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Chemistry
Master's

Master's in chemistry overview

Take your chemistry expertise to the next level with real research that demonstrates original and significant scientific contribution. CMU’s master's in chemistry is a research-focused, thesis-based program that drives innovation in health, energy, sustainability and technology through faculty-mentored projects.

Our 2-year masters in chemistry degree equips you with a deep understanding of many subsets of chemistry while gaining experience in the lab and preparing you for a future in research, industry or doctoral studies.

The program also offers an Accelerated M.S. in Chemistry, allowing qualified students to begin graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies and earn the M.S. more efficiently. This means you could graduate with an M.S. in chemistry in as little as one extra year.

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

Chemistry connects biology, physics, environmental science, medicine and engineering through the study of matter at the molecular and atomic levels. Our Master's in Chemistry advances the understanding of these connections by generating new knowledge through research, with flexibility to tailor their studies to individual research interests and career goals.

You'll work closely with these faculty in well-equipped facilities like CMU's Dow Science Complex and Biosciences Building to assist on a wide range of research topics that incorporate fundamental chemical questions and real-world applications. You'll design experiments, analyze complex data, interpret results and have the opportunity to present your work at professional conferences. Many students also have their work published in peer-reviewed journals.

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.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Highlights of CMU's M.S. in chemistry

As a chemistry student in our graduate program, you’ll:

  • Research your unique interests: Have your choice of research areas to delve into — like batteries or fuel cells, the idenitificaion of proteins in tuberculosis-causing bacteria and the effect of different pollutants and their removal from aquatic environments.
  • Collaborate with professionals: Work closely with research-active faculty on basic and applied chemistry projects, typically supported by external grant funding.
  • Get published: 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.

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.

By double-counting all 15 credits, domestic students save up to $4,155 and international students save up to $1,560.

    • 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
    Physical Scientist $119,050
    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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