M.S. in Chemistry

Chemistry is a versatile subject area and the pursuit of a career in chemistry can be a most intellectually satisfying experience. No other basic science touches and shapes as many aspects of modern society as does chemistry. From soft contact lenses and synthetic blood to longer-lasting paint and alternative fuel sources, the study of chemistry has provided the solutions to complex problems and has improved the quality of all phases of human life.

Program Overview

The Master’s Degree in Chemistry is a 30-credit program, which can be obtained by one of three options: 1) a minimum of 30 course credits, 2) a minimum of 27 course credits and a three credit literature review paper (taken under Chm 421 - Chemistry Research), or 3) a minimum of 24 course credits and six credits of Experimental Research-Chm 421. Each option requires a minimum of 18 credits at the 400-level (15 of which must be in Chemistry) and one credit of Chm 481-Seminar. Students may register for and begin their research component at any time though the Department recommends that students wait until they have completed 18-20 credits of coursework before beginning their research project.

Proficiency at the advanced undergraduate level must be demonstrated in two areas. The proficiency requirement can be met in one of two ways: (1) passing the appropriate course with a grade of B- or better or (2) passing an ACS placement examination. Currently, Chm 332-Analytical, Chm 358-Advanced Organic, and Chm 371 -Biochemistry I are the three proficiency courses offered through the Distance Education program. Proficiency examinations are available in these areas and in Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry upon request.

• Students may begin the online degree program at the start of any semester period – Fall/Summer/Spring.
• Courses will be offered in a semester-based timeframe.
• Students have 6 (six) calendar years to complete degree requirements.
• There is no residency requirement.
• Recommended background: Students admitted into this program may have majored in biology, chemistry. (SEE BELOW)
• Students are responsible for arranging for an independent proctor for examinations. Proctoring may be done by an employee of any academic institution or library and may not be related to or affiliated with the student in any way. Proctor eligibility will be verified by the Lehigh University Distance Education Office.

Students may transfer in as many as nine graduate hours in chemistry from accredited institutions, but these courses must not be used for any other degree program, must be no older than 6 years old, must be considered graduate level courses at that institution, and the student must earn a grade of “B” or better (a “B minus” is not sufficient).

Program Requirements

Please note:  The Chemistry Department has recently changed the admission process for distance education students seeking regular or associate admission.  Acceptance into the M.S. Chemistry Program will be competitively based and will be limited to 20-30 students/year -- all students will apply for and begin the MS program in the fall semester.  The deadline to apply for the Fall 2008 semester is July 1, 2008.  Please contact Dr. Rebecca Miller for all questions concerning admissions.

A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to remain in the chemistry graduate program. If a student falls below a 3.0 GPA, the student will be given one probationary semester in which to raise her/his GPA to a 3.0 or better. If after the probationary semester, the student’s GPA is not raised to a 3.0 or better, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program in chemistry. Any grade of C- or below may not be credited toward a degree. An incomplete grade must be removed within 12 months for credit to be received. Chm 421 and 490 are exceptions – a final grade is usually given in this course during the semester in which a student graduates.

Students may choose their course work and complete their degree requirements by selection of any set of courses consistent with these requirements. Each student may design a tailored concentration in a specific area of Chemistry, but it is also possible to design a broad based curriculum with components from several different areas of Chemistry. For example, for a concentration in Organic Chemistry, the student might select from CHM 358, 394, 423, 453, 455, 489, and 497 while some emphasis on Pharmaceutical Chemistry some prime options would be CHM 371/372, 358, 423, 424, 477 (Toxicology), 477 (Immunology), & 497.  Suggested courses for those who wish to concentrate in BioOrganic, Pharmaceutical Analytical or Regulatory Affairs are defined by the respective graduate certificate programs in those areas.  Some courses require prerequisites; if unsure about your eligibility for a particular course, contact Dr. Rebecca Miller, the program advisor.  Dr. Miller can help design a focal area of concentration and should be consulted for specific program advice.

Students completing the program will receive a Lehigh University Master of Science Degree in Chemistry.

Application Deadline: Please note the Chemistry Department has the following application deadlines:

*Please note: The Chemistry Department has recently changed the admission process for DE students seeking regular or associate admission.? Applications for admission will only be accepted once a year -- all students will apply for and begin the MS program in the fall semester.?

Status Explanation: The following explanation includes the MS degree programs in Chemistry:

• Regular Graduate Student : Only regular graduate students are candidates for graduate degrees. In order to be considered for admission as a regular graduate student in the Masters of Science program in Chemistry, the applicant must have a BS or BA degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  
• Associate Graduate Student: Associate status is a probationary status – associate students in the Department of Chemistry are allowed to complete nine credits of 300-level coursework. Typically, associate admission is granted to students who have a life science background but lack the upper level chemistry courses needed to start a graduate program in chemistry. Upon completion of the nine credits of coursework, and an earned GPA of 3.0 or higher, a student may petition for regular status. However, acceptance to regular status is not guaranteed.
  
• Non-degree Graduate Student: Non-degree status is for students not wishing to enter a degree program (i.e., certificates). Non-degree students may take no more than 12 credits of graduate coursework. The minimum background for students accepted as non-degree is five semesters of undergraduate chemistry coursework including two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of Organic Chemistry, and one upper level Chemistry course (Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or Inorganic Chemistry). If a non-degree student completes 12 credits of coursework and wants to pursue a graduate degree in the Chemistry Department, he/she will apply to the program of interest as a graduate student.

Curriculum
Current Courses Offered or Planned via Satellite and/or Online

Tuition

The cost from summer 2008 through spring 2009 is $645 per credit hour plus $100.00 access fee for each online course.

The cost for Professional Continuing Education courses can be found on the course listing.

Program Advisor: Professor Rebecca Miller, 610-758-3676 or e-mail at rsm4@lehigh.edu.