Chemistry, MS

About the Program

The aim of the graduate program in chemistry is to provide an environment for individuals to develop the skills to become leaders in scientific research and education, capable of making original contributions to the advancement of chemistry and related disciplines. Programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Research in the department is conducted in such interdisciplinary areas as bioanalytical, bioorganic, bioinorganic chemistry, chemical biology, physical organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, chemical physics, and quantum science.

Program Website

Program Requirements

30 Credits Required

Concentrations

Departmental concetrations:

• Virology

Interdisciplinary concentrations:

• ​Computational Life Sciences Concentration (GR)  
• Computational Science and Engineering Concentration (GR)  
• Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science (PULSe), MS or PHD  
  • Biomolecular Structure and Biophysics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Chemical Biology
  • Integrative Neuroscience
  • Membrane Biology
  • Microbiology Immunology and Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Virology

GPA Requirements

Each student must earn credit (maintaining a grade-point average no less than 2.8) in a minimum of 18 hours of graduate courses (600 level or approved 500 level). As part of the coursework, students must earn credit, with a grade of “B” or better, in at least one course designated by the faculty as a Foundational Course. Unless the Advisory Committee explicitly approves an exception, this course must be within the student’s declared Disciplinary Research Group (DRG).

Students are encouraged to take more than one Foundational Course. It is strongly recommended that courses in at least three areas of study be completed during the first two semesters. At least nine of the eighteen hours must be in Purdue chemistry courses. No course grade lower than a “C” may be included in the Plan of Study. No changes may be made to a Plan of Study without approval of the student’s Advisory Committee. Part of the course requirements may be satisfied by credit in graduate courses from another institution, subject to the approval of the Advisory Committe.

In addition to the minimum GPA of 2.8 to complete the degree, students must have a minimum graduate GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0) at the end of the first two semesters of graduate study to continue in the graduate program.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

• The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
• Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
• Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
• Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
• Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.