College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences2012-2013

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry, Master of Science

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Bioorganic and Biomedical Chemistry - Emphasis
  • Carcinogenesis and Cancer Chemotherapy - Emphasis
  • General Chemistry - Emphasis

Chemistry is a diverse discipline that encompasses living processes, inorganic interactions, and analytical methods. The field is foundational for careers in areas such as pharmacy, forensics, medicine, the environment, space exploration, and international defense. This research-and-thesis-based masters produces graduates who are well grounded in the five sub-disciplines of chemistry and in their area of emphasis.

Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Chemistry?

Chemists study the basic laws of the physical world and the composition and properties of matter. Progress in chemistry has helped us to better understand our environment and how human activities impact that environment. Advances in computer technology, pharmaceuticals, space exploration, alternative fuels, and medicine all have their roots in the chemical sciences. The demand for technicians and researchers with advanced education is rising, and chemistry is at the heart of many burgeoning scientific fields. If you want to be part of the latest discoveries and developments in medicine and technology, or you want to make our world a better and safer place to live, our program might just be for you.

We'll encourage you to attain your educational goals as you conduct original research in traditional and interdisciplinary areas of chemistry. You will emerge prepared for a career in chemical analysis, research and development, or education. Our MS degree is also excellent preparation for post-graduate and professional programs at other institutions.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Environmental analyst
  • Community college instructor
  • Crime lab analyst
  • Laboratory researcher exploring:
       Pharmaceutical drug development
       New materials for space, defense, or alternate fuels applications
       The causes of diseases such as cancer
       Reactions to facilitate preparation of new drugs or materials
       The chemistry of foods and flavors

University Requirements

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. (Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.)

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
    The full policy can be viewed here.

     

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 32
Additional Admission Requirements Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Emphasis, Minor, Certificate

Emphasis, minor, and/or certificate are required.
Thesis Thesis is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research is required.
Program of Study View Program of Study

Details
Additional Admission Requirements
  • Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
    • Admission forms required: Graduate College online application, official transcripts
    • Supplemental materials required: Statement of interest and goals (1500 words max)
    • Letters of recommendation required: 3 letters of recommendation (online reference form available with the Graduate College online application)
    • Tests required: none
    • Other admission requirements: To be successful in the Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate program, candidates should have a minimum of an undergraduate degree (BA, BS, or equivalent) with 18 non-duplicating units in chemistry and/or biochemistry; two semesters (or equivalent) of calculus; two semesters (or equivalent) of physics (preferably calculus-based).  At least one semester of undergraduate physical chemistry is strongly recommended.
    • International Students: see also http://nau.edu/GradCol/Admissions/International/Application-Process/
Master's Requirements
  • Take the following 32 units:

    Emphasis Requirements (Select One):
    • General Emphasis (32 units)
      Select at least 18 units of formal coursework from:
      • CHM 698 (4 units)
      • Graduate level courses (500- or 600-level) chosen with your advisor's and committee's approval, consisting of at least 9 units in CHM (12-15 units)
      • CHM 595 with advisor and committee approval (0-3 units)
      Select at least 14 research units from:
      • CHM 685 for the research of an approved thesis (8-11 units)
      • CHM 699 for the writing and oral defense of an approved thesis* (4-6 units)
      • CHM 697 (1 unit)
    • Bioorganic and Biomedical Chemistry Emphasis (32 units)
      Select at least 18 units of formal coursework from:
      • CHM 698 (4 units)
      • CHM 530 (3 units)
      • CHM 560 (3 units)
      • CHM 630 (3 units)
      • Non-duplicating graduate level courses (500- or 600-level) chosen with your advisor's and committee's approval (3-6 units)
      • CHM 595 with advisor and committee approval (0-3 units)
      Select at least 14 research units from:
      • CHM 685 for the research of an approved thesis (9-11 units)
      • CHM 699 for the writing and oral defense of an approved thesis* (4-6 units)
      • CHM 697 (1 unit)
    • Carcinogenesis and Cancer Chemotherapy Emphasis (32 units)
      Select at least 18 units of formal coursework from:
      • CHM 698 (4 units)
      • CHM 560 (3 units)
      • CHM 565 3 units
      • CHM 566 (3 units
      • Non-duplicating graduate level courses (500- or 600-level) chosen with your advisor's and committee's approval (3-6 units)
      • CHM 595 with advisor and committee approval (0-3 units)
      Select at least 14 research units from:
      • CHM 685 for the research of an approved thesis (9-11 units)
      • CHM 699 for the writing and oral defense of an approved thesis* (4-6 units)
      • CHM 697 (1 unit)
  • Each emphasis also requires:
    • Passing proficiency exams in three of the five subdisciplines of chemistry (see the Program Rules and Guidelines)
    • Successful completion of a research thesis.
  • *Please be aware that you may end up taking more than the 4-6 units you can count toward your degree because you must enroll for CHM 699 each term while you work on your thesis.
  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.

Campus Availability