The Department of Chemistry offers a research based Master of Science (M.S.) degree. This master's degree requires successful completion of two advanced graduate chemistry courses, regular participation in Chemistry Department seminar programs, and a research thesis based on original research carried out under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Students choose a research advisor during their first semester in the Master's program and are encouraged to begin hands-on laboratory work as early as possible. Graduate students select a research thesis committee for additional guidance and have several opportunities to display their research progress to their M.S. committee members and peers.
Overview:
The Department of Chemistry at UNC Charlotte provides opportunities for graduate research in all traditional chemical disciplines, while maintaining strong ties to interdisciplinary programs in biotechnology and biomedicine, optical science, and electrical and mechanical engineering. The Chemistry department also enjoys close ties with local chemistry related industrial partners, who employ many of our graduate research students. These relationships are maintained through the department of Chemistry's Industrial Advisory Board, which includes representatives from chemical, textile, rubber, and power companies. The Chemistry department maintains an impressive array of chemical instrumentation, and provides analytical services and technical consulting to both campus and industrial users through its extension facility, the Regional Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (RACheL). A Master of Science in chemistry is an excellent terminal degree in preparation for careers in chemical research, pharmaceutical chemistry, textile chemistry, food chemistry, and power industries. A master's degree (M.S) in chemistry may also serve as a useful step toward professions such as medicine, pharmacy, industrial hygiene, and patent law, and toward further study in chemistry, physics, biology, and other scientific and engineering disciplines. Graduate students from this program thrive in a variety of career paths.