Graduate Program Information

Graduate Programs

The Department of Chemistry offers MS and PhD degree programs, as well as an accelerated master's (BS-MS) degree program. Learn more about our programs:

Chemistry—MS, PhD

Chemistry—MS, PhD

Join our research-intensive graduate program, and contribute to discoveries in chemical science, biochemistry, or a cognate discipline. Our faculty and graduate students have advanced research in areas including nanomedicine, solid-state structural characterization, and the study of biochemical and biophysical properties of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Our program will prepare you for your future challenges in education, industry, and beyond.

Learn More About the MS and PhD in Chemistry

 

Chemistry Accelerated Master's (BS-MS)

Chemistry Accelerated Master's—BS-MS

This accelerated plan allows you to combine a master's degree in chemistry with any bachelor’s degree offered by the Department of Chemistry. Students enrolled in the Chemistry Accelerated Master’s (BS-MS) program begin graduate course work during the fourth year and complete the requirements for both the bachelor's and master's degrees in five years of full-time study. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to succeed in industry or in a chemistry doctoral program.

Learn More About the Accelerated Master's Program

 

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

The department is associated with some dynamic interdisciplinary degree programs, giving our students additional opportunities for graduate study:

Peace Corps Master's International

Peace Corps Master’s International

The Peace Corps Master’s International (PCMI) Program in Applied Science Education, offered jointly by the Departments of Chemistry and Cognitive and Learning Sciences, affords students the opportunity to incorporate Peace Corps service into a Master of Science in Applied Science Education. This PCMI program is the only one of its kind in the country.

Learn More About the PCMI Program in Applied Science Education

 

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—PhD

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—PhD

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at Michigan Tech is where pioneering PhD students and expert faculty come together and seek answers to some of the world's most pressing problems. This interdisciplinary program—built on the strength of preexisting graduate programs in biological sciences, chemistry, and forest molecular genetics/biotechnology—provides students with the opportunity to focus on the study of biochemistry and molecular biology within a variety of subject areas.

Learn More About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

 

Atmospheric Sciences—PhD

Atmospheric Sciences—PhD

The interdisciplinary PhD in Atmospheric Sciences provides students with an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting the atmosphere, as well as a foundation in the fundamentals of specific atmospheric systems. Students work with faculty spanning five departments, who incorporate expertise and research over multiple areas of emphasis, and contribute solutions to the most challenging atmospheric science questions of our day.

Learn More About the PhD in Atmospheric Sciences

 

Environmental Engineering—PhD

Environmental Engineering—PhD

The PhD in Engineering (Environmental) is designed for the pursuit of advanced, interdisciplinary studies in environmental engineering. The professional discipline of environmental engineering seeks to improve and maintain the environment for the protection of human health, for the protection of nature’s beneficial ecosystems, and for the environment-related enhancement of the quality of human life.

Learn More About the PhD in Environmental Engineering

Department Graduate Requirements

The following graduate degree requirements will help you stay on track:

MS Degree Requirements

This is a brief overview of the requirements for an MS degree from the Department of Chemistry:

  • A minimum of 30 credits. At least 20 of the 30 must be course credits, and at least 12 of the course credits must be at the 5000 level or higher. Also, a minimum of 6 research credits are required.
  • MS thesis
  • Presentation of research in a seminar followed by an oral defense
  • Proof of mastery of chemistry concepts through passing placement exams or department courses

PhD Degree Requirements

This is a brief overview of the requirements for a PhD degree from the Department of Chemistry:

  • A minimum of 60 credits including a minimum of 24 research credits. Entering students are required to complete 5 courses in the first year: Two of the five classes must be in the student's major area of research and one in each of two other areas of chemistry
  • A minimum of 5 out of 8 cumulative exam points
  • Original research proposal
  • Seminar presentation on research project
  • Original research with PhD dissertation
  • Oral defense of research
  • Proof of mastery of chemistry concepts through passing placement exams or department courses

Learn More About Chemistry PhD Requirements

Administrative Policies

The department's administrative policies for co-op/internship leaves of absence and travel funding follow:

Co-op or Internship Leave Policy

Graduate students can sometimes benefit from experience in laboratories outside Michigan Tech. Co-op leave can be granted in specific circumstances. Specifically:

  • The advisor must grant approval before positions are sought or applied for.
  • The planned leave must be of clear benefit to the student and must not disrupt funded research projects.
  • The student must submit a letter to the GPC and department chair explaining how the experience benefits his or her research and career goals, and detailing a timeline to completion of the degree program.
  • Additional stipulations may be defined by the GPC or advisor.
  • Final approval for co-op leaves rests with the Graduate Programs Committee.

If you feel that you would benefit from a co-op experience, you must discuss this option with your advisor in advance of any applications. Leave will not be granted otherwise.

Travel Funding

The department, at the chair's discretion, will pay registration fees for graduate students who present their work at professional meetings. In some cases, additional travel funds may be provided. To apply for this support, before you travel:

  1. Submit a copy of your abstract, signed by your advisor, to the Graduate Assistant.
  2. Attach a page of information about the meeting.
  3. Include a statement on how the meeting will benefit your research and professional development.