M.S. in Chemistry

Program Overview

The M.S. in Chemistry is a 30-credit degree program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. The curriculum requires 12 credits of core chemistry courses and 18 credits of technical electives, with up to 6 of these credits being unrestricted electives, including options from biomedical engineering. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in original research, with options to include a "Special Research Problem" (3 credits) or a Master's Thesis (6 credits) within their 30-credit plan of study. Additionally, students are required to attend two semesters of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Seminar (0 credits) to stay informed about current research and developments in the field. The program's flexibility allows students to tailor their elective choices towards specific graduate certificates, such as Drug Discovery, Computational Chemistry & Biology, or Analytical Chemistry, aligning with their career aspirations.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.S. in Chemistry program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous scientific, quantitative, and technological focus, which is highly valued by employers in chemical, pharmaceutical, materials science, and research sectors.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides an advanced education in the core areas of chemistry while allowing for specialized study. Required core courses typically include: Advanced Physical Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Advanced Organic and Heterocyclic Chemistry, and Separation Methods in Analytical and Organic Chemistry. Technical electives offer a wide array of specialized topics, such as Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Computer Methods in Chemistry, Modern Mass Spectrometry, Applied Quantum Chemistry, and various biochemistry and computational biology courses. The curriculum emphasizes honing lab and research skills through rigorous theoretical instruction and hands-on exposure to experimental methods, preparing students to solve complex problems using molecular, cellular, and computational approaches.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Chemistry program at Stevens has a robust research focus, fostering groundbreaking and world-class innovation. Research within the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology spans diverse areas, including molecular synthesis, analytical techniques, drug discovery and development, cancer biology, and computational chemistry. Faculty and students work synergistically to explore transformative scientific ideas for broad impact in precision medicine and sustainability. Specific research areas include the design and development of novel anticancer and antibacterial compounds, bioactive peptides, and molecular probes to understand and modulate cellular functions. There is also significant work in high-accuracy predictions of molecular structures and properties, and the use of cheminformatics and bioinformatics to accelerate research processes. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including mass spectrometry and specialized laboratories, enabling them to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Chemistry program. Its strategic location in New Jersey, often referred to as "the medicine chest of the world," provides unparalleled access to a vast network of leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical manufacturing, and life science companies. Many faculty members are experienced professionals and recognized leaders in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, bringing invaluable real-world insights and connections into the classroom. The curriculum is continuously updated to integrate rapidly evolving technologies and meet the latest industry demands. Stevens' strong alumni network and robust Career Center facilitate extensive networking opportunities, internships, and co-op experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for roles in industrial research and development, quality control, analytical services, and more.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a strong global perspective within its M.S. in Chemistry program. This is cultivated through its diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into international scientific methodologies, chemical regulations, and global market trends in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications in areas like sustainable materials, new drug development, and environmental solutions are inherently global challenges. This global outlook, combined with Stevens' rigorous technical education and emphasis on interdisciplinary problem-solving, prepares graduates to contribute to international scientific collaborations and address complex chemical and biological issues on a global scale, ensuring they are well-equipped for careers in an interconnected professional landscape.