Online Masters in
Chemistry

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-chemistry/">Masters in Chemistry Online</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of California, Berkeley 200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720	$11,442	93%
#2 University of California, Los Angeles 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, California 90095	$11,442	92%
#3 Harvard University Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138	$49,448	97%
#4 Columbia Video Network West 116 St and Broadway, New York, New York 10027	$49,024	95%
#5 Stanford University Stanford, California 94305	$54,315	94%
#6 Princeton University 1 Nassau Hall, Princeton, New Jersey 08544	$53,890	98%
#7 University of North Carolina-wilmington 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403	$4,719	72%
#8 Illinois Institute of Technology 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616	$29,075	70%
#9 Ohio university 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701	$9,444	65%
#10 University of Saint Joseph 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117	$14,328	55%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Traditional masters in chemistry programs offered by universities across the United States predominantly focus on two key areas – coursework and research work, and also have a fair amount of lab-related study. Online master’s in chemistry programs make do with a similar structure, where coursework is mostly through online learning, with live classes, video classes, online discussion groups, and online seminars or workshops. Much of the research work is also online, but the student’s presence is required for working in a lab, for practical sessions, and hands-on learning.

Master’s in chemistry programs are broken down into semesters or quarters. Each semester or quarter contains theory lessons, practical sessions, group discussions, research, etc., during the first year. The second year has very little to do with actual academics; it is spent mostly on research and writing a thesis based on that research. (Some universities offer a non-thesis option as well.)

The biggest advantage of studying online is the flexibility available for students and working professionals. Depending on their background and experience, interested students can study at their own pace, rearrange the order of study and revisit topics they may find hard to understand.

Degree Types

Choosing a chemistry education program is rather straightforward. There are two similar MS and M.Sc. programs and an MA program to choose from. Overall, the three degrees broadly offer similar subjects and courses, but each one is unique in its own right.

Specializations

Specializations equip the student with more teeth, strengthening their master’s. An MS in chemistry will require a student to pick a concentration from a plethora of options. While choosing a specialization, one must bear in mind what career path one chooses and what one’s interests are. For example, there is no sense in opting for say Medicinal, or Advanced Analytical Chemistry, if one is thinking of entering Petrochemicals.

Specializations and concentrations in chemistry education include, but are not limited to:

• Computational Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Nanomaterials
• Quantum Mechanics
• Medicinal Plant Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry

Curriculum and Skills Gained

The curriculum and syllabus of a chemistry education are made up of courses that are by and large similar to undergraduate chemistry courses. There are a few staple or basic courses, and several electives one could choose from. Overall, some of the online courses largely covered in graduate-level chemistry are:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Laboratory Safety
• Molecular Modeling
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Advanced Analytical Chemistry

Some of the electives students can pick from are:

• Advanced Separations
• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• Advanced Organic Synthesis
• Advanced Instrumentation and Analysis
• Medical Biochemistry
• Organometallic Reaction and Structures
• Chemistry of Elements
• Chemical Education
• Energy and Environment
• Science in Chemistry

By the end of the chemistry science degree, students will have developed the ability to understand and articulate complex concepts in the field and its subdivisions, such as Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry,  Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and so on. They would also be able to read and evaluate scientific literature and make critical assessments and observations of scientific ideas. The knowledge graduates gained from their degree could be used to identify complex industrial and research problems, and examine ways and means of overcoming them, using rationale, dealing with consequences, and underpinning conclusions.

Accreditation

For the money one would spend for a master’s in chemistry, it would be a good idea to check if the program in question is accredited, as well as accepted industry-wide. Several online degree programs are accredited, which should always be preferred over ones that do not have any accreditation.  Accreditation adds extra value to the degree, making it easier for graduates to seek jobs, in addition to endorsing the extent of their knowledge on the subject or any sub-division of chemistry. For example, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) issues standards and ensures compliance with Forensic Chemistry Programs’ standards.

More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.

Timeline for graduation

The timeline for graduation from online master of science in chemistry programs is largely fixed at a standard 2 Years. However, depending on the university, faculty, concentrations, online courses, seminars, discussions, lab and research work, etc., a university may allow the student to complete the graduate study within up to 5 Years. There are almost no colleges that offer a part-time program, as the course can be quite demanding, requiring a tight schedule, and a good deal of course and research to be undertaken. Although chemistry studies bring with it the flexibility of time and location, the duration of the program is directly related to the pace at which the student progresses in each course, whether or not they have picked writing a thesis or chosen the non-thesis option, and any on-campus requirements of the university as well.

Admission Requirements

In general, admission requirements for entry into graduate-level chemistry are not many. The basic requirements are the Application Form and Transcripts, along with References and/or Essays. An undergraduate degree is also required to have been completed in almost all cases. As for GPA, most universities will admit students with a GPA of 2.75 and above but require GRE scores not older than five years.

Graduate education is, more often than not, an expensive affair across the United States. Data USA reports that the median in-state public tuition for university education in chemistry costs $7,369, growing at 2.13%, and median out-of-state private tuition costs $36,000, growing at 2.71%. To keep costs in check, graduate students should explore avenues and options for external funding.

Some available options to pay for master’s in chemistry programs are:

More information on financial aid is available on the Best Financial Guide.

Scholarships for Online Graduate Students of Chemistry

Before enrolling for chemistry graduate studies, it is recommended for students to check for available scholarships and their eligibility to apply for them. A Scholarship is based primarily on academic performance, past or planned research, and recommendations from professors. Here are a few scholarships for students to explore:

Since Chemistry is a relatively vast subject that one can break down and specialize in, most institutes, industries, and governments look for certification and/or a license, along with a degree. Many universities tie-up with independent agencies to assess and evaluate their programs based on certain criteria and are approved to be in a nationally recognized list of chemistry programs if these criteria are met. There are several certifications and licensing options for online masters in chemistry graduates, one of them being the American Chemical Society Certification.

It is best to check for a license or certificate that will make an individual’s chemistry online degree complete, and one that is specific to their chosen field or career. For example, working with pharmaceutical companies or petrochemical companies may require the candidate to be certificated from agencies/bodies approved by these companies. Licensure also varies depending on the state in which the candidate works, and the nature of the job.