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Chemistry, M.S.

A Rigorous Program Emphasizing Hands-On Learning
  • $85K

    Annual Salary (American Chemical Society)

  • Top 5%

    Department is Consistently in the Top 5% of Master’s Degree Granting Institutions in the Country

  • ~100%

    Placement Rate for UNCW Chemistry Graduates

Our alumni work in:

Work with Scientists developing new drugs and treatments for disease.

Test for pollutants in water, the atmosphere and in food.

Develop new chemicals for construction, aerospace industry, and cosmetics.

Work with petroleum products, develop cleaner processing methods and formulations, develop better solar panels, storage batteries, etc.

Teach science in high schools, community colleges and universities.

Work for the government (FBI, DEA, CIA, police department) or drug testing companies.

Work in drug companies, the cosmetic industry and the food industry.

Many alumni go on to careers in healthcare as physicians, dentists, and veterinarians.
The M.S. program is a great springboard to a Ph.D. program and continued graduate education.

Learn To

Demonstrate knowledge of concepts in chemistry (organic, general, physical, biochemistry, and chemical analysis)

Apply knowledge in chemistry to real-world problems

Demonstrate the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use scientific information from accepted sources

Conduct chemistry experiments, use various analytical instruments, collect and analyze data

Engage in rigorous scientific inquiry and communicate ideas in writing

Chemistry, M.S. Program Overview

Research-Focused Program

The Chemistry M.S. is a research-focused program that will prepare you for further graduate school or a career in chemistry through mentored independent research and advanced coursework.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers research-centered Master programs in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The objectives of this program are to give students who have an undergraduate foundation in chemistry the opportunity to engage in advanced course work, in-depth study and independent research.

Students work on cutting-edge research projects in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Marine and Atmospheric Science, Biochemistry, Organic and Inorganic Synthesis, Analytical Chemistry, Computational and Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Education. Much of this research results in publications in peer reviewed journals or presentations at professional meetings, most of which have student co-authors.

The close supervision and mentoring of students by faculty (ca. 1.5: 1) is the key to the success of the alumni in their Ph.D. study and industry careers.

Pharmaceutical Track

In response to regional economic needs, we added a track in pharmaceutical chemistry to the M.S. degree program. We offer graduate students a diversity of research areas from within the traditional bounds of chemistry as well as non-traditional research programs. Graduate students have many opportunities to teach undergraduate labs and mentor undergraduates and new graduate students in research.

Applied Learning Opportunities

The M.S. students will gain real-life teaching experience by serving as Teaching Assistants. Our alumni have completed various internship opportunities in pharmaceutical and chemical companies.

Sample Courses in Chemistry

  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • NMR/Mass Spectrometry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • Chemical and Physical Analysis of Seawater
  • Chemical Oceanography
  • Advanced Biochemistry
  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry
See The Full Curriculum

How do I get Into Chemistry?

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in chemistry are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

  1. An official application for graduate admission
  2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
  3. Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields
  4. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline

A bachelor’s degree with a concentration in chemistry from a regionally accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution, is required for admission, along with a “B” average or better in chemistry courses.

Admission decisions are based upon several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criteria in one of the areas may be considered for admission.

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.S. Chemistry - Main Campus

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Concentration

  • Chemistry - Thesis (Main Campus)
    Pharmaceutical Chemistry - Thesis (Main Campus)

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025 
    • November 1, 2024
  • Fall 2025:
    • Priority Deadline - January 1, 2025
    • Space Available Deadline - July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • GRE General Test
  • WAIVED - Test scores are waived for this program during 2025 due to the pandemic.
    No additional action required. Test scores will be waived during application processing.

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields

Additional Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor’s degree with a concentration in chemistry from a regionally accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution, is required for admission, along with a “B” average or better in chemistry courses. 

Explore More Program
Details

Learn more about the
Department

Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

Learn More

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  • Graduate Programs to Consider Next

    Ph.D. in Chemistry

    Work in the pharmaceutical industry or biotechnology fields, and/or teaching professions or government.

    MD

    Become a medical doctor.


    PharmD

    Become a pharmacist.