M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S. in Chemistry
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Chemistry at Missouri State University is a 32-credit-hour program that typically takes two years to complete. It offers flexibility through both a thesis option and non-thesis options, allowing students to choose a path that aligns with their career aspirations. The thesis option involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while non-thesis options can focus on specific tracks like biochemistry, chemical instrumentation and quality control, or quantum science. The program aims to cultivate students' research and communication skills by partnering them with active faculty and provides individualized attention in smaller class sizes.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Chemistry program at Missouri State University is STEM-designated. This classification is beneficial, particularly for international students, as it often allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after graduation, providing more opportunities for practical work experience in the U.S. in their specialized field. This designation highlights the program's rigorous scientific and technological content.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Chemistry is designed to provide comprehensive training across the major disciplines of chemistry. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in core areas such as analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The program typically includes a minimum of 20 hours in chemistry coursework, with at least 6 hours at the advanced 700-level. Specific course offerings cover advanced topics in areas like synthetic organic reactions, inorganic chemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical analysis, biochemistry, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. For students pursuing the thesis option, significant credit hours are dedicated to graduate research. Non-thesis tracks have specific course requirements tailored to their specialization, such as advanced analytical tools and methodologies for chemical instrumentation and quality control, or molecular modeling and quantum computing for the quantum science track.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Chemistry program at Missouri State University has a strong research focus, particularly for students pursuing the thesis option. Students engage in designing, carrying out, recording, and analyzing the results of original chemical experiments under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Faculty members in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department have diverse research interests, including areas like analytical chemistry, biochemistry (e.g., neurodegeneration research, biochemical nanotechnology), inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry (e.g., green chemistry), and physical chemistry. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, the scientific method, and proficiency in using advanced instrumentation, contributing to students' ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the scientific community.
Industry Engagement: Missouri State University's M.S. in Chemistry program is geared towards preparing graduates for success in the chemical industry and beyond. The curriculum provides practical laboratory experience and training on Ph.D. program-quality instrumentation, directly aligning with industry demands. The non-thesis tracks, such as "chemical instrumentation and quality control," are specifically designed to meet the growing demand for specialists in industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and materials science. The Chemistry Department also benefits from a "Board of Advisors" composed of professionals from industry, government, and academia, who provide guidance on curriculum relevance and help foster employment opportunities for graduates. This strong connection ensures that the program's offerings remain current and valuable to employers.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Chemistry at Missouri State University inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing fundamental chemical principles and scientific problems that are universal in nature. The study of chemistry contributes to advancements in areas such as energy, health, and environmental sustainability, which are global challenges. While specific courses with an explicit "global" focus might be limited, the program's emphasis on research and scientific communication prepares graduates to contribute to the international scientific community. The diverse backgrounds of students and faculty also enrich the learning environment, encouraging a broader understanding of scientific collaboration and the global impact of chemical research. The university's overall commitment to public affairs also promotes cultural competence, preparing graduates to work effectively in diverse professional environments.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 290 required.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
Missouri State University's (MSU) Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry program offers a robust and versatile education, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the chemical industry, government, research, and academia. With its STEM designation and emphasis on both foundational knowledge and advanced research techniques, the program equips students with highly sought-after skills in a field crucial to innovation and societal progress.
Research Chemist (Industry/Government/Academia): Many graduates pursue roles in research and development, designing and conducting experiments to create new materials, products, or processes. They might work in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, or for government labs (e.g., FDA, EPA, national labs) and universities.
Analytical Chemist: These professionals are crucial in various industries (pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental, manufacturing). They use advanced instrumentation to identify, quantify, and analyze chemical substances, ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with regulations.
Quality Control/Assurance Chemist: Working in manufacturing (e.g., chemicals, food, consumer goods), these chemists ensure that products meet stringent quality standards and specifications. They develop and implement testing procedures and maintain quality systems.
Forensic Scientist: Graduates can apply their chemical expertise to criminal investigations, analyzing evidence found at crime scenes (e.g., drugs, fibers, toxicology samples) to provide scientific support for law enforcement and legal proceedings.
Environmental Chemist: These chemists focus on the chemical composition of the environment and the impact of pollutants. They may work for environmental consulting firms, government agencies, or research institutions, monitoring air and water quality, analyzing hazardous waste, and developing remediation strategies.
Materials Scientist/Chemist: Specializing in the synthesis, characterization, and application of new materials (e.g., polymers, nanomaterials, composites), these professionals work in diverse industries such as electronics, aerospace, automotive, and consumer products.
Process Chemist/Engineer (with some engineering background): In manufacturing and industrial settings, process chemists optimize chemical reactions and industrial processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and scale up production. This often involves collaboration with chemical engineers.
Chemical Sales/Technical Support Specialist: Graduates with strong communication skills can leverage their technical knowledge to work in sales or technical support roles for companies that produce chemical instruments, reagents, or specialized chemical products, providing expertise to clients.
Chemistry Instructor (Community College/High School): An M.S. in Chemistry qualifies graduates to teach chemistry at the community college level or, with appropriate teaching certification, at the high school level, inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Toxicologist: These specialists study the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms and the environment. They work in pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, government agencies, or forensic labs, assessing the safety of chemicals and developing risk assessments.
