FAST FACTS: M.S. Chemistry
* Tuition rates are for the 2020-21 academic year. Additional fees and costs for course materials may apply. Total program cost and completion time varies depending on transfer credits and individual program plans. Tuition rates are subject to change.
Chemistry was one of the College’s original majors, established in 1924. Professors Dr. Agatha Riehl, OSB and Sister Petra Lenta, OSB were pioneers in the cancer biology field in the 1950s. We are proud to carry on the vibrant chemistry intellectual tradition with this master’s program and our faculty are dedicated to the education and career preparation of their students.
The M.S. in Chemistry will develop a student's ability to integrate advanced chemistry knowledge and critical-thinking skills to effectively approach scientific problems grounded in chemistry. In addition, graduates will gain the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate advanced scientific ideas across scientific disciplines and to non-scientists alike.
The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in industry or chemistry education. It is anchored by four core courses covering fundamental chemistry concepts in thermodynamics, bonding, effective scientific communication and spectroscopy. These core courses are supplemented by 10 elective courses spanning all sub-disciplines of chemistry, including chemistry education.
Opportunities for those holding an M.S. in Chemistry exist in both the industrial and academic job markets. As reported by the American Chemical Society's ChemCensus Survey (2015), chemists holding master’s degrees have steadily comprised about 20% of the industrial workforce since 1985. In addition, industrial chemists with advanced degrees (master’s vs. bachelor’s) also report a wider variety of potential career opportunities, such as applied research and development and management positions.
An M.S. in Chemistry will advance secondary education instructors interested in teaching concurrent enrollment classes or making salary scale lane changes. Based on the Higher Learning Commission guidelines for academic college program accreditation, all instructors teaching concurrent enrollment / bachelor’s level classes must possess either:
Other potential career opportunities:
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