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 thesis and non-thesis based masters produces graduates who are well grounded in the sub-disciplines of 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 and gain training 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.
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:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 - 32 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Thesis | Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Research | Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Chemistry MS program prepares students for professions in the chemical sciences, emphasizing the development of a students' ability to develop approaches that accurately capture information to solve questions and problems in their chemical field of study. Our faculty members conduct research in the many fields of chemistry, from the level of single molecules to whole chemical systems. From the first day of entry into our program, students work closely with their faculty mentor(s), selecting a course of study suited to their future goals and professional interests. The program enables graduates to contribute to the forefront of knowledge in the scientific community, share their knowledge through teaching, or apply it in public service or industry.
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers two options for students to attain a MS degree in chemistry. The first option is a two-year, thesis-based degree program. All chemistry students in this option work closely with a faculty advisor to design and implement individual thesis research. The focus of the student’s coursework will complement their research and career interests. Opportunities for acquiring skills through hands-on exploration in a wide range of chemical sciences are offered through the thesis option program. These include, but are not limited to, cancer, the environment, materials, health, and astronomy.
The second option is a non-thesis degree program. All chemistry students in this option work closely with the Graduate Advisory Committee to develop a course of study that will align with the career goals of the chemistry student. The student will have the opportunity to include six units of individualized experiences such as fieldwork, independent studies, and directed readings as part of their course of study.
The Chemistry MS program’s rigorous training in the chemical sciences prepares graduates for successful careers in industry, government, and academics. Our graduates can successfully communicate across multiple disciplines and negotiate scientific solutions to the wide range of chemical problems that currently challenge our society. The Chemistry curriculum trains students how to think broadly about chemical and scientific problems. The research skills gained by Chemistry students help them continue to expand their knowledge long after they graduate from the program. This training and experience helps our graduates assume leadership roles in chemical fields. Finally, the Chemistry MS program prepares students for entry into PhD programs in chemical sciences and other related fields, if they choose to continue in an academic track.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Thesis-based Chemistry MS degree, students will be able to:
Upon completion of the Non-Thesis Chemistry MS degree, students will be able to:
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:
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.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master’s degree requires 30 - 32 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 - 32 units:
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.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.