Our M.S. in Chemistry offers nine areas of specialization, preparing you forcareers in industry, academia or Ph.D. programs.

MS in Chemistry Overview

UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Chemistry delivers a rigorous, research-focused education designed to advance your career in industry, academia or doctoral studies. Choose from a range of specializations, including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer science and sustainable chemistry. You can also elect certain advanced subjects in related fields of mathematics, physics and engineering.

State-of-the-art labs and faculty engaged in research in areas like nanotechnology, catalysis and biofunctional materials ensure you gain practical, real-world expertise to excel in the evolving field of chemistry.

Chemistry Curriculum

The M.S. in Chemistry is a 30-credit master's degree. Choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks to align with your research interests or career goals.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry.
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 hours) of laboratory research and 18 hours of coursework.
For an NTMS without thesis, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits) beyond the required 18 required credit hours.
Of the 18 course credit minimum, exclusive of research, a minimum of 15 credits must be taken in chemistry. The remaining course credits (3 or more) may be taken in chemistry or in related fields such as physics, mathematics, biology or engineering.
The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010,CHEM.6020,CHEM.6030,CHEM.6040).
Required for Analytical Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5140Advanced Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5800Advanced Analytical Biochemistry3
Required Analytical Specialization
(Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5230
or
CHEM.5680
Organic Reaction Mechanism
or
Structural Analysis
3
CHEM.5221Solid-State Materials Chemistry3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry.
There is no thesis option for the MS in Chemistry Applied Chemistry option. Beyond the 18 required credit hours, chooseany 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits).
The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010,CHEM.6020,CHEM.6030,CHEM.6040).
Required for Applied Chemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
CHEM.5850Modern Organic Chemistry3
CHEM.6310Medicinal Chemistry3
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
Required for the Applied Chemistry Specialization
(Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5510Biochemistry II3
CHEM.5670Computational Chemistry3
CHEM.5950Supermolecular Chemistry3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5700Advanced Protein Chemistry3
CHEM.5620Biopharmaceutical Development3
CHEM.5630Polymer Science I3
Electives (choose 4)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
CHEM.XXXChemistry Elective3
XXXX.XXXXElectives may also be taken in related fields such a physics, mathematics, biology, or engineering with permissions of the graduate coordinator.3

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry.
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research.
For an MS without thesis, choose any 2 graduate chemistry courses (worth the final 6 credits to complete 30 credits).The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010,CHEM.6020,CHEM.6030,CHEM.6040).
Required for Biochemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total15
CHEM.5500Biochemistry3
CHEM.5510Biochemistry II3
CHEM.5600Advanced Physical Biochemistry3
CHEM.5670Computational Chemistry3
CHEM.5700Protein Biochemistry3
Courses for the Biochemistry Specialization (Choose 3)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5680Structural Analysis3
CHEM.5140Advanced Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanisms3
CHEM.5620Biopharmaceutical Development3
CHEM.5800Advanced Analytical Biochemistry3
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research.
Required for Inorganic Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5221Solid State Materials Chemistry3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry3
Additional Courses for the Inorganic Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5140Advanced Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanisms3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
CHEM.5510Biochemistry II3
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research to total 30 credits.
For a non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate level (5000 level or above) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits).The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010,CHEM.6020,CHEM.6030,CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research.
Required for Material Chemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5221Solid State Materials Chemistry3
POLY.5030Advanced Polymer Science I3
Additional Courses for the Material Chemistry Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5360Advanced Materials Chemistry I3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.6720Surface and Colloid Chemistry3
POLY.5040Advanced Polymer Science II3
POLY.5110Biopolymers3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization3
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research and choose any 1 graduate (5000-level or higher) chemistry course (worth the final 3 credits to complete 30 credits)
For a non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate level (5000 level or above) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits).The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010,CHEM.6020,CHEM.6030,CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research.
Required for Organic Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5230Organic Reactions, Mechanics3
CHEM.5680Structural Analysis3
CHEM.5850Modern Organic Chemistry3
Additional Courses for the Organic Specialization (Choose at least 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
CHEM.5240Organic Synthesis3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5950Supermolecular Chemistry3
For a MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research and choose any 1 graduate (5000-level or higher) chemistry course (worth the final 3 credits to complete 30 credits)
For an non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 15 credits to complete 30 credits).The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (,,,).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research. Of the 18 course credit minimum, exclusive of research, a minimum of 15 credits must be taken in chemistry. The remaining course credits (3 or more) may be taken in chemistry or in related fields such as physics, mathematics, biology or engineering.
Required Courses for the Physical Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5340Quantum Chemistry3
Additional Required Courses for the Physical Specialization (Choose Two)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
Advanced Materials Chemistry I3
Solid-State Materials Chemistry3
Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
Supermolecular Chemistry3
Organic Reaction Mechanisms3
Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
Advanced Polymer Science II3
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research and choose any 1 graduate (5000-level or higher) chemistry course (worth the final 3 credits to complete 30 credits)
For an MS without thesis, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 15 credits to complete 30 credits).The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010,CHEM.6020,CHEM.6030,CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24


Required Courses for the Polymer Science Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
POLY.5030Advanced Polymer Science I3
POLY.5040Advanced Polymer Science II3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization3
POLY.5110Biopolymers3
Additional Courses for the Polymer Science Specialization (Choose Two)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
Structural Analysis3
Advanced Physical Chemistry3
Organic Reaction Mechanism3
For an MS without thesis, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits).The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (,,,).
Polymer Seminar:

Each semester the student is required to attend and participate in the chemistry seminar/colloquium program, 6020, 6030 and 6040. In addition, a master's candidate is required to present one seminar in 6020 - Polymer Science Seminar.

Although the design of the academic program is the responsibility of the student's advisory committee, the following listing provides recommended courses for program development.

Polymer Science Specialization First Semester Subjects

  • - Advanced Polymer Science I
  • - Structural Analysis
  • - Biopolymers
  • 10/6020 - Polymer Science Seminar
  • /- Polymer Science Colloquium
  • - Master's Thesis in Polymer Science
  • - Organic Reaction Mechanisms

Polymer Science Specialization Second Semester Subjects

  • - Advanced Polymer Science II
  • Polymer Preparation and Characterization
  • - Polymer Science Seminar
  • /- Polymer Science Colloquium
  • - Master's Thesis in Polymer Science
  • - Surface and Colloid Chemistry
  • - Organic Synthesis
  • - Plastics Processing Techniques
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry.
Required for Sustainable Chemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total15
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5221Solid State Materials Chemistry3
CHEM.5190Sustainable Chemistry3
CHEM.5680Structural Analysis3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization3
Additional Courses for the Sustainable Chemistry Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanisms3
CHEM.5240Organic Synthesis3
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5360Advanced Materials Chemistry I3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry3
CHEM.5800Advanced Analytical Biochemistry3
CHEM.5750Machine Learning and AI in Energy Applications3
CHEM.5850Modern Organic Chemistry3
CHEM.5950Supermolecular Chemistry3
CHEM.6720Surface and Colloid Chemistry3
POLY.5040Advanced Polymer Science II3
POLY.5110Biopolymers3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization3
21 credits are accounted for above, thus 3 free electives may be taken. Students who want to do a thesis should discuss with their graduate coordinators to fulfill 12 credits of research.
For a non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate level (5000 level or above) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits).The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010,CHEM.6020,CHEM.6030,CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

Why Study Chemistry at UMass Lowell?

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Expert Faculty

Learn from facultywho are leaders in their fields, providing mentorship and practical knowledge to advance your expertise.

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Research Opportunities

Conductresearchwith faculty who receive funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Army Research Office, Air Force Office of Research, Office of Naval Research, National Institutes of Health and industrial sponsors.

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Labs and Industry Partnerships

Benefit from UMass Lowell’sstate-of-the-art laboratories andpartnerships with industry leaders, gaining practical, hands-on experience.

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Pfizer
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals
  • Medtronic
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • MilliporeSigma

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visitFinancial Aidif you have questions about your eligibility.

Kennedy College of Sciences master’s and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report (required for some programs, waiver form available)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated.If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on “Program Materials” to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.

Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants: All required documents must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by Feb. 15 to receive full consideration for Fall semester acceptance. Applications completed after this deadline will be considered for acceptance in the subsequent semester.

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will not need to apply via the application portal, Visit the page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications are only being accepted using the online process. Instructions are included in the online application link.

Tips for accessing and completing the online application:

  • Capitalize your proper name.
  • Once the form is submitted, changes can only be made by calling the Office of Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390.

app-fee 2. Application Fees

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or application fee waiver has been approved and delivered to the Office of Graduate Admissions.


3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation except Medical Physics applicants which requires three (3) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to submit three letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process, and that an automated request will be sent out after the completion of your application. Alternatively, you may use the graduate admissions recommendation form (pdf) to request letters of recommendations.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. Please use the recommendation form for these.

5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Transcripts should be sent in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

UMass Lowell Graduate Admissions
GPS Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts that do not clearly indicate to the Office of Graduate Admissions that you have received a four-year bachelor’s degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree must be demonstrated before an application will be processed. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee at:

Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
P.O. Box 170116
Boston, MA 02117
Telephone: 617-338-7171
Fax: 617-338-7101


test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s) (waived for most programs)

If your program requires one or more test scores reports, request that the appropriate agency send an official test score report for the GRE or GMAT to the Office of Graduate Admissions. UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911.

These programs require official test scores:

  • MS Computer Science
  • Ph.D. Computer Science
  • Medical Physics
  • Radiological Sciences

Get more information about standardized tests.

Some master's programs will waive the test score requirements under certain conditions; further information is available on the GRE/GMAT/MAT Waiver Forms webpage.

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