Chemistry
The Master of Science (MS) in chemistry offers research-focused training that equips students with the analytical skills and scientific expertise needed for success in industrial, academic or professional settings.
Chemistry Program Overview
Are you passionate about advancing human health through pharmaceutical research or developing sustainable technologies? ECU’s Master of Science in chemistry prepares you to tackle these challenges through six specialized concentrations: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical, and industrial chemistry. Our students tailor their curriculum to focus on the area that aligns with their career goals, whether pursuing roles as research scientists, quality-control analysts, pharmaceutical researchers, patent lawyers, environmental consultants, or laboratory managers in industries ranging from biotechnology to materials science.
Pursuing a research-based degree, students gain invaluable hands-on experience working closely with their chosen research advisors. Our small graduate cohorts ensure personalized attention through intimate class settings and one-on-one mentoring. Students master modern instrumentation and advanced laboratory techniques while interacting with experts from top universities and industry through our regular departmental seminar series.
Beyond technical expertise, our program develops essential professional skills. Students enhance their oral presentation and interviewing abilities through our graduate seminar series and build leadership experience through teaching assistant positions, which come with competitive stipends covering tuition and living expenses. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for immediate career success or advancement to doctoral or professional programs, positioning them as leaders in the ever-evolving chemistry field.
ECU Advantage
Our MS graduates have an excellent record of job placement — almost 100% — and acceptance to professional and graduate programs. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to work at area companies, such as Thermo-Fisher, Pfizer and Novo Nordisk. Many have gone on to pursue professional degrees in medicine, pharmacy and dentistry, or have been accepted into nationally recognized PhD programs.
What You Will Study
Program Coordinator: Eli Hvastkovs (SZ591 Science and Technology Building; 252-328-9767; hvastkovse@ecu.edu) The Chemistry, MS program requires the completion of a thesis (thesis option) or a major research project (nonthesis option and professional science master's concentration option).
The minimum degree requirement is 30 s.h. as follows:
Core Requirements:
I. Core - 7-8 s.h.
- CHEM 6103 - Chemistry Seminar
- And select two of the following courses:
- CHEM 6210 - Organic and Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
- CHEM 6220 - Physical Principles of Biochemistry
- CHEM 6230 - Advanced Applications of Analytical Methods
Note:
These courses can be waived on a course-by-course basis if a student has taken an equivalent course and demonstrates proficiency in that area.
II. Electives - 6-15 s.h.
Choose one option from the following:
A. Thesis option (6 s.h.)
The thesis option requires 6 s.h. of electives in chemistry or in other natural sciences or mathematics or science education approved by the faculty advisor.
B. Nonthesis option (9 s.h.)
The nonthesis option requires an additional elective course, bringing the requirement to 9 s.h. of electives in chemistry or in other natural sciences or mathematics or science education approved by the faculty advisor. Nonthesis students may substitute 6 s.h. of research for 3 s.h. of the elective coursework.
C. Professional science master's concentration option (15 s.h.)
The professional science master's concentration option requires 6 s.h. of CHEM electives, plus 9 s.h. of professional skill component courses from the following:
- ACCT 6241 - Financial and Managerial Accounting
- ACCT 6521 - Accounting for Decision Making
- FINA 6214 - Government Regulation of Business
- MGMT 6102 - Comparative Management
- MGMT 6802 - Organizational Behavior OR
- PSYC 6343 - Psychology of Organizational Behavior
- OMGT 6123 - Quantitative Methods
- OMGT 6333 - Project Management
III. Research skills - 5-14 s.h.
Choose one option from the following:
A. Thesis option (14 s.h.)
Choose from the following courses:
- CHEM 6501 - Research
- CHEM 6502 - Research
- CHEM 6503 - Research
- CHEM 6504 - Research
- CHEM 6505 - Research
B. Nonthesis option (11 s.h.)
Choose from the following courses:
- CHEM 5993 - Industrial Internship in Chemistry
- CHEM 6501 - Research
- CHEM 6502 - Research
- CHEM 6503 - Research
- CHEM 6504 - Research
- CHEM 6505 - Research
C. Professional science master's concentration option (5 s.h.)
- CHEM 5993 - Industrial Internship in Chemistry
- CHEM 6501 - Research
- CHEM 6502 - Research
IV. Thesis or research project - 3 s.h.
Students must either write a thesis or complete a research project under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty.
Choose an option from the following:
A. Thesis option - 3 s.h. (minimum)
- CHEM 7000 - Thesis
B. Nonthesis option - 3 s.h. (minimum)
- CHEM 6998 - Major Research Project
C. Professional science master's concentration option - 3 s.h. (minimum)
- CHEM 6998 - Major Research Project
For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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