Program Overview

Master of Science (MS) Program

The Department of Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University offers a world-class program of research and coursework for pursuit of graduate degrees in Chemistry. The MS program is designed to equip students with a strong foundation for a career in chemistry, areas allied with chemistry, and chemical management.

Program Highlights

• Full- and part-time programs available
  • Faculty advisors and career preparation
  • Hands-on research and internship opportunities
  • Written and oral communication skills development
  • Partial scholarship opportunity available through the LEAD Scholars Program

Admission Standards

A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field is required for admission to the MS program, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0. Completed applications include unofficial transcripts of the student's total record in higher education and at least three letters of recommendation from science teachers or supervisors. The GRE is not required to apply to our program.

International applicants must also submit proof of English language proficiency. The TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE-Academic tests are approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 90
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0
• Pearson Test of English (PTE-Academic): 61

The language test requirement can be waived if you have completed a bachelor's or master's degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

Program Details

Course Work

Students apply to the Master of Science, Plan B program, which is a coursework-based program of 30 credits. Students choose from rigorous courses in a variety of areas, including analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry as well as biochemistry, electrochemistry, materials, nanochemistry, photochemistry, polymers, and solar energy.

Eight formal graduate courses (400-level or higher) of three credits each are required. Five of these courses must be chemistry courses. The remaining 6 credits may consist of additional graduate courses, special readings, research, and up to six credits of advanced undergraduate courses (300 level).

Special Readings and Research

Three credits of independent study under the guidance of a faculty member are also required for the Master of Science, Plan B. Students choose either the Special Readings in Chemistry (CHEM 507, 508) or Research (CHEM 601) course.

Other Academic Activities

All entering students take American Chemical Society placement examinations in three major chemistry disciplines (inorganic, organic, and physical) in order to help the department advise the student in selecting coursework. Students will also take two semesters of CHEM 605, a weekly seminar program, including Frontiers in Chemistry, which provides lectures by invited speakers in various areas of chemical research and a vital means to broaden current knowledge of chemistry.

MS Program Examinations

A comprehensive examination is required for the Master of Science, Plan B. In order to help the student learn about a wide range of topics in chemistry, enrollment every semester in the 0-credit Chemistry Colloquium Series (CHEM 605) course is required in place of the comprehensive examination for the Master of Science, Plan B.

Financial Support

Acceptance into the MS program is without financial support. Applicants are welcome to apply to our Chemistry LEAD Scholars program to receive an academic scholarship. Exceptional Master's students may wish to further their studies by pursuing a subsequent PhD in our department or elsewhere.