Accelerated B.A./Master's Degree Program:
Chemistry
Overview
The Accelerated B.A./Masters Degree Program in Chemistry is designed for students interested in a career in chemistry or in secondary school science teaching. The program provides a mixture of coursework and original research with the emphasis on the student's research. The research areas offered include biochemistry, organic, environmental, physical, inorganic and analytical chemistry. The M.A. degree helps to prepare students for future careers in chemistry, whether at a university, industry, secondary school or other chemistry-related position.
Entry into the program
During their junior year, students contact a faculty member whose research interests mesh with their own (descriptions of Clark chemistry program faculty research interests are available on the web). With the consent of the faculty member, the student then applies to the program by completing their Part 1 application no later than April 1 of the junior year. If the student is accepted and enrolls in the program, they must complete Part 2 of the B.A./M.A. application by October 15 of their senior year. During the senior year, the student must take at least one credit of directed research (or honors research) each semester. The program is open only to Clark chemistry majors.
Program of study
Beginning in the senior year, students take at least four graduate-level chemistry courses that are approved by their faculty advisor. Courses at the 200-level or 300-level are eligible for graduate credit. Courses at the 200-level that are used to fulfill undergraduate required courses in the chemistry or biochemistry major cannot also be counted toward the M.A. degree. Recent students have taken courses such as Chem 231 (Advanced Organic Chemistry), Chem 236 (Organometallic Chemistry), Chem 266 (Biomolecular NMR), Chem 281 (Polymer Science), Chem 333 (Synthetic Organic Chemistry) and Chem 360 (Physical Chemistry). Students must also prepare a written thesis, based on original research. Typically students will begin the research for their thesis no later than the fall of their senior year. Students conduct research working in close collaboration with faculty advisors and with doctoral students. Students should plan to work full-time on their research both the summer before and the summer after their 5th year. On completion of the research, there is an oral defense of the research thesis.
Departmental eligibility requirements
The Master of Arts in chemistry is open to undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors. Other undergraduate majors who complete the required courses in chemistry (Chem 101,102 or 103,131, 132 or 134, 260, 262 or 264, 140, 142 or 244, and 250) are also eligible for the program. All students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in courses taken in mathematics and the natural sciences.
Lab Fee
Students entering their fifth year in 2013 (and beyond) will be required to pay a lab fee of $500 per semester during the completion of their fifth year program. This lab fee is non-refundable and appears on the student's bill at the beginning of fall and spring (and summer if student has not completed master's requirements).
Program Advisor
(Signature Required on Application: Part 1)
Professor Frederick Greenaway, Department Chair
fgreenaway@clarku.edu
Sackler Sciences Center, Room S102
Call the Chemistry Department at 508-793-7116
Student profiles
Students who have successfully completed the program have gone on to Ph.D. study and to medical school.
Application Form