Master of Science (MS) in Chemistry
The Master of Science in Chemistry exposes students to numerous areas of chemistry, including analytical, atmospheric, inorganic, organic, materials, physical, educational and polymer chemistry. The curriculum prepares students for the research and practical application of chemistry necessary to address the challenges facing mankind in the modern world. Faculty members are active participants in the environmental engineering and biomedical science programs; others are working with physicists and biologists in areas such as atmospheric science, biochemistry, and biophysical chemistry.
The chemistry department strives to maintain a community of research scholars – faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students – that is large enough to provide diverse experiences within chemistry, yet small enough to provide each student with individualized attention. Both full- and part-time study are available.
Graduate Handbook [ PDF ]
Research Areas
Chemistry students earning their master’s degree have conducted research in areas such as:
- The use of digital electronic methods to analyze trace constituents of air and water
- A study of the molecules of living systems
- The effects of toxic chemicals and carcinogens
- Synthesis and characterization of compounds of medicinal and industrial interest
- Methods for studying macromolecules and characterization of transient species using lasers
Degree Options
The department offers a Master of Science in Chemistry with both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option is best for students who want to expand their background in research. This can be beneficial if the student expects to pursue their doctoral degree. The non-thesis option allows the student to take more electives in lieu of conducting a research project.
Thesis Option
In the first year of coursework, no later than the spring quarter, students should choose a research adviser with whom to work in carrying out an original investigation in chemistry. The results will be written up in thesis form and submitted to a master’s thesis committee consisting of the research adviser and two other departmental faculty appointed by the adviser. The acceptance of the MS thesis by the committee is the final requirement of the thesis option master’s degree. Students who have received financial aid from the department must elect the thesis option if they do not pursue the doctoral program at Drexel.
Admission Requirements
For admission to graduate study, the department requires a BS in chemistry or the equivalent. This requirement applies to full-time and part-time students working toward either the MS or PhD in chemistry. All entering MS and PhD students are required to take a series of two-hour exams in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry to help assess their preparation for graduate work in chemistry. The scores obtained on these exams are used as a basis for course selection.
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