Chemistry

Graduate Degree Programs

The degrees offered in chemistry are the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Chemistry, Master of Science in the Teaching of Chemistry, and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry. This catalog also provides information on a joint program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Physics (see Chemical Physics).

Admission

Graduate College requirements apply. Further, applicants should have at least 25 semester hours in chemistry (properly distributed) and a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0), to be considered for admission to the graduate programs. Applications from students with less than the usual preparation in chemistry or with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis. In addition, we ask applicants to submit results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and the GRE Chemistry Subject Test.

International students whose native language is not English are required to have a minimum paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 580 (237 on the computer-based test). In addition, teaching is a requirement in the chemistry graduate program, and there are special requirements for applicants whose native language is not English. The University requires a minimum Test of Spoken English (TSE) score of 50. Any applicant whose native language is not English is expected to provide TSE scores in order to receive full consideration for admission and financial aid.

Students who are currently enrolled in other graduate programs are advised that they should complete degree work before moving to another university. While students might be admitted without a degree from their current institution, there must be exceptional circumstances. We require a statement from the applicant detailing the situation and a letter from the applicant’s research adviser or department head.

Contact chemistry graduate admissions for further information.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Experience in teaching is considered a vital part of the graduate program and is required as part of the academic work of all Ph.D. candidates in this program.

Master of Science in the Teaching of Chemistry

Candidates for the Master of Science in the Teaching of Chemistry must earn 16 graduate hours of credit in chemistry, 8 graduate hours in education, and 8 graduate hours of electives in either education or physical science. 12 of the 32 graduate hours must be 500 level. The courses in chemistry and the electives must be selected with the approval of the adviser. No thesis is required. Questions concerning the Teaching of Chemistry Program should be addressed to Professor S. S. Zumdahl, 108 Chem Annex, 507 South Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801.

Master of Science and Master of Arts

Thirty-two graduate hours of credit are required for the master’s degrees. The programs leading to degrees of Master of Arts or Master of Science in Chemistry are designed to be completed in one year of full-time study by students entering without deficiencies. A research thesis is optional. If a thesis is elected, 20 graduate hours of formal courses are required. If a thesis is not elected, an additional 12 graduate hours of formal courses are required. The course program for the nonthesis option must include 12 graduate hours of 500-level courses, 8 of which must be in chemistry.

Joint JD/MS in Chemistry Degree Program

This joint degree program is intended principally for law students who desire to specialize in an area of law in which expertise in chemistry would be a clear asset.

Students electing the joint degree option will select a major area of emphasis within chemistry that complements their chosen area of legal emphasis. Each student must develop and gain approval of a coherent, focused plan of study that draws upon related coursework in both law and chemistry.

The JD/MS program involves interdisciplinary work and a flexible plan of study. Students earn an MS in Chemistry upon completion of 32 graduate hours of coursework. Students will also complete 90 hours of law coursework, up to 12 hours of which may be fulfilled by coursework taken in chemistry or otherwise pursuant to a course of scientific study leading to the master’s degree in chemistry. Students will consult with a faculty adviser in selecting courses. While enrolled in the Department of Chemistry, students have the opportunity to hold an assistantship with a tuition and service fee waiver. It is possible that joint degree students may accelerate their programs by attending summer sessions over one or more summers and thus complete the requirements for both the MS and the JD degrees in three years.

In order to enter the joint degree program, students must be admitted separately to each program. Each program’s application requirements and deadlines for admission must be met.

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral programs are offered in a wide range of specialties, including the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry as well as materials chemistry and chemical biology. Students usually require from three to five years to complete the requirements. A total of 96 graduate hours, including thesis credit, is required. The formal course requirements involve 10 to14 graduate hours of 500-level courses in the major area of interest and 8 to 12 graduate hours in allied areas or fields. Besides completing formal coursework, students will have a formal review of progress following the completion of coursework, are required to pass an oral preliminary examination on research preparation, and must submit a thesis on original research, which is defended at a final oral examination.

Program in Biophysical Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers an area of specialization in biophysical chemistry. The program is flexible and provides the student with basic training in physical chemistry, physical biochemistry and biology. Students electing this area should have a solid background in physics and mathematics. Details of the curriculum are decided individually. Interested students should direct inquiries and applications to the head of the Department of Chemistry.

Financial Aid

Support for graduate students is available through fellowships and assistantships. All candidates are considered for these upon application. Graduate students making normal progress toward their degrees generally receive a tuition waiver as well as a stipend.