complete 5-7 credit hours (maximum of 7) of additional approved chemistry graduate courses or approved cognate courses in biology, mathematics, computer science, or physics.

Thesis Research (8-19 hours)


NOTE: No more than 19 hours of thesis research may be applied toward degree requirements.

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