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Chemistry, MS

Chemistry, MS

Astrobiology, Computational, Environment, Nanotechnology, Pollution, Science, analytical, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biochemistry, chemistry, inorganic, materials, molecular, organic, physical, sustainability

Chemistry contributes to solving a wide variety of scientific problems in fields such as energy, disease diagnosis and treatment, and materials design and production. You can develop the skills needed to tackle complex challenges and create new scientific knowledge.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Chemistry

Students in the the Master of Science program in chemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences are trained in the foundation disciplines of analytical, organic, physical, inorganic and environmental chemistry and geochemistry. Most also choose to learn by joining transdisciplinary research teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:

  • energy and sustainability
  • frontiers of chemical measurement
  • fundamental molecular science
  • geologic and biospheric science
  • materials and nanoscience
  • medicine and health
  • structure function and dynamics

Students receive the training they need to solve molecular scale problems and to contribute to research that can address challenging societal issues.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CHM 593), or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (CHM 597)

Required Core (4 credit hours)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (4)

Electives (12 or 18 credit hours)

Other Requirements (5, 6 or 8 credit hours)
CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry or BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry (2)
CHM 591 Seminar (3)
CHM 592 Research (6 or 8)

Culminating Experience (2, 3 or 6 credit hours)
CHM 593 Applied Project (2)
CHM 597 Capstone (3)
CHM 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
For the required core, students complete four credit hours of any combination of BCH 501 or CHM 501. Students choose one of the culminating experience options listed above. The credit hours required for the electives and other requirements depend on the culminating experience chosen; all students must complete 30 credit hours. Students who choose the thesis option complete 12 credit hours of electives and eight credit hours of CHM 592. Students who choose the applied project complete six credit hours of CHM 592 and 18 credit hours of electives, which may include up to six additional credit hours of CHM 592. Students who choose the capstone option complete 18 credit hours of electives and two additional credit hours of CHM 501 or BCH 501 and three credit hours of CHM 591.

The program consists of coursework, seminars and a research component; extensiveness depends on the culminating experience.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 06/15 Final
Session A/C In Person 03/15 Priority
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 11/15 Final
Session A/C In Person 10/15 Priority
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

  • Evaluate the quality of chemistry seminars and publications.
  • Design their culminating experience around current research and opportunities within a topic of interest.
  • Communicate the results of their culminating experience through an oral presentation.
Career opportunities

Professionals with the knowledge achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in chemistry have opportunities in five general areas: industry (research and development, quality control), academia (high school and higher education), government (research, policy), nonprofit (policy, public education), and entrepreneurship (consulting, startups). In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates have many high-demand skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and time management.

Some career examples include:

  • chemical technician
  • chemistry lecturer
  • environmental science specialist
  • government scientist
  • high school teacher
  • materials scientist
  • military scientist
  • science consultant

The American Chemical Society provides helpful resources and a comprehensive list of possible careers athttps://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.

Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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