Chemistry Accelerated BA/MA Program

Overview

This program is designed for students interested in a career in chemistry or in secondary school science teaching. The program provides a mixture of coursework and original research with the emphasis on the student’s research. The research areas offered include biochemistry, organic, environmental, physical, inorganic and analytical chemistry. The M.A. degree helps to prepare students for future careers in chemistry, whether at a university, industry, secondary school or other chemistry-related position.

Program of Study

Beginning in the senior year, students take at least four graduate-level chemistry courses that are approved by their faculty advisor. Courses at the 200-level or 300-level are eligible for graduate credit. Courses at the 200-level that are used to fulfill undergraduate required courses in the chemistry or biochemistry major cannot also be counted toward the M.A. degree.

Recent students have taken courses such as CHEM 231 - Advanced Organic Chemistry , CHEM 236 - Organometallic Chemistry , CHEM 266 - Biomolecular NMR , CHEM 242 - Nuclear Science , CHEM 281 - Polymer Science , CHEM 333 - Synthetic Organic Chemistry  and Chem 360 (Physical Chemistry). Students must also prepare a written thesis, based on original research. Typically students will begin the research for their thesis no later than the fall of their senior year. Students conduct research working in close collaboration with faculty advisors and with doctoral students. Students should plan to work full time on their research both the summer before and the summer after their 5th year. On completion of the research, there is an oral defense of the research thesis. 

Departmental Eligibility Requirements

The Master of Arts in Chemistry is open to undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors. Other undergraduate majors who complete the required courses in chemistry (CHEM 101 , CHEM 102 , CHEM 131 , CHEM 132 , CHEM 260 , CHEM 262  or CHEM 264 , CHEM 142  or CHEM 244 , and CHEM 250 ) are also eligible for the program. All students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in courses taken in mathematics and the natural sciences.

Additional Information

Program Advisor (Signature Required on Application: Part 1)

Frederick Greenaway, Department Chair & Accelerated Degree Program Advisor
fgreenaway@clarku.edu
Sackler Sciences Center, Room S102
Call the Chemistry Department at 508-793-7116

Student Profiles

Students who have successfully completed the program have gone on to Ph.D. study and to medical school.