Masters of Science in Chemistry

Program Features

Distinguishing and Dynamic Curriculum: The Master of Science in Chemistry (MS-CHEM) at the University of New Haven is a 2- years and 30-credit-hours program. The curriculum features with a unique integrative approach, i.e., combining theoretical, computational, and experimental chemistry methods, for the purpose of solving important chemistry challenges such as molecular drug discovery, polymer materials design, catalyst design, and chemical analysis for sustainable environment. Graduates trained by this curriculum can be more competitive in career development. Dynamic curriculum designed for industry professionals to meet industry needs.

Career-Oriented Focus Areas: There are 4 optional focus areas (see the following course catalog): 1) Drug Discovery Chemistry, 2) Computational and Materials Chemistry, 3) Analytical and Green Chemistry, and 4) General Chemistry. These focus areas are closely resonant with the needs in academia and industry, such as in pharmaceutical, energy, materials, environmental analysis, and forensic analysis industries.

Exceptional Research Education Plan: Students will be educated for research methods, writing, and ethics, conducting research projects/thesis, and extensive research seminars (for 3 semesters). Research projects funded by NSF, NIH, NASA and industry partners are available to students. Professional networking opportunities will be provided through interactions with external speakers, attending conferences, and internships in industry. Students will work with expert faculty in different fields of chemistry.

Exceptional Research Education Plan: Students will be educated for research methods, writing, and ethics, conducting research projects/thesis, and extensive research seminars (for 3 semesters). Research projects funded by NSF, NIH, NASA and industry partners are available to students. Professional networking opportunities will be provided through interactions with external speakers, attending conferences, and internships in industry. Students will work with expert faculty in different fields of chemistry.

Highly Competitive Scholarships: Scholarships are available for applicants with strong academic records. As high as 75% tuition scholarships with a stipend or 50% tuition scholarships are available.

Core Courses


Electives Course Code Course full name Credits
C1 CHEM 6615 Basics of Computational Chemistry 3
C2 CHEM 6710 Computational Chemistry 3
C3 CHEM 6631 Advances in Analytical Chemistry 3
C4 CHEM 6607 Modern Organic Chemistry 3
C5 ENGR 6780 Research Methods, Writing, and Ethics 3
C6 CHEM 6682 Graduate Seminar (1 credit), must be taken 3 times 3

Restricted Electives


Electives Course Code Course full name Credits
R1 CHEM 6650 Graduate Research Project 3
R2 CHEM 6698 Thesis I 3
R3 CHEM 6699 Thesis II 3
R4 CHEM 6688 Graduate Internship 3

Area 4. General Chemistry (E1-14)

Course requirements for 4 focus areas in the MS-CHEM program. Students are required to complete 18+ credits of core courses and 12+ credits of elective courses, including 3+ credits of restricted electives and other elective credits in a chosen focus area.

Electives for 4 Focus Areas


Electives Course Code Course full name Credits
E1 CHEM 6650 Medicinal Chemistry 3
E2 CHEM 6655 Pharmacology 3
E3 BIOM 6610 Biomedical Polymers 3
E4 CMBI 6620: Bioinformatics 3
E5 CSCI 6604 Introduction to Programming/C 3
E6 CSCI 6610 Intermediate Programming: C/C++ 3
E7 CSCI 6651 Introduction to Script Programming/Python 3
E8 MATH 6620 Numerical Analysis 3
E9 MATH 6624 Applied Mathematics 3
E10 CHEM 6645 Solid-State Chemistry 3
E11 CHEM 6635 Chromatography and Separation Science 3
E12 CIVL 6603 Contaminant Fate and Transport 3
E13 CIVL 6601 Physical-Chemical Treatment of Aqueous Wastes 3
E14 CIVL 6661 Air Pollution Fundamentals 3

Career Outlook


Career in Chemistry: In additional to pursue for a PhD degree in chemistry in academic institutions, there are various chemistry careers and professional opportunities available for holders of a Master of Science in Chemistry degree. The graduates may find themselves in different specialties, such as chemical synthesis, computational analysis, and instrumental analysis, and working with various subjects such as medicinal chemicals, solid-state or polymeric materials, biological samples, forensic evidence, and environmental sources. Here are a few examples of career in chemistry.

Chemical Industry Based Chemists: In various chemistry-related industries (e.g., chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical companies, and energy companies), chemists may have job opportunities in product R&D, quality control/regulation, and manufacturing. They may also work in sales/marketing and technical support.

Materials Scientists: In materials industries, chemists can take on the role of R&D or manufacturing of various synthetic and natural materials, such as metals, glass, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers.

Biochemists and Biophysicists: In this career path, chemists use the principles of chemistry and physics to conduct research on living subjects or biological processes such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.

Forensic Science Technicians: As a forensic science technician, chemists can aid criminal investigators in collecting and analyzing chemical evidence.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, including Health: In this career path, chemists can conduct research or studies for the purpose of identifying, reducing, or eliminating pollution sources in the environment.

Natural Sciences Managers: In this career path, the chemists take the role of supervising scientists including other chemists, physicists, and biologists in activities related to R&D, quality control, and production.

Consulting: This career choice is particularly inviting for someone who prefers variety in work assignments.

Previous Students


MS-CHEM is a new program, and we do not yet have program alumni. However, previous students including BS in chemistry and MS in engineering who worked with our affiliated faculty were recruited into graduate programs or employment in the following academic institutions:

Some previous students were hired by the following companies.

How To Apply


Application to the MS-CHEM Program

Applicants to the master of science in chemistry program must have earned or be close to earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related STEM fields and must meet some background course requirements in BS-CHEM as specified here. In addition:

  • GPA requirement: Admission will usually require a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
  • Transcripts: Applicants will submit an official transcript displaying the seal of the institution and signed by the registrar.
  • Letters of recommendation: No more than three letters of recommendations are required. Students must submit only three letters written by those best suited to comment on the student’s academic and/or research skills
  • Personal Statement: Students must submit a personal statement about their background including life experiences, why they want to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry, and what are their personal aspirations and career goals.
  • TOEFL/IELTS/PTE: : A minimum overall score of 75 in TOEFL, a minimum overall score of 6.0 in IELTS, or a minimum score of 50 in PTE . Applicants who have earned or will earn a bachelor’s degree will be exempt from submitting a TOEFL/IELTS score if the degree was earned from an institution where the language of instruction is English.
  • GRE:The GRE is NOT required for the master’s program.

Apply Online!

Please use the link the below to apply for the MS-CHEM program.

https://graduate.newhaven.edu/apply/

Application to a BS+MS 5-Year (4+1) Program in Liaison with MS-CHEM

For applicants who do not hold a BS degree, you can apply for a special BS+MS 5-year program in Liaison with MS-CHEM. By this program, you will get a BS degree in your chosen major (e.g., Chemistry or Forensic Science) in the 4th year, and a MS degree in chemistry in the 5-th year. This program allows you to save one-year of study time and financial cost on earning both BS and MS degrees, and provide you better opportunity to pursue for a PhD study or to excel in your future career. To apply for this special program, you must meet the admission requirements of your chosen BS program. As long as you maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above by the end of your 2nd year of BS program study, you will be advised to take the courses for the BSMS 5-year program starting in your 3rd-year.

Apply Online!

Please use the link the below to apply for an undergraduate program (e.g., Chemistry or Forensic Science) that is in liaison with the MS-CHEM program. Once you are admitted into the BS program, you can contact your BS coordinator or then MS chemistry program coordinator to sign up for the BS+MS (4+1) program.

https://www.newhaven.edu/admissions/apply/