Chemistry, M.S.

Graduate Study

The Chemistry Department provides the opportunity for qualified Bachelor of Science (B.S.) graduates to continue their study at the master’s level. Furman chemistry graduates may receive graduate credit for certain 400-level courses completed during their undergraduate program, but must earn a B.S. before beginning the graduate program.

The program is intended to extend the broad introductory curriculum that constitutes the B.S. requirements to the master’s level. At the graduate level, formal courses are kept to a minimum and the emphases are on the research experience and the development of facility with current literature.

All M.S. degree candidates must present a thesis based on approved research.

Although the program has been organized to specifically benefit students who earn the B.S. degree at Furman, students from other institutions with strong undergraduate credentials may be considered for admission.

Admission to Graduate Program

All prospective students must have successfully completed a B.S. degree prior to admission to the program.

For Furman University graduates, favorable consideration will be contingent upon satisfactory performance in chemistry courses numbered 400 or greater.

Non-Furman graduates may apply for admission by presenting evidence of acceptable preparation in their undergraduate programs and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination.

Prior to final acceptance to the M.S. program, each applicant must establish a partnership with a faculty research director approved by the graduate program director and the Chemistry department chair.

Once admitted, the student will be assigned to a graduate committee that will approve a course of study, research problem, and thesis. This committee will include a faculty member who will direct the student’s research problem and at least one additional faculty member appointed by the department chair.

Degree Requirements

Admission to Candidacy for the M.S. Degree

The departmental committee will recommend that the student be admitted to candidacy for the M.S. degree, normally at the end of the first academic-year term as a degree-seeking graduate student, based on:

satisfactory performance in all courses
satisfactory progress on a research problem
review examinations and the cumulative examination series

A student not making satisfactory progress toward candidacy may be asked to terminate graduate studies.

Academic Status

Students must have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in all graduate work to be awarded the master’s degree.

Research and Thesis

CHM-705 must be enrolled in the term immediately preceding completion of the degree program.

Examinations

Students are required to show satisfactory performance in the following examinations:

Undergraduate review examinations are periodic examinations in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry.
Cumulative examinations conducted regularly during the academic year are based on departmental seminars and literature readings. Satisfying the requirement involves accumulating a predetermined number of points. Students may take these examinations until this requirement has been satisfied.
There is a final oral examination consisting of a defense of thesis.
Special examinations may be required of any candidate who fails to achieve a satisfactory overall performance in the graduate program. The requirement is to be specified by the student’s graduate committee and the chair of the department. The student will be informed of the nature and reasons for the examination and will be permitted adequate time to prepare.

Seminars

All graduate students are required to participate in the departmental seminar and literature reading. Students will formally enroll in CHM-675 at least twice. However, they are expected to continue to participate in the seminar program until the cumulative examination requirement is completed.

Residence Requirements

A minimum residence of one academic year of graduate study is required and all work for the M.S. degree must be completed within a period of no more than six calendar years.

Typically, only credit earned through Furman can contribute to the award of the M.S. degree. Courses completed elsewhere cannot normally be considered for transfer to the graduate program.

Assistantship Responsibilities

Students must complete assigned assistantship duties in a satisfactory manner to remain enrolled.