Graduate
WWU Chemistry Graduate (MS) Program
Thank you for your interest in our Master of Science (MS) graduate program at Western Washington University. The Chemistry Department is located in a modern four-story building with state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Our in-person, on-campus, full-time program typically takes 2 years or less to complete and emphasizes the professional development of the students through close, individual mentoring by a faculty advisor. We feel it is an ideal program for those looking for advanced training which will lead to industrial employment, community college instructor positions, or for students seeking additional training for a doctoral program.
Our graduate students:
- Conduct and publish cutting-edge research in a variety of subdisciplines of chemistry and publish their results in established science journals
- Present their research to faculty and students in the department, and at regional and national meetings
- Take on leadership roles as the most senior students in their research groups
- Are financially supported with teaching and research assistantships
- Complete rigorous graduate-level courses in their areas of interest
- Gain a competitive advantage in pursuing employment in industry, academia, government or seeking admission to PhD and MD programs
| Areas of employment or study after WWU Chemistry MS program (years of graduation 2013-2023) | |
| Industry PhD programs & medical schools Academic & government K-12, non-profit, and others | 56% 28% 11% 5% |
Almost all our MS graduates are employed or join higher-level educational programs promptly after graduation. Here is a summary of wage outcomes for WWU majors including MS Chemistry.
Our MS program is offered through the following two options:
Thesis Option
The Master of Science thesis demonstrates that you are capable of pursuing a program of original and independent research, that you can formulate and carry out a research project, and that you can report on the project in a proper scientific manner. The thesis option prepares students for technical careers in industry, or for further study toward a more advanced degree. This option requires advanced coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, or environmental chemistry as well as research, with the latter culminating in an MS thesis. Prior to entering the program, students select a faculty advisor based on their research interests and agree on a research direction. Under the guidance of their faculty advisor, students carry out the research program, and write and defend the thesis in a final oral examination.
Typical Course Work Requirement
Chem 502 (1), 505 (1), 595 (2), 596 (3), 690 (12), plus 26 credits under advisement
Industrial Internship Option
Students interested in pursuing a career in industry can obtain practical experience by participating in the industrial internship option as part of their MS program. Students choosing this option will normally earn a master's degree via the non-thesis option. Before starting their graduate program, a candidate must secure support from a local company which has a research project of interest to the company to be performed by the perspective MS student and a research mentor (from the company) to guide the student during the project. The company can support the student during the summer between years 1 and 2. Additionally, the company may choose to support the student during some or all academic quarters (to be coordinated by the research mentor and WWU/Chemistry graduate advisor). At the end of the program, students exercising this option will be expected to submit a comprehensive report, according to an approved format, describing the work accomplished during the internship (no proprietary data need to be published or disclosed). A seminar presentation describing the work is required. This Chemistry MS option requires a lot of planning and coordination, if interested in pursuing this option please contact the program advisor (email below) for details and suggestions.
Typical Course Work Requirement
Chem 501 (6), 502 (1), 595 (2), 596 (3), 694 (6-12), plus 30 credits under advisement
Contact
With further inquiries, contact the program advisor, Dr. Serge Smirnov.