Chemistry M.S. (Purdue degree)

The Master of Science program in Chemistry, which awards a Purdue University degree, requires 30 credit hours of study beyond the baccalaureate level. It is designed for students seeking careers as professional chemists. Graduates of the program often choose industrial positions, but others enter Ph.D. programs in chemistry or related areas. Graduates have been placed in positions throughout the United States and abroad.

Specific area requirements (core courses) apply for course work. Courses from three of the following areas must be taken: analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical. Typically, students take three courses in their primary area and two courses outside of it to meet these requirements.

M.S. Degree Requirements 

The M.S. degree can be earned through two different options:

Thesis Option

This traditional full-time program requires 15 hours of course work, 2 hours of seminar and and 13 hours of thesis research. The research activity culminates in the completion and defense of a thesis. This option is available to full- or part-time students.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option requires 30 hours of course work alone. Because research experience is essential in an advanced chemistry program, this option is recommended for part-time students only. Students in this option usually are employed full time and are engaged in research activity as part of their employment.

The degrees are conferred through the Purdue University system, and entering students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate School of Purdue University and departmental requirements.

The prospective student should have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, show promise of ability to engage in advanced work, and have adequate preparation--at least 35 credit hours of chemistry broadly representative of the fields of the discipline--in a chemistry curriculum. The GRE exam is required for all applicants.

Learn more about admissions to the graduate programs.

Areas of active research within the department includes analytical chemistry, biological/chemical biology, chemical education, computational chemistry, forensic science, inorganic/bioinorganic chemistry, materials/biomaterials, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical/biophysical chemistry.

Interdisciplinary research is common. Strong collaborations exist between our faculty and members of other departments of the School of Science, and with the School of Medicine.

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