Chemistry or Biochemistry, MSc - Research Track

The Master of Sciences (MSc) with options in Chemistry or Biochemistry is a Master’s degree program with a research (thesis) specialization track. The program provides students with advanced courses in analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Research areas include those above and environmental chemistry. The degree program is designed for students who desire a research degree and advanced coursework.

The objective of the research track (thesis) MSc program is to provide extensive training in research, with options in Chemistry or Biochemistry. This degree track is intended for students whose career goals align with obtaining a research or technical position in the industry, seeking additional graduate training in a doctoral program, or desiring to strengthen critical thinking and scientific writing skills.

Upon completion of the research track MSc, students will be able to:

• Explore graduate-level coursework in chemistry or biochemistry to increase depth and breadth within disciplines of chemistry or biochemistry,
• Describe recent advances in chemistry or biochemistry,
• Develop a hypothesis, design experiments to test that hypothesis, and carry out experiments with an evaluation of resultant data,
• Hone research skills and develop best practices regarding laboratory notebook upkeep and data management,
• Communicate clearly in written and oral formats,
• Search for, read critically, evaluate, and summarize peer-reviewed manuscripts in the scientific literature, and
• Identify, discuss, and propose solutions for scientific problems.

During the application process, the student applicant should identify a potential research mentor (see list above). To be admitted to the program, a research advisor must agree to the student applicant working in their research program.

Admitted research track students will work with their research advisor and the Graduate Program Director to develop a proposed course schedule of 12 credits (four graduate-level courses, see example program plan above) and a thesis committee. The thesis committee consists of the student’s research advisor and two or three faculty members appointed to the Graduate School faculty. At least one other committee member must be a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the remaining faculty member may be in a closely allied department. The thesis committee will advise the student through the program requirements including research progress, two required seminars in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seminar series (Introduction to Project and Plan to Finish), and will administer the thesis defense required for the MSc degree.

Additionally, the research track program has the following requirements:

• All courses must be taken at the graduate level.
• Students take three one-credit courses: CHEM 6010 (Research Methods – Fall only), CHEM 6020 (Journal Club – Spring only), and CHEM 6030 (Project Seminar – Fall only).
• Of the remaining 27 credits of the program, research track students must take:
  • Twelve credit hours of coursework (at least nine credit hours must be taken in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
  • Nine credit hours of research (CHEM 9599)
  • Six hours of thesis (CHEM 7000)
• Thesis defense exam (open to the public)

• 3 one-credit courses: CHEM 6010 (Research Methods – Fall only), CHEM 6020 (Journal Club – Spring only), and CHEM 6030 (Project Seminar – Fall only).
• 12 credits of graduate-level laboratory or lecture courses, nine of which must be in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry (CHEM 5000-level)
• 9 credits of research (CHEM 9599)
• 6 credits of thesis (CHEM 7000)

For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Admission to the MSc program requires that the student meet the following criteria:

1. Degree & Prerequisite Background:
   • A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution.
   • Applicants with degrees from international institutions must submit a certified course-by-course foreign credential evaluation report displaying a calculated U.S.-equivalent GPA.

   • Applicants must have completed coursework equivalent to the core requirements of our UCCS BA degrees:

     • Chemistry Option: General Chemistry I & II with labs, Organic Chemistry I & II with labs, Analytical Chemistry with lab, Instrumental Analysis with lab, Physical Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry, alongside supporting calculus and physics sequences.
     • Biochemistry Option: General Chemistry I & II with labs, Organic Chemistry I & II with labs, Biochemistry I & II with lab, Analytical Chemistry with lab, Biophysical Chemistry (or Physical Chemistry), and supporting coursework in general biology, genetics/molecular biology, calculus, and physics.
   • Foundational courses completed with grades below a B- represent prerequisite deficiencies. Admitted students may be required to clear deficiencies by taking corresponding 5000-level graduate courses with a grade of B or better.
2. GPA & Standing:
   • Regular Admission: Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
   • Provisional Admission: Undergraduate cumulative GPA between 2.75 and 3.00.
3. GRE Requirements:
   • U.S. Domestic Applicants:
     • GPA > 3.30: General GRE is waived.
     • GPA 3.00 – 3.30: General GRE is required (subject to discretionary waiver by the Graduate Program Director).
     • GPA 2.75 – 3.00 (Provisional): General GRE is mandatory.
     • UCCS Graduates (GPA ≥ 3.00) & AMP Students: General GRE is waived.
   • International Applicants: The General GRE is mandatory for all applicants holding undergraduate degrees from international institutions, regardless of equivalent GPA.
   • GRE Score Expectations: Competitive applicants typically score at or above the 50th percentile (approximately ≥ 151 Verbal, ≥ 157 Quantitative, and ≥ 4.0 Analytical Writing).
4. English Language Proficiency (International Applicants):
   • Bachelor’s or post-secondary degree from a US-accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, OR
   • Demonstrated proficiency via TOEFL (≥ 100), IELTS (≥ 7.0), or Duolingo (≥ 120).
5. Application Fees:
   • Application fee waivers are automatically granted to active-duty U.S. military personnel and honorably discharged veterans.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Semester:
  • February 15: Priority deadline for Graduate School Fellowships
  • April 15: Priority deadline for Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) & general admission
• Spring Semester:
  • September 15: General admission deadline