Department of Chemistry
Master of Sciences in Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Sciences (M.Sc.) in Chemistry. The following focus areas in Chemistry are available:
- analytical chemistry
- biochemistry
- inorganic chemistry
- organic chemistry
- physical chemistry
Admission
Guaranteed early admission
A student who is in his or her final semester studying toward the BA/BS in Chemistry at CU-Colorado Springs is guaranteed admission to the M.Sc. program in Chemistry if he or she satisfies all of the following criteria:
- Has completed a minimum of 45 semester hours at UCCS at the time of graduation.
- Has a minimum grade point average of 3.5
- Has an approval form signed by two faculty in Chemistry
Regular admission
Regular admission to the M.Sc.-Chemistry program requires that the student meets the following requirements:
- Has attained a Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University.
- Has completed 40 hours of natural and physical science and mathematics courses, preferably including one year of calculus.
- Has undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Has a GRE score of 1560 combined or higher
Applicants must also submit part I and II of the graduate application form, 4 letters of recommendation, selective service form, 2 copies of transcripts, and $60 application fee.
Provisional admission
Applicants not meeting the criteria for admission as a regular degree student may be recommended by the faculty for admission as a provisional admissions student. Program faculty may assign course work and/or examinations that must be taken to make up deficiencies. When the conditions for regular status are met, the program director will reclassify the student to regular status.
Transfer credits
- Up to 9 hours of coursework with a grade of "C" of better and earned at UCCS may be requested for transfer into the M.Sc. program. These credit hours are computed into the student’s graduate GPA.
- Up to 9 hours of coursework with a grade of "B" or better and completed at an institution other than UCCS may be requested for transfer. This request may be submitted only after completion of 9 hours of coursework as a regular admit degree status student into the M.Sc. program. These credit hours are not computed into the student’s graduate GPA.
- Courses applied to a graduate degree elsewhere or within the CU System may be transferred for M.Sc. credit with permission of the chemistry faculty.
Degree Requirements
The student should choose an academic advisor, an advisory committee and complete a Plan of Study by the end of his or her first semester of residence. The advisory committee shall consist of at least 3 full-time members of UCCS graduate faculty. It is recommended that at least one faculty member come from outside the Department of Chemistry. The advisory committee will guide the student in formulating their Plan of Study and carrying out their research. The advisory committee and the M.Sc. advisor must approve the Plan of Study. The committee will also administer the examinations required for the degree.
Coursework and Thesis - 30 hours
- 24 hours of coursework. At least 15 must be taken at the 500-level.
- Courses are to be selected from at least 2 departments participating in the M.Sc..
- 6 hours of thesis
- Thesis defense exam (open to the public)
Duration of Program
Completion of the M.Sc. degree is normally accomplished in one to three years and must be completed within six years.
Advising
All M.Sc. students should consult regularly with Allen Schoffstall, department representative for the M.Sc. program. Items of concern that arise regularly among MS students are:
- Number of transfer credits permitted.
- Timing of turning in a program plan.
- Which faculty member to choose as a thesis advisor.
- Number of independent study hours allowed.
- How the BS/M.Sc. program works.
Contact Information
Dr. Ronald Ruminski, chair, Chemistry Department (rruminsk@uccs.edu) or Dr. Allen Schoffstall, (amschoff@uccs.edu).