MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Emphasis in CHEMISTRY
The MS emphasis in chemistry is designed to prepare graduates for employment in industrial or governmental sectors, for continued graduate work at the doctoral level, or for teaching.
Admission Requirements
For admission, the applicant must have completed an undergraduate science degree from an accredited college or university, including specified courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Adequate preparation for completion of the Master's degree in two years is considered to be a BS degree in chemistry. Students without such background (e.g., baccalaureate degree in a related field), but having the minimum preparation described below will be required to take additional undergraduate-level coursework that does not count toward the graduate degree, and can thus expect the program to require more than two years to complete.
Desired Minimum Expected Undergraduate Preparation in Chemistry
General Chemistry two semesters
Quantitative Analysis one semester
Organic Chemistry two semesters
Physical Chemistry one semester
Inorganic one semester
Biochemistry one semester
Placement/Qualifying Examinations
Students are required to take placement/qualifying examinations in the five major areas of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical). For the purposes of demonstrating competency in an area, these examinations are to be taken prior ot the time of the student’s first enrollment for proper placement into advanced courses. Three of the five examinations must be passed in order for the student to advance to degree candidacy. If an examination is not passed, a recommended course will be required to be completed with a grade of B or better. This course can then serve to qualify the student in that area. (More information on the entrance examinations is available in the office of the Departments of Physical Sciences.)
Degree Requirements
Two degree options are available. In the more research-intensive thesis option, students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours including a thesis (a maximum of 8 hours may be research and thesis). The research report option requires a minimum of 32 credit hours (a maximum of 6 hours may be research). A student must earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point average in all courses used for the degree. A minimum of 60 percent of the credit hours must be in courses numbered 700 or higher. Prior to graduation, a student will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in all five subject areas, either via qualifying exams or successful completion of appropriate coursework. For complete degree requirements the student should consult the current graduate policies at http://www.emporia.edu/grad/pol.htm.
Chemistry Course Requirements
The five courses listed below, which represent one advanced-level course in each of the five traditional areas of chemistry, are required as a common core for all graduate students. In addition, CH 722, Physical Chemistry II or its equivalent, must be part of a student’s academic record prior to graduation.
CH 724................. Topics in Physical Chemistry
CH 725................. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CH 760................. Advanced Biochemistry
CH 772................. Topics in Organic Chemistry
CH 777................. Instrumental Analysis
Research Requirements
Students pursuing either degree option must complete a research project in collaboration with a faculty advisor. During the first semester of enrollment, the student is required to meet with each faculty member to discuss potential research projects. Toward the end of the first semester of study, a project is chosen by mutual consent of the student and a faculty member. The student will then prepare a research project outline, which must be approved by the student's graduate committee. Students should begin working on the research project no later than the beginning of the second semester of study. Prior to conferral of the degree, all graduate students are expected to present their research at a public seminar, and must pass an oral examination administered by the graduate committee based on the thesis or report and course work.
Graduate Committee
Students pursuing a graduate degree must have their work approved and supervised by a graduate committee. This graduate committee is appointed by the recommendation of the department. The student’s research advisor will generally serve as the chairperson of the committee. The primary duties of the graduate committee will be 1) to approve the program of study, including the outline of the research topic, 2) to oversee the progress of the student with respect to coursework and research each semester or as needed, and 3) to orally examine the student and approve the thesis or research report prior to graduation.
Seminar Participation
Students are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled chemistry seminars during the entire period of full-time graduate study. A maximum of two credit hours in seminar may be applied toward the degree. Students must present the results of their research at a departmental seminar prior to the oral examination over the research.
For information about financial support contact Dr. Art Landis.
Graduate School application can be done on line. International students must apply through the Office of International Education.
Last Updated June 15, 2007