Chemistry/Biochemistry, MSc - Course Track

The Master of Sciences (MSc) with options in Chemistry or Biochemistry is a Master’s degree program offered with a coursework (non-thesis) specialization track option. The program provides students with advanced courses in analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The degree program is designed for students who desire advanced coursework.

The objective of the course track (non-thesis) MSc program is to provide an alternative pathway for students to complete an MSc degree, with options in Chemistry or Biochemistry, without completing an in-depth research project and thesis. This degree track is intended for students whose career goals or current work responsibilities lower the desirability of conducting the required 15 credit-requirement of research and thesis credits of the research track. This course degree track is well suited for non-traditional students, K-12 teachers, or employees of local industry who want to earn the MSc degree for career progression.

Upon completion of the course 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
• Communicate clearly in written and oral formats
• Search for, read critically, evaluate, and summarize peer-reviewed manuscripts in the scientific literature
• Identify, discuss, and propose solutions for scientific problems

Students on the course track are required to take 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework according to 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).
• All course track students must take CHEM 7050, Masters Project, in their final semester of the program. More information about this course is provided below.
• Of the remaining 24 credit hours of the program, students must take:
  • At least 18 credit hours of lecture or laboratory courses in chemistry or biochemistry at UCCS. Three credits of CHEM 5904 (Research) may count towards the credit requirement of the course track MSc.
  • Up to six credit hours of 5000-level coursework in a related discipline, such as biology, physics, or mathematics, may be counted towards the credit requirement if approved by the MSc advisor and Graduate Program Director.

In consultation with the Graduate Program Director, the course track MSc student will choose an MSc advisor while in the first semester of the program. The student will prepare a course plan in consultation with their advisor, which will be approved by the Graduate Program Director. This tentative course plan must be completed by the end of the first semester in the program. 

Eligible MSc Advisors include the following faculty members:

The summit experience for the MSc students in the course track is to complete CHEM 7050, Masters Project, during the final semester of the program. In this course, MSc candidates must:

• Complete a library research paper to be submitted and accepted by the student’s MSc advisor and the Graduate Program Director according to the Masters Project paper guidelines, and
• Prepare and present a seminar in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seminar series over the chosen library research project.

• 3 required one-credit courses: CHEM 6010 (Research Methods – Fall only), CHEM 6020 (Journal Club – Spring only), and CHEM 6030 (Project Seminar – Fall only)
• 24 credits of graduate-level laboratory or lecture courses, 18 of which must be in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry (CHEM 5000-level)
  • A student may take up to three credits of CHEM 5904, which will count as one course
• 3 credits of Master’s Project (CHEM 7050)

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