Drexel University’s Master of Science (MS) in Chemistry offers students a wide range of graduate scholarship in analytical chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, materials and polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, chemistry education, and biochemistry. The MS in Chemistry curriculum is designed to prepare students for the research and practical application of chemistry to challenges facing society.
Concentrations
- Analytical Chemistry
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Biological Chemistry
- Chemical Education
- Chemical Theory and Computation
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Program Format
- Full-time or part-time, 45 credit program.
- Graduate co-op for full-time, on-campus students.
- Thesis and non-thesis options.
Program Deadlines
The deadlines below are the dates by which applications must be submitted and all application requirements received.
- Fall (Domestic) - August 1
- Fall (International) - May 1
- Spring (Domestic) - November 1
- No Summer Intake. No International Intake in Spring
Quicklinks
Program Overview
The Chemistry department emphasizes interdisciplinary connections; many faculty members actively collaborate with colleagues across the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the College of Engineering, and the College of Medicine. In addition, faculty participate in environmental engineering and biomedical science programs; others work with physicists and biologists in areas such as atmospheric science, biochemistry, and biophysical chemistry. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available as well as Drexel Graduate Co-op for full-time, on-campus students.
Our chemistry faculty want graduate students to understand the purpose of and need for fundamental research while working on problems of practical interest and application to the challenges facing society in the modern world. Areas of research include photochemical air pollution, synthesis and characterization of compounds of medicinal and industrial interest, drug discovery, and biologically-relevant macromolecules.
The Chemistry department features a connected community of research scholars –faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students– that is large enough to provide diverse experiences within the field, yet small enough to ensure each student receives individualized attention.
Drexel Co-op for Graduate Students
Drexel’s strengths as a leader in experiential education are now enhancing graduate student training with the MS in Chemistry graduate co-op option. The graduate co-op program offers full time, in-person students a unique opportunity to earn valuable professional experience at top-rated companies that counts toward their master’s plan of study. The extensive networks developed by the Steinbright Career Development Center, Drexel's Department of Chemistry, and area companies provide a wealth of opportunities for co-op employment both near and far.
Eligibility Requirements
Participation in the graduate co-op program is optional and open to all full time students who meet the eligibility requirements. Graduate co-op is managed by Drexel University’s Steinbright Career Development Center in partnership with the Graduate College. Please note that the University does not guarantee co-op placement.
Learn more about graduate co-op
Thesis and Non-Thesis Degree Options
The department offers a Master of Science in Chemistry with both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option is best for students who want to expand their knowledge of and background in research. This is especially beneficial if the student expects to pursue a doctoral degree program The non-thesis option allows the students to take more electives instead of conducting a focused research project.
Thesis Option
In the first year of coursework, no later than the spring quarter, students should choose a research adviser with whom to work in carrying out an original investigation in chemistry. The results will be written up in thesis form and submitted to a master’s thesis committee consisting of the research adviser and two other departmental faculty appointed by the adviser. The acceptance of the MS thesis by the committee is the final requirement of the thesis option master’s degree. Students who have received financial aid from the department must elect the thesis option if they do not pursue the doctoral program at Drexel.
Research Areas
Research is the heart of the Department of Chemistry at Drexel University, where students, faculty, and staff forge an interdisciplinary collaboration dedicated to advancing the forefront of the field. Faculty conduct pioneering work in research areas that include: analytical, atmospheric, inorganic, materials, organic, physical, theoretical and computational chemistry, as well as concentrations in chemical biology and chemical education. Research activity across the department has earned the support of federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in addition to funding from many private foundations.
Chemistry Department Research
Recent Chemistry Publications
Recent Theses
Students in the MS in Chemistry degree program begin their thesis journey by developing ideas and examining the existing research literature. Each student’s mentor works with them to offer guidance in all areas of thesis development: formulating a question, collecting and analyzing data, and writing the final thesis document. More details regarding the thesis submission and binding process can be found on the Drexel Library website. We proudly invite prospective students to review recent theses authored by our Master of Science in Chemistry degree recipients.
Recent Theses
Drexel Library: Theses, Dissertations and Projects