Chemistry lab

Master of Science 

Chemistry

Program of Study

programofstudy

Focus your graduate education in a specialization that interests you, whether forensic/analytical, biophysical/biochemical, organic/medicinal, inorganic/materials or structural/computational chemistry. You will gain insight into concepts like the mathematical and physical underpinnings of the discipline, as well as gather classical and statistical knowledge.

Cover fundamental concepts in courses like Inorganic Chemistry, Advanced Physical Chemistry and Theory and Techniques of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry before moving onto courses concentrated in your stated specialization. Become highly competent in conducting research through survey and experimentation methodologies featured throughout the course sequence.

The master's degree requires a supervised field examination and culminates in an intensive, hands-on mentored research thesis.


General Sequence (30 credits minimum)

Chemistry Courses (21-26 credits)

A minimum of five 3-credit letter-graded graduate courses in chemistry. Two of the five courses must be within your field of specialization. Three courses are to be chosen from the following:

  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Physical Organic Chemistry I
  • Physical Organic Chemistry II
  • Advanced Physical Chemistry I
  • Advanced Physical Chemistry II
  • Theory and Techniques of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry

Chemical Research (6-11 credits) - Leading to a written research thesis OR Review of Chemical Literature (8 credits) - Leading to a written critical review of research literature; AND Chemical Research (3 credits) - Original experimental and theoretical research problems

Supporting courses (0-9 credits)

Selected courses in related academic fields as advised


Course Requirements

Courses must be completed within your first 6 semesters of graduate study, with the exception of Chemical Research.


Field Examination

Satisfactory completion of a major field examination in chemistry. You may only take this examination twice.


Foreign Language or Research Tool Requirement

The following courses may be used to satisfy the research tool requirement, but may not be counted toward the letter-graded chemistry course requirements.

  • Computational Chemistry I or Computational Chemistry II
  • Experimental Methods of Organic Structure Determination
  • Theory and Techniques of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry (If this course is taken to fulfill the core course requirements, it may not be used to fulfill the research tool requirement)
  • Chemical and Enzymatic Kinetics
  • Crystallography


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Alexander Shekhtman at [email protected] or 518-442-4163, or Brian A. Gabriel at [email protected] or 518-442-4648.

Career Outcomes

An MS in Chemistry will provide you with the foundation to advance molecular scientific knowledge. Secure employment as a professional research chemist, a teacher or continue your education toward a PhD.

Potential job titles include:

  • Chemical engineer
  • Quality control analyst
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Forensic scientist
  • Toxicologist
  • Quality control
  • Clinical data analyst
  • Laboratory manager
  • Research and development scientist

 

 

Three researchers working in a chemistry lab
career

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

UAlbany graduate with confetti at Commencement.
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals

The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 

admissions
Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Advanced laboratory skills and familiarity with modern instrumentation and preparative techniques.
  • Analytical problem-solving skills in chemistry.
  • Preparation for employment or advanced study.
  • Ability to investigate an original research problem under the close direction of a research mentor.
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