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Physical and Mathematical Sciences:
Chemistry and Biochemistry >
Program:
Chemistry
MS

Chemistry

Application Deadline

  • Fall: Jan 14
  • Contact Information

    C-100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602-5700
    (801) 422-9794
    chemgradsec@chem.byu.edu
    Website
    Admission Requirements
    Required Tests

    None

    Additional Requirements
    • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent preparation in chemistry
    • Resume
    • Application fee exemption deadline: December 20, 2024
    Program Requirements
    The chemistry MS degree provides specialized study and research on an advanced level. It includes about one year of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree and the development of a significant research project presented in a thesis. The MS student will select one of the four chemistry areas of emphasis, but there is sufficient flexibility in course and committee selection that a program of study can acquire a significant interdisciplinary character. The added preparation in theory and practice allows the chemical scientist to assume responsibility and supervision beyond that normally given with bachelor’s level study. The MS degree is adequate preparation for some industry and junior college teaching positions. The master’s degree is generally not necessary as a preparatory step for the PhD degree.

    Requirements for Degree.
    • Credit hours (30): 24 hours of course work and research plus 6 thesis hours (Chem 699R).
    • Required courses: Chem 692R and 594R (multiple semesters), 601694, and other courses as required by the area of emphasis and as specified by committee.
    • Semi-annual progress review, examinations and presentations. 
    • Thesis.
    • Final oral examination consisting of two parts: (A) public presentation of original research described in thesis; (B) comprehensive examination on course work, research, and thesis.
    Program Outcomes
    Productive and Ethical Contributors
    Graduates of this program will demonstrate the necessary skills to become productive and ethical contributors to scientific research. They will be prepared to further their educations through additional graduate training, enter industry, and/or begin an academic career. This broad outcome is further elaborated in outcomes stated below.

    Critical Evaluation of Current Research
    Program graduates will understand and critically evaluate current research in their chosen subdiscipline in chemistry. Coursework that builds upon the students' undergraduate education will provide the initial steps to achieve this outcome. Continued critical reading of current literature is essential for reaching this outcome.

    Proficiency in Laboratory Techniques
    Program graduates will demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques necessary to contribute to knowledge in their chosen subdiscipline in chemistry.

    Effective Writing, Communication, and Presentation
    Program graduates will learn to effectively write scientific manuscripts describing their research and to make oral presentations of their research at scientific meetings.

    Research Skills
    Program graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct research that contributes in a meaningful way to current knowledge in their chosen subdiscipline of chemistry or related areas.

    Program Stats
    Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
    Total Students 15.0
    International 1.0
    Male 12.0
    Female 3.0
    LDS 14.0
    BYU Undergraduate 2.0
    Five Year Average of Graduated Students
    Average Years to Degree 1.89
    Graduated Per Year 18.2
    GMAT Quantitative Percentile 67.5
    Five Year Average of Admitted Students
    Applied Per Year 5.4
    Admitted Per Year 4.4
    Percent Admitted 81.48
    Average GPA 3.57