Program Overview
Marquette University's Chemistry graduate program offers MS and PhD degrees with a focus on research and hands-on experience. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, flexible curriculum, and close faculty mentorship. Graduates pursue successful careers in academia, industry, and government, with a high placement rate and competitive starting salaries.
Program Outline
Master's and PhD in Chemistry at Marquette University
Degree Overview:
The Department of Chemistry at Marquette University offers graduate programs leading to Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The program encompasses a broad spectrum of fields, including analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, polymer, and physical chemistry, as well as chemical physics.
Objectives:
- Provide students with outstanding research and educational opportunities
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Foster independent research abilities
- Prepare graduates for successful careers in academia, industry, or government
Program Description:
The program emphasizes hands-on research experience conducted in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and instrumentation. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their program to their individual interests and career goals.
Highlights:
- STEM-designated program: International students are eligible for 36 months of Optional Practical Training.
- Research-intensive: Students begin research in their first semester.
- Faculty mentorship: Close collaboration with faculty members.
- Flexible curriculum: Part-time and full-time options available.
- Financial support: Scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available.
Outline:
MS Program:
- Requires 30 credit hours
- Can be completed on a flexible schedule
- Includes research projects or essays about research literature
- Culminates in a thesis or non-thesis option
PhD Program:
- Requires 36 credit hours of coursework in the first two years
- Students join research labs and begin research in their first semester
- Advances to candidacy after successfully completing a literature seminar and research meeting
- Culminates in a dissertation
Subspecialty areas of research:
- Photochemistry
- Molecular spectroscopy
- Medicinal chemistry and drug discovery
- Materials chemistry and nanotechnology
- Organometallic, physical organic, bioorganic, polymer, and theoretical chemistry
- Chemical dynamics
Coursework:
The program's coursework varies depending on the student's chosen specialization. However, some examples of courses offered include:
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Advanced Physical Chemistry
- Chemical Thermodynamics
- Quantum Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Biochemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Assessment:
MS Program:
- Research project or thesis
- Oral defense of research
PhD Program:
- Comprehensive exams
- Dissertation research
- Dissertation defense
Teaching:
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, laboratory work, and independent research.
- Faculty members are actively involved in research and are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students.
- The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in teaching and outreach activities.
Careers:
- Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including academia, industry, and government.
- Some examples of potential career paths include:
- Research scientist
- Professor
- Chemical engineer
- Analytical chemist
- Materials scientist
- Pharmaceutical chemist
- The program is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which offers a vibrant cultural and scientific community.
- The program has a 90% placement rate for PhD graduates.
- The average starting salary for PhD graduates is $90,000.
