Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Industrial Chemistry, MS


The Master of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry develops students’ expertise in the theory and practice of chemical methods widely used in area industries. The program provides opportunities for translational research, with the aim of bridging the gap between fundamental and applied research in focused areas of study directly applicable to industry. Students can specialize in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Environmental Impacts as they relate to the field of Industrial Chemistry to better match their interests and chosen career paths. Both thesis and non-thesis tracks of study are available.

The Industrial Chemistry graduate program is designed to be completed in one and a half years (with a Fall semester start and enrollment as a full-time student throughout two Fall semesters, one Spring semester, and a Summer session). Courses are offered on campus, however hybrid and/or online delivery may be available to support simultaneous pursuit of internship opportunities.

Admission Requirements


Admission to the graduate program in Industrial Chemistry is only awarded in Fall or Spring semesters.

In addition to the general admission requirements from the Graduate School, application and admission to the graduate program in the Industrial Chemistry requires:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a related scientific or engineering field
  • Completion of general science requirements, including organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, calculus, and physics
    • Substitutions for undergraduate coursework in general sciences may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the program; approval of substitutions must be conveyed by the Graduate Coordinator to and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School at the time of application review prior to admission
  • Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); official scores must be sent directly from the test administrator to the Graduate School

Procedures


Following admission to the M.S. degree program in Industrial Chemistry, students will register for courses upon the advising of the Graduate Coordinator. Throughout the entirety of students’ graduate study, the Graduate Coordinator will provide advising for each semester’s registration and support comprehensive guidance for degree completion.

By the end of the second semester in the program, students must identify their committee chairperson/members and declare (via the Graduate School Application for Candidacy) their intention to pursue the thesis or non-thesis track. In consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, students pursuing the thesis track may identify a chairperson for their thesis committee and begin the thesis project prior to this time. Similarly, students pursuing the non-thesis track are required to select a committee chairperson who will guide the coordination of an internship that suits the student’s career goals.

Degree Requirements


To earn the Master of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry, students must complete 30-33 graduate credit hours as defined below as well as a thesis and/or internship and comprehensive examination.

Course Requirements (30-33 credit hours)


The maximum course load for a graduate student in the program shall be 12 graduate credit hours during a regular semester and 6 graduate credit hours during a summer session.

All students are required to complete the following courses (16 credit hours):

Non-Thesis Track


In addition to the 16 credit hours of required coursework, non-thesis track students must complete:

  • 9 graduate credit hours of elective coursework including:
    • any graduate-level (4XXG, 5XX, 6XX) CHEM courses
    • any graduate-level (4XXG, 5XX, 6XX) courses in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or Mathematics
      and/or
    • graduate-level (4XXG, 5XX, 6XX) courses in another discipline as approved by the graduate coordinator.

Non-Thesis Requirements


Students enrolled in the non-thesis program are required to complete an industry internship. In consultation with their chairperson, the student must develop a formal written plan for approval by the department and the company/agency that details the internship requirements and research expectations. Upon completion of the internship research, the student will complete a final written report and oral presentation. The oral presentation shall be open to the public and will be evaluated by the student’s committee.

Thesis Track


In addition to the required coursework above, thesis track students must complete:

  • 6 graduate credit hours of elective coursework including:
    • any graduate-level (4XXG, 5XX, 6XX) CHEM courses
    • any graduate-level (4XXG, 5XX, 6XX) courses in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or Mathematics
      and/or
    • graduate-level (4XXG, 5XX, 6XX) courses in another discipline as approved by the graduate coordinator

Thesis Requirements


Students pursuing the thesis-track are expected to defend a thesis proposal at the beginning of the second year in the program and, the full thesis, in an oral defense in the final semester of study. The thesis committee, led by the committee chairperson, will guide the students through their thesis research. The oral defense of thesis shall constitute the final examination for the degree and is where the student will be expected to demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of the field of study. The written thesis must be reviewed by the student’s committee prior to the thesis defense. The proposal and thesis defense events shall be open to the public and evaluated by the student’s committee.

Comprehensive Requirement


All students are required to demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of the field of study.

Thesis Track: Students demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of the field of study through successful completion and defense of the thesis as described above.

Non-Thesis Track: Students are required to demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of the field of study through the completion of 4 of the 5 required subject areas (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical or polymer chemistry) with an overall 3.0 GPA or higher in:

Notes


Students enrolled in the Earth and Energy Sciences, PhD  degree program have the opportunity to obtain a M.S. degree in Industrial Chemistry as they work toward completion of the doctoral degree. EESC 699  may be used to substitute CHEM 598 or CHEM 599. EESC 691  may be used to substitute CHEM 590.