A man wearing safety goggles, a blue lab coat and blue gloves works in a chemistry lab with lab equipment. A man wearing safety goggles, a blue lab coat and blue gloves works in a chemistry lab with lab equipment. A man wearing safety goggles, a blue lab coat and blue gloves works in a chemistry lab with lab equipment.

Chemistry
Master of Science

Master of Science in chemistry program overview

Chemistry connects biology, physics, environmental science, medicine and engineering through the study of matter at the molecular and atomic levels. At the graduate level, chemistry advances this understanding by generating new knowledge through research, driving innovation in health, energy, sustainability and technology.

Our Master of Science in Chemistry offers both a research-focused, thesis-based program and a non-thesis option designed to be completed in two years. Students engage in advanced coursework and intensive, faculty-mentored research on a range of topics in modern facilities, culminating in a written thesis that demonstrates an original and significant scientific contribution. The program also offers an accelerated MS option, allowing qualified students to begin graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies and earn the MS more efficiently.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

What you'll learn in the M.S. in chemistry

The Chemistry M.S. program builds on undergraduate knowledge to develop advanced expertise in chemical theory, experimentation and research methodology. Students complete graduate-level coursework in areas such as analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, biochemistry and materials chemistry, with flexibility to tailor their studies to individual research interests and career goals.

A defining feature of the program is its strong emphasis on independent, faculty-mentored research conducted in modern, well-equipped research facilities. This includes CMU’s 60,000-square-foot Dow Science Complex and 169,000-square-foot Biosciences Building.

Our faculty pursue research across a wide range of basic and applied chemistry topics, providing students opportunities to work on projects that span fundamental chemical questions and real-world applications. Using state-of-the-art instrumentation, students design experiments, analyze complex data and interpret results.

Faculty and student research is typically supported by external grant funding, and students present their work at professional conferences and many publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Graduate students also strengthen professional skills essential for scientific careers. Through thesis writing, seminars, and research presentations, students develop the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly, work independently and collaboratively, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of chemical knowledge.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Highlights of CMU's M.S. in chemistry

As a chemistry M.S. student, you'll:

  • Engage in advanced coursework and research training: Complete rigorous, graduate-level courses across chemistry subdisciplines while developing advanced skills in experimental design, data analysis and critical evaluation and presentation of research results.
  • Conduct original, thesis-based research with faculty mentors: Work closely with research-active faculty on basic and applied chemistry projects, typically supported by external grant funding, culminating in a written research thesis and oral defense.
  • Work in modern facilities using advanced instrumentation: Carry out research in CMU’s Dow Science Complex and Biosciences Building, gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, ICP, XRD, AFM, and SEM.
  • Communicate and publish your research professionally: Present your work at seminars and regional or national scientific meetings and frequently contribute to peer-reviewed publications, preparing you for doctoral study and research-focused careers.
  • Compete for graduate assistantships: Applicants may earn competitive Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships (GTAs/GRAs) that provide financial support, professional training, and hands-on experience in undergraduate instruction or faculty-mentored research.
  • Take advantage of an accelerated MS pathway: Eligible students may begin graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies, reducing time to degree while maintaining the depth and rigor of the master’s program.

Accelerated master's in chemistry

Earn up to 50% of your master’s while you finish your bachelor’s degree! You'll save time and money with an accelerated master’s in chemistry. You may be able to double-count 15 credits.

    • Minimum GPA at time of application: 3.0 GPA of at least 15 credits at CMU.
    • Requirements to maintain eligibility: average of 3.0 and no E's in double-counted courses.

    If your GPA is lower than a 3.0 or you have fewer than 15 credits at CMU, you can still be considered for admission if you demonstrate why you are prepared to be successful in graduate coursework.

    You must have a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours completed before starting coursework in the accelerated M.S. in Chemistry. To take full advantage of the program, make sure you apply for admission before taking any of the double-counted courses listed below.

    • Up to 15 credits of the following courses can be double-counted:
      • CHM 505, CHM 507, CHM 511, CHM 514, CHM 515, CHM 520, CHM 521, CHM 522, CHM 527, CHM 528, CHM 531, CHM 541, CHM 542, CHM 547, CHM 551, CHM 555, CHM 556, CHM 560, CHM 561, CHM 562, CHM 566, CHM 568, CHM 571, CHM 572, CHM 575, CHM 583, CHM 601, CHM 602, CHM 611, CHM 619, CHM 621, CHM 624, CHM 631, CHM 641, CHM 644, CHM 651, CHM 655, CHM 663, CHM 665, CHM 667, CHM 669
    • You'll select your double-counted courses with an advisor. Then, you'll count them towards both your undergraduate degree and your graduate degree – either for your major or as electives.

    The M.S. in Chemistry requires 30 credits. You may double-count 15 credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, leaving 15 credits remaining to complete your master's degree. If you don't complete all 15 double-counted credits before you finish your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take more than 15 credits to reach the 30 credits required for the M.S. in Chemistry.

    Careers with master's in chemistry

    A Master of Science in Chemistry prepares graduates for advanced roles in the chemical industry and related industries, research, education and doctoral study. Below are common career paths for chemistry M.S. graduates with median salaries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

    Career Projected Salary
    Chemical Technician $57,790
    Research Assistant $62,370
    Environmental Specialist $80,060
    Drug Safety Scientist $86,620
    Research Scientist $100,590
    Biochemist $103,650
    Chemist $86,620
    Male student stands in front of lab equipment wearing protective gloves, coat and glasses.
    An interactive museum exhibit prepared by the American Chemical Society

    Get involved in student life

    The American Chemical Society Student Members is open to all students with an interest in chemistry. Their focus is on community involvement, student–student interaction, student–faculty interaction and career development. This is an interactive exhibit the ACSSM put together at nearby museum in Midland.

    Check out the American Chemical Society

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