Chemistry (M.S.)

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Program Overview

The Master of Science in Chemistry will prepare you for multiple career paths within chemical industry, government, or education, and provides solid preparation for those who continue to study at the doctoral level. The Chemistry M.S. degree includes coursework, teaching, seminar and thesis components. Our award-winning faculty lead projects that span the major subdisciplines of chemistry wherein students use modern chemical theory, techniques, and instrumentation to produce original, high-impact science. Students network with the global scientific community and develop critical skills to become the next generation of chemists. Current USD undergraduate students may consider the accelerated Master of Science degree. Learn more at https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Graduate-Programs/Chemistry.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Science, Chemistry, (thesis-based)

Major Area Coursework - 30 Credit Hours

The following courses are required for all Master of Science in Chemistry students. The department can approve exceptions if an alternative program of study is more appropriate.

CHEM 572 - Introduction to Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry 1 cr
CHEM 709 - Chemistry Graduate Orientation 1 cr
CHEM 710 - Methods in Chemistry Teaching 1 cr (2 credit hour required)
Choose at least one (3 credit hours):
CHEM 726 - Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 730 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 744 - Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 752 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II 3 cr
Electives: CHEM 5XX or CHEM 7XX- 12 credit hours [Any 500/700 level, lecture-based Chemistry courses. Graduate level courses offered by other departments may be used as electives with department approval. No more than six credits at the 500 level can be used to satisfy this requirement.]
CHEM 790 - Seminar in Chemistry (C) 1 cr (4 credit hours required)
CHEM 798 - Thesis Research in Chemistry (C) 1 to 6 cr (7 credit hours required)
Note:

The candidate must conduct independent research under the guidance of an approved advisor and must present a thesis that demonstrates the addition of significant knowledge to some area of chemistry. Students must pass an oral defense of the thesis.

General Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Accelerated Master of Science Program: B.S./M.S.

Up to 12 credits applied toward the B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate credit. The following restrictions apply:

Dual-listed courses taken at the 500-level can be applied to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree.
Courses that are “double counted” must be approved by the program coordinator for inclusion in the program of study prior to registration for the course or the credits will not be applied toward the accelerated graduate degree.
Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for accelerated program credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.
Students admitted to the accelerated M.S. Program may be allowed to register for all courses included in his/her program of study and these credit hours may apply to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.

Questions?

Department of Chemistry
605-658-6730 | chemistry@usd.edu | usd.edu/chemistry

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad