Chemistry Master of Science Degree Program

Program Overview

The Chemistry Master of Science program at University at Albany-SUNY prepares students for careers in research, education, and industry. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in chemistry principles with opportunities for specialization in various areas. Students can pursue either a thesis-based or non-thesis option, and the curriculum includes coursework, research, and a comprehensive exam. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in academia, government, industry, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Chemistry Master of Science (MS) program at the University at Albany-SUNY prepares students for careers in various chemistry-related fields, including research, education, and industry.
• The program emphasizes a strong foundation in fundamental chemistry principles while providing opportunities for specialization in specific areas, such as organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, or theoretical chemistry.
• The curriculum includes a combination of coursework, research, and a comprehensive exam.
Students have the option to pursue either a thesis-based or non-thesis option.

Outline:

• The MS program requires a minimum of 30 credits, including:
• Chemistry courses (21-26 credits):
• A minimum of five 3-credit graduate-level courses in chemistry, with at least three chosen from a set of six core courses covering various areas of chemistry.
• Two of the five courses must be within the student's chosen field of specialization.
• Students pursuing the thesis option take Chm 699T (minimum 6 credits, maximum 11 credits) for research leading to a written thesis.
• Students pursuing the non-thesis option take Chm 698T (8 credits) for a written critical review of research literature and Chm 699 (3 credits) for additional research.
• Supporting courses (0-9 credits):
• Courses in related academic fields as advised, which can be used to complement the student's chosen specialization.
• Course requirements, excluding Chm 699T or Chm 698T, must be completed within the first six semesters of graduate study.
• Students must also pass a major field examination in chemistry, with a maximum of two attempts allowed.
• The foreign language or research tool requirement must be fulfilled.
Several courses can fulfill this requirement, including Chm 511A or B, Chm 526, Chm 544, Chm 561, or Chm 570.

Assessment:

• Student performance is assessed through a combination of methods, including:
• Coursework: Students' understanding of concepts is evaluated through exams, assignments, and presentations.
• Research: Thesis-based students are assessed on the quality of their research, written thesis, and oral defense.
• Major field exam: This comprehensive exam tests students' knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemistry principles.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Laboratory sessions: Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory experiments and exercises.
• Seminars: Researchers and guest speakers present on advanced topics and current research developments.
• Individualized research guidance: Students receive personalized mentorship from faculty advisors during their research projects.
• The program boasts a team of experienced and accomplished faculty with expertise in diverse areas of chemistry.

Careers:

• The MS in Chemistry from UAlbany opens doors to various career paths in:
• Research: Graduates can pursue research careers in academia, government agencies, or private companies.
• Industry: Positions in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and environmental consulting are available for graduates.
• Education: Graduates can find careers teaching chemistry at the high school or university level.

Other:

• The program provides students with opportunities to participate in:
• Seminars and conferences: Students can attend and present their research at various chemistry-related conferences and seminars.
• Professional organizations: Joining professional organizations like the American Chemical Society (ACS) allows students to network and participate in professional development activities.
• Research collaborations: Opportunities for collaborating with other research groups within the university and beyond are available.