At the graduate level, the Chemistry Department features a research-based Master of
Science degree. After completion of core coursework in the major sub-disciplines,
students in the Chemistry M.S. program have the opportunity to participate in a wide
range of research experiences, including environmental, organic synthesis, natural
product isolation, computational and theoretical, analytical, nanomaterials, catalysis,
polymers, biochemistry, and chemical education. The research experience is considerably
enhanced by MTSU’s new 250,000-square-foot science building and upgraded instrumentation.
Talented undergraduates also have the opportunity to participate in a new Accelerated
Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) program which enables them to complete a bachelor’s and
master’s degree in five years. Graduates find employment in a wide range of areas
as well as continuing their education in high-quality doctoral and/or professional
programs. The department also participates in three interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs
(Molecular Biosciences, Computational Science, and Math and Science Education).
Chusuei, students make advances in nanotechnology
Dr. Charles Chusuei and student researchers are getting a big boost with the new science
building as they develop a technology that could transform patient care in emergency
rooms and health centers worldwide. The MTSU professor and his team are working to
produce nanotech-based sensors using cheaper, earth-abundant materials such as zinc
oxide instead of employing precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. “A
common theme of nanotechnology is determining how material size and shape affects
chemical reactivity,” says Chusuei, who has a patent pending. “Our research team has
shown that zinc oxide (ZnO) shape selection in the nanocomposite formulation (involving
carbon nanotubes) dramatically improves its biosensing properties.” The technology
could impact such things as early cancer detection, monitoring food spoilage, oxidative
stress, and cardiovascular disease management by monitoring hydrogen peroxide on a
molecular level, or physical distress from anaerobic respiration with lactic acid
as a marker. The $147 million science building offers better infrastructure for surface
characterization instruments, such as an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and new
equipment that includes a physisorption and chemisorption surface area analyzer.
3D VizLab places MTSU at forefront as research university
Technology at MTSU similar to what is seen in Avatar “brings science to life,” says Dr. Anatoliy Volkov, associate professor of chemistry.
Student researchers say the advanced 3D visualization and GPU-based high-performance
computing sets MTSU apart from other universities. The MT 3D VizLab, short for the
Stereoscopic 3DVisualization Laboratory, can be used to perform high-level research
in various scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, economics, engineering,
geoscience, and health care. The lab is equipped with NVIDIA’s 3D technology and includes
a stereoscopic 3D projector, a 16-display 3D hyperwall, and 25 pairs of 3D shutter
glasses. The wall can visualize a single image across all 16 monitors, or each monitor
can have a programmable relationship to other images. Volkov and colleagues have applied
for external funding for a much larger 3D tile wall and for another lab with a 3D
projector and 50 3D glasses. MTSU chemistry professor Dr. Preston MacDougall, as a
NASA Ames Research Center summer fellow, collaborated with the inventors of hyperwall
technology to extend its application to molecular visualization and drug design. His
grant proposal brought the 3D hyperwall to MTSU.
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are projected to grow 13
percent by 2022. Chemistry graduates with advanced degrees will particularly find
better job opportunities with pharmaceutical and biotech companies. MTSU's state-of-the-art
science building offers both large and small lab spaces so faculty can pursue research
projects with both graduate and undergraduate students. A memorandum of understanding
between the university and Oak Ridge National Laboratory also has been renewed three
times. Some potential professional pursuits
- Analytical chemist
- Biochemist
- Biomedical engineer
- Chemical engineer
- Chemist
- Chemistry teacher
- Food scientist
- Forensic scientist
- Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) specialist
- Materials scientist
- Molecular informatics specialist
- Organic chemist
- Patent attorney
- Product development/design
- Professor/educator
- Research assistant/associate
- Researcher
- Sales/marketing – scientific equipment/pharmaceuticals
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Abbott Pharmaceutical
- Aegis
- Albany Molecular Research
- ALCOA
- Bedford County School System
- Belcher Pharmaceutical
- California public school system
- Commonwealth Technologies
- Eli Lilly Inc.
- Garratt Callahan
- Google
- Harcross Chemicals
- Hewlett-Packard
- Kyzen Corp.
- Lipscomb University
- L. King High School
- Mead Johnson
- Merck Pharmaceutical
- Metro-Nashville Public Schools
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Nissan
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Palm Corp.
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Purdue University
- Rutherford County Schools
- Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals
- Specialized Assays
- Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Sylvan Learning
- TBI Crime Laboratory
- Tennessee Department of Health
- Tennessee Dept. of Environment & Pollution Control
- Tennessee Dept. of Health Lab Services
- Test America
- University of Cincinnati
- Vanderbilt Drug Discovery Program
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
- Varian
- Vi-Jon Laboratories
- Williamson County Schools
- Wilson County Schools
Doctoral/professional programs where alumni have been accepted include
- Arizona State University
- Colorado State University
- Florida State University
- Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago
- Michigan State University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Niger Life University
- Ohio State University
- Rutgers University
- Syracuse University
- University of Alabama
- University of British Columbia
- University of Buffalo
- University of Louisville
- University of New Hampshire
- University of New Mexico
- University of Notre Dame
- University of South Carolina
- University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- University of Tennessee-Memphis
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
- University of Utah
- University of Vermont
- University of Wyoming
- Vanderbilt University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Wright State University
Graduate
The Department of Chemistry offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major
in Chemistry.
A minor in chemistry is also available at the graduate level for other students.
The department also participates in all three Ph.D. programs administered through
the College of Basic and Applied Sciences:
Applicants to the M.S. program in Chemistry must have
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA
- An undergraduate minor in chemistry or its equivalent
- A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination
NOTE: All chemistry students must take or have taken Quantitative Analysis before
graduation and as a prerequisite for CHEM 6230 Intermediate Analytical Chemistry.
A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships and graduate research assistantships
are available to students who show academic promise and potential as effective laboratory
teachers. Graduate students pursuing an M.S. degree in Chemistry may also apply for
a limited number of MTSU STEM Masters Scholarships, based on financial need and academic
talent.
Students must earn a minimum of thirty hours of credit to graduate with an M.S. degree
in chemistry. The thirty hours include a minimum of six lecture classes, plus chemistry
seminar, chemistry research, and thesis research. Of the six lecture classes, four
are required in the core areas of analytical/instrumental, inorganic, organic, and
physical chemistry.
A thesis is required.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate students may pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major
in Chemistry or with a concentration in Professional Chemistry. Other departmental majors leading
to a B.S. include Biochemistry, Science, and Health Science, under which numerous
pre-professional programs are coordinated. Undergraduate and graduate minors in Chemistry
are available.
Chemistry, M.S.
Charles Chusuei, Program Director
(615) 898-2079
gradchem@mtsu.edu
The Department of Chemistry offers a Master of Science degree with a major in Chemistry. The department also participates in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in Computational and Data Science, Molecular Biosciences, and the Mathematics and Science Education Chemical Education concentration. Also offered is a minor in Chemistry at the graduate level.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Applications for admission are considered year-round with preference being given to students who apply by the following deadlines: March 1 for Summer/Fall, and October 1 for Spring.
Admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications including a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and undergraduate and graduate grade point average.
An applicant must have an undergraduate minor in chemistry or its equivalent at time of admission.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
- have two confidential letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of the applicant.
- provide a statement of purpose (SOP). In the SOP
- state career goals and describe how a Master of Science in Chemistry degree would help achieve them; and
- list the most likely faculty members with whom independent research would be performed and comment on the reasoning of selections, especially as it relates to stated career goals.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Chemistry requires a minimum of 30-43 semester hours with no more than 30 percent of the total degree hours dually listed as undergraduate/graduate.
Candidate must
- prepare an annual plan of study for the following twelve months with the academic advisor;
- successfully complete and present an original thesis approved by the student's advisory committee;
- successfully complete a comprehensive examination in conjunction with the defense of the thesis (may be taken no more than twice).
Curriculum: Chemistry
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 19 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Required Courses (17 hours)
CHEM 6100 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry
3credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 3020/3021 or 2030/2031 or equivalent. Concepts and modern theories of organic chemistry: stereochemistry of reactions, mechanistic interpretation of organic reactions, and multistep synthesis. Offered every fall.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6230 - Intermediate Analytical Chemistry
4credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2230/2231 or equivalent. Selected instrumental methods of analysis including but not limited to gas and liquid chromatography methods; ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectroscopic methods; and flame emission and atomic absorption spectrometry. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6231 - Intermediate Analytical Chemistry Lab
0credit hours
Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6300 - Intermediate Physical Chemistry
3credit hours
Key concepts from classical thermodynamics, quantum theory, and chemically relevant spectroscopies. Statistical thermodynamics introduced. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6400 - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
3credit hours
Concepts of inorganic chemistry needed for effective teaching of general chemistry and for safe and effective use of inorganic chemicals and materials in industrial and academic laboratories; atomic theory, principles of inorganic reactivity in acid-base; precipitation, complexation, and oxidation-reduction reactions; crystal and ligand field theory; symmetry; molecular orbital theory; organometallic chemistry. Offered every fall.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6800 - Thesis Defense
1credit hours
Required of graduate students specializing in chemistry. Scientific articles reviewed and reports on individual research projects presented. Offered every term.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6870 - Chemistry Research
3credit hours
Original laboratory problem that will furnish material for a thesis. Offered every fall.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
* Quantitative Analysis is a prerequisite for this course; can be taken for undergraduate credit after admission.
NOTE: Exceptionally well-prepared students may substitute another approved graduate chemistry course in the same area for the core course by successful performance on a proficiency examination in that core curriculum area.
Electives (5-7 hours)
Complete 5-7 credit hours (maximum of 7) of additional approved chemistry graduate courses or approved cognate courses in biology, mathematics, computer science, or physics.
Thesis Research (8-19 hours)
NOTE: No more than 19 hours of thesis research may be applied toward degree requirements.
CHEM 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading. Offered every term.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
