M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.S. in Chemistry
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Chemistry at UNCW is a research-intensive program that typically requires 30 credit hours. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in advanced coursework, in-depth study, and mentored independent research. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, allowing students to develop problem-solving skills crucial for future contributions in various areas of chemistry. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers diverse research areas from within the traditional bounds of chemistry, as well as non-traditional programs, and boasts a high placement rate for its graduates.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Chemistry at UNCW is officially STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows eligible international graduates to obtain up to 36 months of work experience in the U.S. after graduation, providing extended opportunities for career development.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a strong foundation in core chemical disciplines while allowing for specialization. A typical course load involves 18 hours of advanced chemistry courses and 12 hours dedicated to seminar courses and thesis registration. Students delve into advanced topics in organic, general, physical, analytical, and biochemistry. The program also offers a specialization in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, catering to regional economic needs. Sample courses include Medicinal Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, NMR/Mass Spectrometry, and Chemical and Physical Analysis of Seawater. The significant, independent research experience culminating in a thesis is a substantial portion of the program, fostering strong oral and written communication skills in scientific contexts.
Research Focus: As an R2 institution, UNCW places a strong emphasis on cutting-edge research within its Chemistry M.S. program. Faculty members are actively engaged in diverse research areas, including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Marine and Atmospheric Science, Biochemistry, Organic and Inorganic Synthesis, Analytical Chemistry, Computational and Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Education. Students work on these cutting-edge projects under the direct supervision and mentorship of faculty. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities, including mass spectrometry and NMR labs, supporting groundbreaking research in areas such as marine natural products drug discovery, environmental contaminants (like PFAS), and the development of new therapeutic drugs.
Industry Engagement: The Chemistry M.S. program at UNCW boasts strong ties to industry, which is reflected in its high placement rate for graduates. The department has a history of working with corporate partners, and alumni are well-placed in diverse sectors. The pharmaceutical chemistry track, in particular, is geared towards careers in contract research organizations (CROs), biotechnology companies, and innovative start-up companies. The university's Center for Marine Science and its associated Marine Biotechnology in NC (MARBIONC) facility also foster collaboration between university researchers and private firms, offering opportunities for students to engage with commercial enterprises focused on biotechnology products and solutions. Graduates gain practical experience in analytical chemistry, quality assurance, and research methodologies directly applicable to industrial settings.
Global Perspective: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UNCW, like the university as a whole, embraces a commitment to diversity and global perspectives. While the program's primary focus is on preparing professionals for the U.S. workforce, the nature of scientific research inherently involves a global outlook. Many faculty research areas, such as marine and atmospheric chemistry or drug discovery, address issues with international implications. The program's online M.S. in Chemistry with a Certificate in Biotechnology, which has a partnership with an institution in India, explicitly demonstrates a global reach and commitment to providing accessible, high-quality chemistry education to a diverse student body. This fosters a broader understanding of scientific challenges and collaborations on an international scale.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides graduates with advanced theoretical knowledge, extensive laboratory skills, and a strong foundation in independent research. This STEM-designated degree, with its emphasis on hands-on experience and a flexible curriculum (including a specialized Pharmaceutical Chemistry track), prepares individuals for a broad spectrum of in-demand careers in various scientific and industrial sectors, or as a solid foundation for further doctoral studies.
Research & Development (R&D) Scientist: Graduates can work in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, chemical manufacturing, or materials science companies, conducting experiments, synthesizing new compounds, analyzing data, and contributing to the discovery and development of new products and processes.
Analytical Chemist: Employed across diverse industries (pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food and beverage, forensics), analytical chemists are responsible for analyzing the chemical composition of substances, ensuring product quality, detecting pollutants, or identifying unknown materials using advanced instrumentation.
Quality Control (QC)/Quality Assurance (QA) Chemist: In industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food, these professionals ensure that products meet rigorous quality standards and comply with regulatory guidelines. They conduct tests, validate methods, and maintain meticulous documentation.
Environmental Chemist: Working for government agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental departments), environmental consulting firms, or research institutions, these chemists analyze environmental samples (water, soil, air) for pollutants, assess environmental impact, and contribute to remediation efforts.
Pharmaceutical Chemist: Specializing in the pharmaceutical industry (a direct fit for UNCW's Pharmaceutical Chemistry track), these chemists are involved in drug discovery, synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), drug formulation, and process development for new medications.
Materials Scientist/Chemist: These professionals research, develop, and test new materials with specific properties for use in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. They understand the chemical structure-property relationships of materials.
Forensic Chemist: Working in crime labs for law enforcement agencies (e.g., FBI, state bureaus of investigation) or private forensic companies, these chemists apply chemical principles to analyze evidence from crime scenes, such as drugs, fibers, or residues, to aid in criminal investigations.
Chemical Education (Community College/High School Teacher): With an M.S. in Chemistry, graduates are well-qualified to teach chemistry at the high school level and often at community colleges, imparting foundational chemical knowledge and fostering scientific interest in students.
Biochemist: Although a separate MS program exists for Biology, an MS in Chemistry with a biochemistry focus can lead to roles studying the chemical processes within living organisms. They may work in medical research, biotechnology, or even clinical labs.
Sales/Technical Support Specialist (Scientific Instrumentation): Graduates with strong technical knowledge and communication skills can work for companies that manufacture and sell scientific instruments, providing technical support to clients, conducting demonstrations, and assisting with sales.
