Overview
The Accelerated BA/Masters Degree Program in Chemistry is designed for students interested in a career in chemistry or in secondary school science teaching. The program provides a mixture of coursework and original research with the emphasis on the student's research. The research areas offered include biochemistry, organic, environmental, physical, inorganic and analytical chemistry. The MA degree helps to prepare students for future careers in chemistry, whether at a university, industry, secondary school or other chemistry-related position.
Program of study
Beginning in the senior year, students take at least four graduate-level chemistry courses that are approved by their faculty advisor. Courses at the 200-level or 300-level are eligible for graduate credit. Courses at the 200-level that are used to fulfill undergraduate required courses in the chemistry or biochemistry major cannot also be counted toward the MA degree. Recent students have taken courses such as Chem 231 (Advanced Organic Chemistry), Chem 236 (Organometallic Chemistry), Chem 266 (Biomolecular NMR), Chem 242 (Nuclear Chemistry), Chem 280 (Polymer Science), Chem 333 (Advanced Organic Synthesis) and Chem 360 (Quantum Chemistry). Students must also prepare a written thesis, based on original research. Typically students will begin the research for their thesis no later than the fall of their senior year. Students conduct research working in close collaboration with faculty advisors and with doctoral students. Students should plan to work full-time on their research both the summer before and the summer after their 5th year. On completion of the research, there is an oral defense of the research thesis.
Departmental eligibility requirements
The Master of Arts in chemistry is open to undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors. Other undergraduate majors who complete the required courses in chemistry (Chem 101,102,131, 132, 260, 262 or 264, 142 or 144, 246 and 250) are also eligible for the program. All students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in courses taken in mathematics and the natural sciences.
Program Advisor (Signature Required on Application: Part 1)
Professor Frederick Greenaway, Department Chair
fgreenaway@clarku.edu
Sackler Sciences Center, Room S102
Call the Chemistry Department at 508-793-7116
Student profiles
Students who have successfully completed the program have gone on to Ph.D. study and to medical school.