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Master of Science in Chemistry
Pursuing a master's degree offers robust career preparation across various fields, including medical, pharmacy, energy, materials, consulting, forensics, patent work, and food science. The program trains and equips students with advanced skills and knowledge, positioning them for diverse career opportunities in industry and academia.
Our graduate chemistry program emphasizes hands-on research experience tackling a wide range of contemporary challenges at the forefront of the traditional branches of chemical science and interdisciplinary fields, such as bio-related research and materials science. The collaborative culture at SIU fosters strong peer and faculty support, and the program benefits from research partnerships with renowned organizations like NASA and DOE national laboratories.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry provides a comprehensive foundation in various chemistry disciplines, including analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Students in the M.S. program must conduct research, demonstrating their ability to apply advanced chemistry knowledge and meaningfully contribute to the field. The M.S. degree requires students to meet both the course and thesis requirements. Students admitted into the M.S. program can gain direct entry to the Ph.D. program without completing the M.S. program upon satisfactory performance in the first year of residency.
Research and Thesis
Students must complete a research project and earn at least 11 credit hours in research and thesis. The research findings must be documented in a written thesis and approved by the advising committee and the Graduate School.
Research is conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor within the student’s chosen chemistry specialization, such as analytical, biochemistry, materials, organic, or physical chemistry. The faculty advisor is the chair of the advising committee.
Admissions
To apply for the Master of Science in Chemistry program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics, or engineering, ideally with a chemistry major. Required coursework includes inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and bio- chemistry. A minimum GPA of 2.70 is needed, along with paying an application fee (currently $65) and submitting academic transcripts. International students must prove English proficiency with scores from one of the recognized tests by the SIU Graduate School. Applicants should also provide a personal statement that details previous research experience, future research interests, and the names of possible faculty members in the school who match their research interests. Those with deficiencies in some chemistry subject matters may be admitted, but may need to complete additional remedial coursework.
Committee
Students must choose a research advisor and form the advising committee by the end of their second semester. They must interview at least four faculty members and complete a selection form provided by the Director of the Graduate Studies. The committee includes the research advisor, one faculty member from the major division, and one faculty member from outside the major division.
Contact Information
Lichang Wang
Director of Graduate Studies
Neckers 142 C
1245 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-6476
lwang@chem.siu.edu
Qingfeng Ge
Director
Neckers 223
1245 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-6406
qge@chem.siu.edu
Seminar Requirement
Students must register for and attend two credit hours of weekly seminars each semester while enrolled. They must also present two seminars: a literature review and a thesis defense, earning two credit hours of CHEM 593. The literature review seminar must be completed by the end of the second year.