Overview

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Eastern Illinois University provides advanced study in the major areas of chemistry, including analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical. Students are taught by a well-trained and dedicated cohort of PhD. faculty each with strong a record of research grants, publications, and presentations. While the chemistry faculty have high expectations for students in the program, they are equally committed to their success. Most of the students complete the program in 24 months.

Our goal is to help you strengthen and expand your knowledge and abilities as a chemist and prepare you for the next step in your chosen career path. Our graduates are successful in going on to ranked PhD programs in chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields, or going on to secure positions in industry, government, or education upon graduation.

The Department offers the following degrees:

• a thesis-based MS with chemistry option
  Students in this research-based track gain significant research experiences using state-of-the-art equipment and methods by undertaking thesis projects. The coursework consists of four core courses (bioanalytical, bonding and reactivity, modern organic, and supramolecular chemistry), two elective courses, and ancillary courses (introduction to research, critical reading of chemical literature, and the seminar series).
• a thesis-based MS with biochemistry option
  Students in this research-based track gain significant research experiences using state-of-the-art equipment and methods by undertaking thesis projects. The coursework differs from above only in that no more than two of the core courses with approved biology graduate courses.
• a non-thesis based MS option
  This course-based degree replaces the research component with 12 credit hours of additional coursework, some of which can be from outside departments. This allows students to tailor their degree closer to their professional aims, for example, math/computer sciences, business, physics, or psychology.

Thesis-based students often present their work at regional, national, and/or international meetings; are co-authors on peer reviewed articles in scientific journals; and win awards from the Graduate School and/or the Department. These results make for very strong CV's that allow students to advance in their desired careers.

An accelerated MS is available to motivated students desiring to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees within a five-year period. It is particularly well-suited for native EIU undergraduates and transfer students who have earned an A.S. degree in Chemistry.

Most students are supported by a graduate assistantship, which normally entails supervision of undergraduate laboratory courses and/or grading assignments. GAs are first awarded to those pursuing the thesis-based track.

Degree: Master of Science

Completion time: 30 hours

Resources

- Program Information in EIU Catalog

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