Chemistry MS
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (thesis or non-thesis) in Chemistry (specialties: analytical, computational, medicinal, organic, and physical chemistry). These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in academic, industrial, and governmental settings. Individualized programs of study, which take advantage of modern instrumentation, provide a solid foundation for independent research.
The Master of Science in Chemistry program at Saint Joseph’s University is the ideal place to study the latest innovations in chemistry alongside top program faculty. In this program, you’ll gain skills and knowledge in modern chemistry that will prepare you for growing careers in computational chemistry, drug design, pharmacognosy and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to conduct original, pioneering research in our robust research labs, including in the West Center for Computational Chemistry and Drug Design. You’ll take classes on our Hawk Hill campus and have the option to pursue research-based (thesis) or classroom-based (non-thesis) degrees.
Students entering the graduate program in chemistry may have any undergraduate degree that satisfies all the prerequisites for these programs.
Chemistry MS: Non-Thesis
Goal 1: Students will develop a strong background and achieve advanced knowledge in major areas of chemistry.
Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to explain a broad range of advanced chemical concepts.
Goal 2: Students will conduct effective literature research in chemistry and communicate the finding in both oral and/or writing form.
Outcome 2.1: Students will be able to give a presentation on a chemistry subject in either oral or written format.
Chemistry MS: Thesis
Goal 1: Students will develop a strong background and achieve advanced knowledge in chosen areas of chemistry.
Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to explain advanced chemical concepts.
Goal 2: Students will develop proficiency in conducting research in chemistry.
Outcome 2.1: Students will be able to design and carry out an experiment given a chemical problem.
Thesis Requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: | 6 | |
| Research Ethics (1 credit) | ||
| Research Seminar 1 | ||
| Statistics for Research (3 credits) | ||
| Elective Courses: | 9 | |
| Choose three CHM graduate level elective courses. Elective courses must be approved by Advisor, Advisory Committee, or Program Director. May include other graduate level courses as approved by the Program Director. | ||
| Nanochemistry | ||
| Instrumental Analysis | ||
| Instrumental Analysis Lab | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Biophysical Chemistry | ||
| Medicinal Chemistry | ||
| Quantum Chemistry | ||
| Intro to Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Atmospheric Environmental Chem | ||
| Chemical Kinetics | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organometallics | ||
| Computer Aided Drug Design | ||
| Water Chemistry | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Metals in Medicine | ||
| Non-trivial Problems in Chem | ||
| Scientific Proposals | ||
| Research Courses: | 15 (minimum) | |
| Introduction to Research (1 credit) | ||
| Graduate Research 2 | ||
| Total Hours: | 30 (minimum) | |
In addition to the above coursework, thesis students have a number of progression milestones which include:
- Selection of Research Advisor
- Selection of Research Committee
- Preparing a committee approved Research Prospectus
- Presentation of your research efforts at an external venue at least once
- Preparing a committee approved Thesis on your original research
- Successful Defense of your thesis work
Non-Thesis Requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: | 6 | |
| Research Ethics (1 credit) | ||
| Research Seminar 1 | ||
| Statistics for Research (3 credits) | ||
| Elective Courses: | 24 | |
| Choose eight CHM graduate level elective courses. Elective courses must be approved by Program Director. Up to 3 credits of graduate research may be applied towards this requirement. May include other graduate level courses as approved by the Program Director. | ||
| Nanochemistry | ||
| Instrumental Analysis | ||
| Instrumental Analysis Lab | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Biophysical Chemistry | ||
| Medicinal Chemistry | ||
| Quantum Chemistry | ||
| Intro to Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Atmospheric Environmental Chem | ||
| Chemical Kinetics | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organometallics | ||
| Computer Aided Drug Design | ||
| Water Chemistry | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Metals in Medicine | ||
| Non-trivial Problems in Chem | ||
| Total Hours: | 30 | |
- 1
Must take Research Seminar at least twice for a minimum of 2 credits in total
- 2
14 credits minimum, more may be required to complete a master's level research project