Chemistry MS

You’ll gain the advanced skills and level of knowledge that quickly translates into a rewarding career. In fact, all of our students have been employed either directly upon graduation or shortly thereafter.

Our class sizes are small by design, promoting personal attention as you collaborate and engage in independent research with chemistry faculty who are experts in computational chemistry and biochemistry.

Our chemistry master’s program curriculum focuses on the latest innovations in chemistry, especially in the areas of computational chemistry and drug design.

You’ll have opportunities to conduct research in the West Center for Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, which features a combination of several powerful, parallel-processing, Beowulf “supercomputer” clusters running sophisticated software packages.

We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for scholars from around the world. Learn more about becoming a graduate student in the U.S. and support services offered through Saint Joseph’s University’s International Student and Scholar Services.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Track Curriculum

As a chemistry master’s student, you have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis degree:

Thesis track: For students interested in conducting research

• Required to take a minimum of 30 credits, which includes both:
  • 19 credits of core and elective didactic courses selected in consultation with your research advisor, advisory committee and department’s graduate program director
• A minimum of 11 research credits.Must participate in the department's seminar program, where both literature and research seminars are delivered to students and faculty on a weekly basis during the semester.
• Must complete an independent, original research project under the direction of a graduate faculty member with the guidance of an advisory committee.

Non-thesis track: For students who want to complete didactic coursework only
• Required to take a 31 didactic credits elected in consultation with your department’s graduate program director

Academic Catalog

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Upon entering the Chemistry MS (thesis track) program, you will register for research rotations with at least two potential research advisors. This laboratory rotation program exposes you to available research opportunities based on your research interests. Once you complete this program, you’ll be eligible to select a research advisor. Once you select your research advisor, an advisory committee is formed, which typically consists of three or four faculty members with appropriate expertise. They will assist you in your research endeavors.

The equivalent of at least two semesters of full-time research are minimally required to qualify for the MS thesis degree. As a graduate chemistry student on this thesis track, you’ll be expected to carry out an independent, original research project under the direction of a graduate chemistry faculty member with the guidance of an advisory committee. With the aid of your research advisor, you’ll write a research prospectus outlining your proposed research program. You’ll present this prospectus and get it approved by your advisory committee before you begin your thesis research. You’ll also be required to present your research findings as part of your degree requirements.

Once you complete your research project, you must write a thesis describing your research accomplishments and successfully defend your thesis at a final oral examination before the members of the advisory committee.

Affordable tuition options start at $918 per credit.*

*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed cost breakdown.

Financial aid in the form of scholarships, student loans, graduate assistantships and discount eligibility may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

You must meet the following prerequisites to be considered for admission to the master’s in chemistry program (thesis and non-thesis track):

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, or be currently enrolled in an undergraduate/professional degree program at Saint Joseph’s University
• Fluent in both spoken and written English (see below for language requirements for international applicants)
• Present transfer credit, earn advanced placement credit by examination or obtain credit in undergraduate courses in:
  • Calculus (2 semesters)
  • Organic Chemistry, with laboratory (2 semesters)
  • Analytical Chemistry (1 semester)
  • Literature of Chemistry (1 semester)
  • Physical Chemistry with laboratory (1 semester)
  • At least one of the following:
    • Inorganic Chemistry(1 semester)
    • Instrumental Analysis (1 semester)
    • Biochemistry (1 semester)

GRE scores are optional. You can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

• Apply online.
• Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended. If you attended Saint Joseph’s, we will obtain this transcript for you.
• Submit a ​1000-word ​(500-word for non-thesis MS applicants) personal statement explaining your short and long term study and career goals. ​Applicants to the MS thesis must also identify at least two of the program’s faculty whose research interests align most closely with yours. Personal statements may be submitted as part of application via the application portal. 
• Submit resume or CV.
• Submit three letters of recommendation.

The application deadlines for admission to Saint Joseph’s MS in chemistry program are:

Deadlines for fall:

• Priority Review for funding consideration for ALL applicants: March 1 
• Domestic Student Deadline: August 1

 Deadlines for spring:

• Priority Review: October 15
• Domestic Student Deadline: November 1

 Deadlines for international students:

• Fall – June 15
• Spring – October 15

International applicants must show proof of English language proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. Check the Graduate Admission page for additional requirements.