Master of Science in Chemistry

We offer the M.S. degree in chemistry with research focuses in biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic/materials chemistry. A course of study and research will be custom-designed by a faculty committee to suit your individual research interests and career goals.

As a master's degree-seeking student, you will be required to take a minimum of four basic chemistry courses in order to establish a strong foundation in the field. You will then be encouraged to take analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and/or physical chemistry advanced graduate courses to gain more in-depth perspectives. There are two pathways to our master's degree: a research path, or a coursework path with a science or business track emphasis.

Marketable Skills

Defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30 Strategic Plan as, "Those skills valued by employers that can be applied in a variety of work settings, including interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skills areas. These skills can be either primary or complementary to a major and are acquired by students through education, including curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities."

1. As a member of a graduate teaching lab team and research team, you will learn how to work and communicate with diverse team members​.
2. By writing laboratory reports, papers, and a thesis, coupled with presenting your work to your peers, at conferences, or to the general public, you will gain valuable verbal and written communication skills​.
3. With our departmental focus on civic engagement and laboratory safety as our first priority, you will understand social and personal responsibility​.
4. Finally, since earning a degree in any field of chemistry naturally requires excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills related to chemistry, these skills can also be used to address other issues and solve other problems.

Admissions

All students must meet the University requirements as outlined in the Admission to the TWU Graduate School section of the catalog.

This academic program may have additional admission criteria that must also be completed as outlined on the program's website.

Degree Requirements

Total Semester Credit Hours Required

Research Track: 30 semester credit hours (SCH).

Coursework Track (Science or Business): 36 semester credit hours (SCH).

Required Courses

16-17 SCH of chemistry course work (excluding research, seminar, professional paper, and thesis) approved by an advisory committee. Research track students must enroll in CHEM 5101 a minimum of four times and coursework track students must enroll in CHEM 5101 a minimum of two times.  It is recommended students enroll in CHEM 5101 each semester if taking six or more SCH.