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

Academic Status

A minimum of 32 credit-hours is required for program completion. 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

Satisfactory progress on a research problem (CHM 702) culminating in a written thesis is required to complete the MS degree. This requires a minimum of 1800 laboratory hours. Note that this is the equivalent of averaging 30 hrs/week of laboratory work for 14 months. The candidate must complete CHM-705 (Thesis) in the term immediately preceding completion of the degree program.

Examinations

All students must pass ACS proficiency exams in three of the five subdisciplines (analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, or physical chemistry). Each student has up to four consecutive exam windows to complete this requirement. If, after the four exam windows, a student has passed less than two exams, that student will be automatically withdrawn from the Masters program without receiving a degree. If, after the four exam windows, a student has passed exams in only two of the five areas, that student must take a remedial course in a third area and receive a grade of B or better in that course in order to remain in the program. The student will have one opportunity to do this, and the course must be approved by the Graduate Committee. Satisfactory completion of the remedial course will be considered sufficient for the Proficiency Examinations requirement. If the student receives a grade of B- or below in the remedial course, they will be automatically withdrawn from the Masters program without receiving a degree.

A final oral examination consisting of a defense of the thesis will be administered by the student’s graduate committee as part of the grade for CHM 705.

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.

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.