Apr 03, 2025  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

Chemistry MS

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 ►  Graduate School Rules  apply to this program 

Program Director: Scott Reed
Email: Scott.Reed@ucdenver.edu
Office: SI 4131
Phone: 303-315-7644

The MS program in chemistry focuses on providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct specialized research in preparation for careers in chemistry and related disciplines. Completing an MS in Chemistry at CU Denver can provide valuable experience that can help students land a job in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, or other industry or can serve as a stepping stone for admission to a competitive PhD or health sciences program. Our faculty serve as mentors and advisors and assist students on the path to a more satisfying career in science. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Program Director visit the Department of Chemistry website for additional details concerning the chemistry program, admission procedures, financial assistance and faculty research interests.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must meet the Downtown Campus Graduate School admission requirements according to Graduate School Policies and Procedures  in addition to the following requirements of the Department of Chemistry:

An undergraduate major in Chemistry or a closely related discipline is required, including two semesters of organic chemistry as well as training in analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. Students missing more than one of these courses may be limited in the tracks that they are eligible to select. Students missing more than one of these courses may be provided a provisional admission. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4 point scale) is desired although each application is considered on its own merits.

  • The GRE examination is recommended but not required.
  • International students have additional admission requirements concerning immigration status, proof of financial responsibility and acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores or completion of the CU Denver English as a Second Language Academy.
  • Students currently in a BS program at CU Denver or elsewhere may want to consider the Chemistry BS/MS. This option includes the opportunity to enroll in graduate classes before enrolling in the MS program at CU Denver. At least 20 credits must be earned on campus. However, for the remaining courses, enrollment through CU ONLINE or on one of the other CU campuses is possible. Furthermore, the Chemistry Master’s Program accepts transfer credits from accredited Universities with approval from the Graduate Program Director.

In addition to selecting Plan I or Plan II, all MS students must select a track for their degree

  • Students interested in specializing within Chemistry must select from one of the tracks listed below. Each track has separate placement examinations. Therefore switching between tracks requires approval from the graduate program director

 

Study Plans:

Plan I:

Plan I (Thesis) is a research oriented program involving a minimum of 30 semester hours with the following requirements:

Plan II:

Plan II (Course Work) is a coursework oriented program involving a minimum of 30 semester hours with the following requirements:

 

Students interested in specializing within Chemistry must select from one of the tracks listed below. Each track has separate placement examinations. Therefore switching between tracks requires approval from the Graduate Program Director

Tracks:

Track 1: Biochemistry

Track 2: Synthesis and Measurement

Track 3: Molecular Modeling

Track 4: Traditional Chemistry

Completing an MS in Chemistry - Graduation Requirements

All Chemistry MS students must meet the following requirements for graduation:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better at the time of graduation
  • A grade of B- (2.7) or better in all courses to be counted toward the degree.
  • Compliance with all Graduate School Policies and Procedures  
  • Every student must select a thesis or non-thesis plan. As most of the requirements overlap, a student may switch between these plans with permission from the Graduate Program Director.
  • Although degrees can be completed in as little as one year, all work must be completed within five years after enrolling in the first graduate class in the department unless an exception is granted by the program director.
  • Students are eligible to apply for a research assistantship or a teaching assistantship positions. Students who are interested in improving teaching skills can enroll in CHEM 5655 Teaching Assistant Bootcamp. This course is required for all students who are interested in working as a teaching assistant in the department.
  • A minimum of 20 semester hours must be earned in formal lecture courses in the Department of Chemistry. Other credits can be acquired through research, internships, thesis work, independent study, transfer credits, etc.

Plan I (Thesis) is a research oriented program involving a minimum of 30 semester hours with the following requirements:

  • An acceptable formal thesis consistent with the Graduate School Policies and Procedures  
  • Successful oral defense of the master’s thesis before a committee of at least three Regular Graduate Faculty, two of whom must be tenure track faculty members and have an appointment with the Graduate School through the Department of Chemistry.
  • Completion of a high quality research project suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Plan II (Course Work) is a coursework oriented program involving a minimum of 30 semester hours with the following requirements:

  • All Plan II students are required to take a final written examination about primary research articles in their discipline. This exam may be taken any semester after 20 semester hours of graduate course work have been completed. Students may attempt the exam once per semester a maximum of three times and must be registered during the semester that they attempt the final examination.
  • All non-thesis students are encouraged to take 1 credit of  
  • Plan II students may arrange for an internship at a local company that employs Chemists and take up to 6 credits of   Students must be in good academic standing and have completed 6 graduate semester hours at CU Denver before starting an internship. Approval of the graduate program director is required prior to selecting an internship and enrolling for credit.

Track Options:

Track 1: Biochemistry

Understanding of biochemical principles governing metabolic diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Track 2: Synthesis and Measurement

Students in this track will learn how to prepare and characterize molecules and materials and how to measure their properties.

Track 3: Molecular Modeling

Students in this track will learn fundamental principles and modern techniques in computer modeling and apply the acquired knowledge to solve practical problems in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, and material sciences. 

Track 4: Traditional Chemistry

Students that are interested in gaining experience in a broad range of chemistry including the critical sub-disciplines of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry are encouraged to consider the traditional track.

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