2016-2017

Chemistry, Master of Science

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

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.

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Bioorganic and Biomedical Chemistry - Emphasis (ending Summer 2022)
  • Carcinogenesis and Cancer Chemotherapy - Emphasis (ending Summer 2022)
  • General Chemistry - Emphasis (ending Summer 2022)

  • 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.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 32
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Thesis Thesis is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research is required.
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement or essay
    • GRE® Revised General Test
    • GRE® Subject Exam in Chemistry (recommended but not required)
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)
      • 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 567 (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 successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.