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M.S. in Chemistry
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Chemistry at USD is a 30-credit-hour program that typically takes two years to complete. It integrates coursework, original research, teaching, and seminar components to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Students have the opportunity to contribute to original research projects under the guidance of award-winning and internationally recognized faculty. The program offers a broad range of skillsets, preparing graduates for roles that demand analytical prowess, problem-solving capabilities, and effective scientific communication. An accelerated B.S./M.S. program is also available for current USD undergraduate students.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Chemistry program at the University of South Dakota is STEM-designated. This designation is highly advantageous for international students, as it allows them to apply for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more opportunities for work experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides rigorous training across the major subdisciplines of chemistry. Core coursework typically includes advanced topics in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. Beyond foundational courses, students engage in specialized subjects such as materials chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, chemical dynamics, and quantum mechanics in chemistry. The program also offers a strong emphasis on research and includes required credits for thesis or project work, allowing students to develop independent research skills. Interdisciplinary coursework in areas like physics, chemical engineering, and data analytics is encouraged, broadening students' perspectives and skillsets.
Research Focus: The Department of Chemistry at USD boasts a robust research environment, with faculty leading projects that span major subdisciplines of chemistry. Students work as part of research teams, utilizing modern chemical theory, techniques, and instrumentation to produce original, high-impact science. Faculty research interests are diverse and include areas such as fluorescence sensors, solar energy utilization, supramolecular/materials chemistry, nanotechnology, computational chemistry, biofilm engineering, metal-organic super-containers, anti-counterfeiting technology, and sustainable polymers. The department receives federal grants to support much of its research, providing ample opportunities for graduate students to engage in cutting-edge scientific inquiry and develop strong research skills.
Industry Engagement: USD's M.S. in Chemistry program is designed to prepare graduates for direct entry into the workforce or further academic pursuits. The hands-on research experience, coupled with teaching and seminar components, develops communication and teamwork skills highly valued by employers. Graduates often find employment in the chemical industry or government laboratories. The program emphasizes the practical application of chemical knowledge, and faculty members with strong research profiles and professional society involvement contribute to networking opportunities. While specific industry partnerships beyond general career outcomes are not extensively detailed, the program's focus on in-demand research areas and practical skill development ensures strong employability.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Chemistry at USD inherently fosters a global perspective by engaging with scientific challenges that are universal in nature, such as advancements in health, energy, and the environment. Faculty members are internationally recognized researchers who regularly contribute to the global scientific community through conferences and publications. Students are encouraged to network with this global scientific community, which broadens their understanding of international research trends and collaborations. By equipping students with advanced chemical knowledge and research skills applicable worldwide, the program prepares them to contribute to global scientific advancements and address pressing global issues.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry from the University of South Dakota (USD) provides graduates with an advanced scientific foundation and practical research experience, making them highly competitive for a variety of roles in the chemical and related industries, as well as in academia and government. The program's emphasis on modern theory, laboratory techniques, and scientific communication prepares individuals for innovation and problem-solving in a diverse range of fields.
Research Chemist: Working in industrial R&D (e.g., pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, consumer goods), government labs, or academic settings, research chemists design and conduct experiments to discover new compounds, develop new materials, or improve existing products and processes.
Analytical Chemist: These specialists perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances using advanced instrumentation (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography). They are crucial in quality control, product development, environmental monitoring, and forensic science across various industries.
Quality Control (QC) / Quality Assurance (QA) Chemist: In manufacturing industries (pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, chemicals), QC/QA chemists ensure that products meet specific quality standards and regulatory requirements. They test raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
Process Development Chemist: These chemists work to scale up chemical reactions from laboratory to industrial production. They optimize manufacturing processes to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, often bridging research with engineering.
Materials Scientist/Engineer: Leveraging knowledge of materials chemistry, these professionals develop and characterize new materials with specific properties for applications in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and sustainable technologies.
Environmental Chemist: These scientists analyze environmental samples (water, soil, air) for pollutants, assess the impact of chemicals on ecosystems, and develop strategies for pollution control, waste management, and environmental remediation. They may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or environmental organizations.
Forensic Chemist: Applying chemical principles to legal investigations, forensic chemists analyze physical evidence from crime scenes (e.g., drugs, fibers, toxicology samples) to provide scientific findings for criminal justice proceedings.
Chemical Sales/Technical Support Specialist: Graduates with strong communication skills and technical knowledge can work for chemical companies or instrument manufacturers, providing expert advice to clients, demonstrating products, and supporting sales efforts.
University/College Instructor (Chemistry): An M.S. in Chemistry prepares individuals to teach chemistry at community colleges or as lecturers/instructors at universities, sharing their expertise and guiding undergraduate students. This can also be a stepping stone towards a Ph.D. and a career in academia.
Toxicologist: These scientists study the adverse effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents on living organisms and the environment. They work in pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, contract research organizations, or public health sectors to assess risks and develop safety guidelines.
