How to Get a Master's Degree in Chemistry

Chemistry is a core science with broad applications across industry. The study of the chemical composition and behavior of matter impacts research in medicine, energy, material science, agriculture, and biotechnology.

A master's degree in chemistry provides a versatile foundation for careers in scientific research. The degree is available in the context of an academic or professional program, and takes about two years to complete. Digital learning formats are increasingly common, making it possible for chemistry students to earn a master's degree online.

Graduate education offers a concentrated dose of career opportunity. To make the most of your two-year academic journey, it's important to enter the master's degree program with a clear sense of your objectives. This guide takes you through the planning process and connects you with graduate degree planning resources on WorldWideLearn.com and beyond.

Guide to Master's Degrees in Chemistry

Graduate-level chemistry degrees are designed to deepen students' understanding of fundamental chemical processes while exploring the broader implications of these phenomena. Depending on your interests, you can pursue advanced education in organic, inorganic, or analytical chemistry; or study the intersection of chemistry with biology, physics, computational science, materials science, statistics, or toxicology.

Master's Degree Options

Growing demand for career-focused graduate chemistry education has inspired several new professional master's degrees in addition to the traditional academic Master of Science. Your career objectives determine which master's degree is right for you.

• Master of Science (MS) in chemistry is an academic research degree designed to prepare graduate students for industry R&D or academic scholarship. As an academic credential, the MS satisfies the requirements for entry into a PhD program in chemistry.
• Professional Science Master's Degree in chemistry prepares students for careers in industry, with a practical curriculum targeted to employer needs. The degree omits the research component of the MS, substituting an internship and cross-training in professional skills such as business management and communications. Some professional master's degrees incorporate coursework in public policy, patent law, or science writing.
• MBA/MS in chemistry is a joint degree that takes this interdisciplinary approach a step further by incorporating the business fundamentals of a traditional Master of Business Administration curriculum. The dual business-science degree is ideal for students managing research labs, developing chemistry-related products, strategizing investment in chemistry R&D, overseeing quality assurance operations, or involved in technical sales for pharmaceutical or chemical businesses.

Specializations in Chemistry

Specialization is a standard feature of graduate education. Both professional and academic master's degrees afford the opportunity to customize your education to reflect your interests and professional goals. Specialization can occur in the context of an internship, a research project, independent study with a faculty expert, and/or advanced coursework.

Core chemistry specializations include:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Interdisciplinary research specializations include:

• Polymer Science
• Neurochemistry and other medical chemistry specializations
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Commercial chemistry applications include:

• Forensic Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Agricultural and Food Chemistry

This is just a sampling of the specializations available to you. Each master's degree program features a unique landscape of resources to support specialized study, based on faculty interests, grant funding, and campus research labs.

Career Tracks for Chemists

A master's degree in chemistry provides a versatile foundation for careers throughout the scientific sector, spanning commercial R&D, academic teaching and scholarship, and government research and policy development. Job titles include:

• Research scientist
• Lab director
• Technical consultant
• Project or product manager
• Patent or licensing specialist
• Chemical product sales representative
• Quality assurance manager
• High school chemistry teacher
• University professor (requires a PhD in chemistry)

Industries that employ chemistry graduates include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotechnology and genomics research, energy, agriculture, industrial processes, and medicine. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, demand for chemists will be most intense in biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D. Environmental and alternative energy research will also drive employment growth.

Plan for a Master's Degree in Chemistry

Graduate chemistry programs offer intensive pre-professional training. Make the most of the academic resources available to you by planning carefully and taking the application process step by step.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Chemistry Program

Each master's degrees in chemistry offers a different profile of opportunities and resources. To find the graduate program that aligns best with your interests and career goals, you need to shop around.

WorldWideLearn.com Program Research Tools

WorldWideLearn.com features several tools to help you in your program research:

1. Graduate Program Search. Whether you choose to earn a master's degree online or on campus, you can find a graduate chemistry program that meets your needs. Search Degrees by Subject for links to accredited chemistry programs or Degrees by Location to identify accredited institutions near you.
2. Program Format Information. Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections help you decide whether to earn a master's degree online or on campus. You can also link to programs with your chosen delivery format.
3. Links to School Websites. Access information about individual chemistry master's degree programs by following links to school sites. Find information about courses and specializations, faculty research interests, degree requirements, and lab facilities.
4. Talk to a School Representative. WorldWideLearn.com presents an interactive search tool that matches you with programs that meet your program criteria. Fill out a form indicating your preferences, and the system connects you with school representatives who can answer your questions about the program.

Together, these resources support various levels of research, from general information to direct interaction with program representatives.

Research Strategies

The following four steps can help you assess your options and identify the right program for you.

1. List Accredited Programs

Survey your options by accessing directories of accredited master's degree programs. Accreditation is an important baseline requirement for any educational investment. Independent agencies conduct regular program reviews to verify program quality. Accreditation ensures the value of your degree in the eyes of employers, financial aid providers, and PhD admissions committees (should you decide to pursue an additional degree). The U.S. Department of Education website posts a searchable database of approved accreditation agencies.

2. Choose Program Format: Campus or Online

Chemistry programs traditionally combine classroom training with a hands-on lab component. Today's master's degrees in chemistry aim for accessibility by moving most of the curriculum into the virtual classroom. Online chemistry master's degrees make up for the practical lab component by arranging a local internship, incorporating a student's professional work into the master's project, or requiring a temporary campus residency.

Decide whether to earn a master's degree online or on campus by taking into account your:

• Lifestyle
• Learning style
• Access to lab resources
• Career goals

Generally speaking, online chemistry degrees are suitable for mid-career professionals with access to research facilities via an internship or work. Aspiring academics, however, benefit from the collaboration and resources available on campus.

3. Explore Academic Programs

Use the online resources listed above to evaluate individual master's degree programs. Factors to take into account include:

• Curriculum and Specializations
• Degree Format and Requirements
• Faculty Research Interests
• Lab Facilities and Research Equipment
• Industry Relationships
• Student Support Services for Career, Technical, Learning
• Learning Environment

Your objectives determine how you assess these characteristics. Industry-bound chemists depend on career support resources and recruitment relationships with local employers. Faculty research interests are of particular importance for students in a research-intensive program like the MS in chemistry. Learning environment is a consideration if you attend a campus program; if you intend to earn a master's degree online, technical support services should figure more prominently in your evaluation.

Resources

Informational interviews with faculty, alumni, and current graduate students offer valuable insight into the academic experience. Learn how the chemistry master's degree really fares on the job market, find out about research trends and departmental emphases, and discuss the support services available to graduate students.

Campus visits offer another means of achieving an inside perspective on program resources. Tour campus facilities and attend a graduate course to test the waters.

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, rank the programs on your list by weighing quality considerations. Aim to identify the five or six schools that offer the best value and the best fit with respect to your academic profile. Criteria include:

• Reputation. Gauge a program's reputation by asking expert chemistry faculty and R&D scientists. You can also consult rankings such as U.S. News & World Report's Best Chemistry Graduate Schools.
• Selectivity. Admissions departments can supply data on selectivity, including admissions rate and average admitted students' GPAs and test scores.
• Placement. Many departments also collect information on graduate's career paths. Ask admissions counselors for placement rates, local recruitment and graduate employers, and if available, information about graduate job titles and starting salaries.
• Student demographics. A diverse student body can enrich your academic experience by introducing their own research and applied industry experience. Ask about student information such as average years of industry experience and countries of origin.

By taking the time to identify the programs that suit you best, you increase your chances of gaining admission and ensure access to the resources you need to make the most of the graduate program.

Step Two: Apply to Graduate Chemistry Programs

Most chemistry graduate programs feature the following standard application procedures:

1. Complete Prerequisites

Eligibility for graduate study generally requires:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry
• Basic prerequisite courses, if your degree is in another field
• Standardized tests such as the GRE (and TOEFL, for international students)
• Work or lab research experience (required by some master's programs)

2. Prepare Application Materials

To apply, complete the application information form posted on the school's website. In addition, you need to submit the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Test scores
• Statement of research interests
• Resume and a list of publications and patents, if applicable

Start your application well in advance to ensure all documents arrive before the deadline.

3. Finance Your Master's Degree in Chemistry

Financial aid is a standard feature of graduate school--most master's degree students rely on some form of funding. Sources of school funding include the university, the federal government, NSF and other public agencies, your employer, and private foundations. Explore your financial aid options by taking these steps:

• Meet with financial aid advisors.
• Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which qualifies you for most federal financial aid programs including Stafford Loans.
• If you are employed in a scientific field, ask your employer about continuing education incentives.
• Apply for research grants and scholarships through public agencies (NSF, STEM grants) and private foundations.
• You can also reduce the cost of your graduate education by opting to keep your job and earn a master's degree online.

For more information, visit the WorldWideLearn.com resource page on graduate education funding.

Step Three: Establish an Academic Network

Finally, prepare for graduate study by reaching out to your academic peers and potential mentors. You can establish yourself among fellow chemistry scholars and practitioners by:

• Joining Professional Associations. In addition to the American Chemical Society, look for associations in your specialization area. Examples include the Association of Chemistry and the Environment, the American Crystallographic Association, the International Society of Heterocyclic Chemistry, and many more.
• Reading Journals. Major chemistry journals include Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Applied Materials & Interfaces, The Journal of Physical Chemistry, The Journal of Organic Chemistry, and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
• Attending Networking Events and Conferences. Conferences, lectures, and social networking events offer the best way to meet others who share your fascination with chemical phenomena. Learn about new trends and trade ideas with experts in your field.

Graduate programs in chemistry are as much about the scholarly community as the expertise you gain in the classroom. Set yourself up to take full advantage of the networking potential of your chemistry master's degree by forging relationships from the outset.

Conclusion

A master's degree in chemistry provides the advanced knowledge and professional connections to take your science career to the next level. Whether you proceed into industry R&D, academic scholarship, or a related chemistry specialty, you're in a position to lead developments in the field. Plan your educational journey now and you could be in a strong position to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way throughout the master's degree program.

Sources

• Best Chemistry Graduate Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2009)
• Chemistry Graduate Degrees, North Carolina State University
• "Chemists and Materials Scientists," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education
• Master's Programs in Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Master of Science in Chemistry, University of San Francisco
• Professional Science Master's Degree, SUNY Oswego