Program Overview: Candidates for a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio University must demonstrate the ability to plan, execute, evaluate, and communicate original chemical research. Candidates are expected to develop specialized research skills to carry out this work effectively.   The M.S. program requires 30 graduate credits in chemistry and approved electives. A seminar course is required each semester, and students must present one satisfactory seminar each year beyond the first year of study. Students must present their thesis orally at a public meeting followed by an oral defense held before the students’ Thesis committee. In lieu of a thesis, a student may submit a paper that has been accepted for publication in an approved journal and the student is a primary author. There is no foreign language requirement for the M.S. The average period of study is two and one-fourth years. In addition to competency exams/classes, students are required to take three classes within their area of study, unless the student receives permission from the graduate committee to take classes outside his/her major area of study.

Admissions Policy: All graduate students new to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will be required to take competency examinations in Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry. The exams will be taken from the current American Chemical Society exam sequence, unless a division decides to generate and grade its own exam. All who score in the 50th percentile or greater on a standardized examination demonstrate competence in that area. Each student must pass a total of three (3) out of five (5) competency exams taken including one in the area chosen as the students’ major during the first year of graduate study. The exams will be offered three times during the year in September, January, and June. Alternately, competency can be demonstrated by passing at a level of B or better one 500 level course in three of the five areas (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). One of the three courses can be in the student’s major area but the other two must be outside of the student’s major area and must be in the other areas of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). General/review courses will be offered each fall at the 500 level in each research area of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). Students failing to meet the competency requirement during their first year of graduate study may lose their financial support until competency is demonstrated or may be removed from the program at the discretion of the Graduate Committee.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: The MS degree prepares students for a variety of professional positions and for graduate studies. Example sectors for employment include the pharmaceutical industries, analytical service laboratories, government laboratories and biomedical and industrial laboratories.