The accredited Master of Science in Chemistry at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, is intended for students interested in advanced training in chemistry and related disciplines, in preparation for doctoral programs or careers in industry, government or post-secondary school education.
Five Specializations:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
The Chemistry M.S. program allows for both a thesis and non-thesis option.
Thesis Option
Requires a thesis with 32 hours of graduate credit, two public lectures and an oral thesis defense. The Master of Science thesis demonstrates that you can pursue a program of original and independent research, that you can formulate and carry out a research project, and that you can report on the project in a proper scientific manner.
This option requires advanced coursework in chemistry, biochemistry or environmental chemistry and research, with the latter culminating in an M.S. thesis. Shortly after entering our accredited program, you select a faculty advisor, agree on a research problem, carry out the research program, select a graduate research committee, and write and defend the thesis in a final oral examination. The defense of the thesis will take place when you, the research advisor and the graduate research committee agree a defensible copy of the thesis is complete.
Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option is a seldom-used alternative route available for students employed full time and requires department authorization. Basic requirements are the same as the thesis option, however the non-thesis option requires 36 hours of graduate credit and a problem report followed by a public lecture.
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Chemistry covers a broad array of endeavors and is increasingly both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary—involving the use of concepts and techniques at the interface between disciplines. This means modern chemistry provides excellent opportunities for you to exercise your creativity, as everything we touch is made of chemicals and depends on chemical processes.
Marshall University in West Virginia is designated by the Carnegie classification system as a “Doctoral University: High Research Activity” institution, or “R2” as it is commonly called in higher education circles. The R-2 designation places Marshall among the top six percent of colleges and universities in the nation and is the second-highest classification an institution can receive. Recognition of the high research activity of faculty and students in our Department of Chemistry was an important factor in earning the Carnegie R-2 rating.
In our award-winning, accredited Chemistry graduate degree program, you are offered many opportunities to familiarize yourself with a wide range of state-of-the-art instrumentation, work on cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary projects and participate in professional conferences. Thanks to our Chemistry department’s small size, you work daily in the lab with your faculty mentors. Students are also compelled to interact with faculty outside their immediate research area in West Virginia, which provides exciting opportunities to broaden their experience.
- Toxicologist
- Production Chemist
- Medical Chemist
- Research Chemist
- High School or Community College Chemistry Instructor
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.
In addition, applicants must:
- hold an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, or an equivalent degree approved by the Chemistry department;
- have GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores sent to Graduate Admissions.
Online Form: Graduate Assistantship Application
Download: Supervisory Committee Form (Word .doc)
Research & Credit Requirements
Students are required to complete 32 and 36 hours of graduate credit for the thesis and non-thesis options, respectively. No more than six hours of Special Topics courses may be counted in the minimum hours required by either route; any exceptions require specific Departmental approval. Students whose research is in the area of analytical, inorganic, organic, biochemistry or physical chemistry are required to take at least one graduate course in three of the five traditional areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, biochemistry and physical). Students are limited to 12 hours of research credit. Specific course requirements are to be determined in consultation with one’s research advisor.