Chemistry, Master of Science
The graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry prepares students to apply fundamental chemistry principles to more advanced questions encountered in industry, government, business, and education. Graduates from this program will be able to apply techniques of scientific research in the chemical sciences to real-world problems.
Course work may include several important areas in the chemical and natural sciences, including advanced instrumental techniques, and environmental concerns. This program also offers a 3+2 plan described elsewhere, which allows students to simultaneously complete requirements for a BS and MS degree in five years.
The Master of Science in Chemistry requires a minimum of 30 semester credits (thesis option) or 32 semester credits (non-thesis option) of approved graduate course work.
Specific Admission Requirements
Admission to the Chemistry MS program is in accordance with Colorado State University Pueblo and the Department of Chemistry requirements for master’s programs as specified in the University’s Catalog. The application file for admission to the Chemistry MS program must include:
- A completed Chemistry MS application form (online);
- A letter of intent explaining your expectations and purpose for obtaining the MS in Chemistry;
- Transcript(s) documenting an undergraduate GPA of 3.000 or higher;
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty addressing the student's qualifications and potential to succeed in the program; and
- An interview (in-person or remote) with graduate faculty of the Chemistry Department and the Chemistry / Biochemistry MS Program Director.
GRE scores are optional and may be used to supplement your application.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Chemistry MS or BS/MS, students will:
- Evaluate the scientific literature and use it in their courses and their research.
- Effectively communicate scientific research, both their own and information from the research literature, in written and oral fashions.
- Develop and master the scientific problem-solving skills required to define and solve basic or applied original scientific questions using the scientific method; propose appropriate experimental design; and effectively employ the scientific method.
- Actively engage in research/internships and discourse with the faculty in the Chemistry Department and other STEM disciplines.
- Disseminate, in collaboration with faculty, the products of the Chemistry-MS program within the CSU Pueblo community and with communities outside of the University in activities using their professional expertise.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
The faculty will use a variety of methods for evaluating student learning outcomes. These include required student enrollment in CHEM 510 Foundations in Graduate Studies (3 c.h.), which involves faculty directed instruction and practice in searching, evaluating, and discussing scientific literature, instruction in experimental design, and dissemination of scientific research results. Students completing this degree program will give a public research seminar (CHEM 593 Seminar (1 c.h.)) that will be evaluated by cognizant faculty members. A written research thesis or internship report will be publicly presented and defended by students to demonstrate proficiency in their area of study and these will be evaluated by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. Students will collaborate with faculty to present the results of their thesis research or internship project within the greater Southern Colorado region, give seminars/posters on campus and / or at appropriate scientific meetings, publish the results of their research in peer reviewed scientific journals, or disseminate information through other appropriate media.
Specific Program Requirements
The course of study requires four semester credits of course work common to all students. Each student must complete three of the five core courses (9 credit hours). Students are required to complete 10-12 additional credit hours of approved graduate level electives in Chemistry, Biology, Math, or Engineering as outlined in the graduation plan developed with the student’s advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the Program Director. The signed graduation plan may be completed at any time, but is a requirement for successful completion of CHEM 510.
Thesis option students are required to defend their research results before their graduate committee. Non-thesis option students must take a written comprehensive examination over courses taken in their program of study. A non-thesis option student must submit a formal written report based on an internship and defend their internship and work before their graduate committee.
Each student must pass qualifying exams in three of five areas of selected chemistry content (analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry). Students will have two opportunities to pass each area exam. Qualifier examinations are scheduled during the week preceding the beginning of classes each term or in consultation with the program director or department chair. If an examination is failed, the requirement may be satisfied by completing the designated undergraduate coursework in the appropriate subdiscipline, as specified by the program director or department chair, with a minimum grade of “B”. Students enrolling into the 3+2 program will be exempt from the requirement to pass qualifying exams if they have completed courses at CSU Pueblo in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry with a grade of “B” or better. Students enrolled in the 3+2 program required to pass qualifying exams will schedule the exams in consultation with the Program Director.
Chemistry program requirements are summarized as follows:
Required Core Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Biochemistry I | 3 | |
or CHEM 512 | Biochemistry II | |
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Advanced Physical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Plan A (Thesis Option)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Core Courses | 9 | |
| Thesis Option Courses | ||
| CHEM 510 | Foundations in Graduate Studies | 3 |
| CHEM 589 | Thesis Defense | 1 |
| CHEM 593 | Seminar | 1 |
| CHEM 599 | Thesis Research 1 | 6 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 10 credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Students may only enroll for a total of 6 credit hours of CHEM 599 Thesis Research (1-6 c.h.).
Plan B (Non-Thesis Option)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Core Courses | 9 | |
| Non-Thesis Option Courses | ||
| CHEM 510 | Foundations in Graduate Studies | 3 |
| CHEM 588 | Internship Defense | 1 |
| CHEM 593 | Seminar | 1 |
| CHEM 598 | Internship | 4 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 14 credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Electives
Elective courses may be selected from the following chemistry courses or others may be added with permission of the graduate committee.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 501 & 501L | Advanced Organic Chemistry and Advanced Organic Chemistry Lab | 5 |
| CHEM 503 | Polymer Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 511 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 512 & 512L | Biochemistry II and Biochemistry II Lab | 5 |
| CHEM 519 & 519L | Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab | 5 |
| CHEM 521 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 525 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 529 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 531 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 550 | Industrial Chemistry | 2 |
| CHEM 591 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
| CHEM 592 | Research | 1-3 |
| CHEM 595 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
Planning Sheet
Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.
Of the six core courses shown in the thesis and non-thesis options, only 3 are required for graduation. You may take either CHEM 511 or CHEM 512 if you select biochemistry as one of your core course, but both courses may not be used to meet the 3 core course requirement. Work with your faculty advisor to select those core courses and electives most appropriate for you.
Thesis Option
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CORE: select one not already taken from CHEM 501, 511*, 531 *You may not take both CHEM 511 and CHEM 512 for credit | 3 | |
| CHEM 510 | Foundations in Graduate Studies | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| CORE: select one not already taken from CHEM 512*, 521, 529 *You may not take both CHEM 511 and CHEM 512 for credit | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE | 4 | |
| CHEM 599 | Thesis Research | 1 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| CHEM 599 | Thesis Research | 2 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CORE: select one not already taken from CHEM 501, 511*, 531 *You may not take both CHEM 511 and CHEM 512 for credit | 3 | |
| CHEM 593 | Seminar | 1 |
| CHEM 599 | Thesis Research | 2 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ELECTIVE or CORE (select one not already taken from CHEM 512, 521, or 529) | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| CHEM 599 | Thesis Research | 1 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Summer | ||
| CHEM 589 | Thesis Defense | 1 |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Non-thesis Option
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 510 | Foundations in Graduate Studies | 3 |
| CORE: select one not already taken from CHEM 501, 511*, 531 *You may not take both CHEM 511 and CHEM 512 for credit | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| CORE: select one not already taken from CHEM 512*, 521, 529 *You may not take both CHEM 511 and CHEM 512 for credit | 3 | |
| CHEM 598 | Internship or non-thesis major option - advisor approved | 1 |
| ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Summer | ||
| CHEM 598 | Internship or non-thesis major option - advisor approved | 1 |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 593 | Seminar | 1 |
| CHEM 598 | Internship or non-thesis major option - advisor approved | 1 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 598 | Internship | 1 |
| CORE: select one not already taken from CHEM 512*, 521, 529 *You may not take both CHEM 511 and CHEM 512 for credit | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE | 4 | |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| CHEM 588 | Internship Defense | 1 |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |