The Graduate Chemistry program at Loyola University Chicago encompasses the traditional fields of specialization, including: Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Education, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry

For students who enroll in our course-based Master of Science program, you will enjoy the small class sizes found in our upper level courses and access it provides to your instructors. Students with a strong interest in research can choose to obtain a thesis-based master's in a diverse range of subjects. Our MS students receive the academic rigor and laboratory instrumentation access associated with our PhD program in a flexible and condensed schedule expected of a master's program.

The Chemistry (MS) also offers an Accelerated Master's Pathway for Undergraduate students to complete their Graduate studies in a fifth year.  Further details of the AMP, including the suggested sequence of courses, can be found under the Curriculum tab.

Related Programs

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Chemistry requires 30 credit hours. Students may choose a course-based or thesis-based program, depending on their future goals.

Besides the traditional Master's program, the Chemistry (MS) is also offered as an Accelerated Master's Pathway where exceptional students can complete the program in a fifth year.  A suggested sequence for the AMP can be found below.

Master of Science in Chemistry (Course-Based)

Required Coursework

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
Select four from the following		12
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
Chemistry Research (no more than 3cr hours)
400 Level Chemistry Electives 1		15
Total Hours		30

¹

Elective courses can be distributed or in a specialized area as determined by student. A list of all 400 level Chemistry courses can be found here. 

Master of Science in Chemistry (Thesis-Based)

Required Coursework

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
Select one of the following:		3
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
Select one of the following:		12
CHEM 429	Research in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 439	Research in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 449	Research in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 459	Research in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 469	Research in Biochemistry
Select any four courses from any area of specialization (Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, Education)		12
Analytical
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry (Archeometry)
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry (Adv Analytical Chemistry)
Biochemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (Plant Biochemistry)
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (The Chemistry of Enzymes)
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (Biochemistry of Lipids)
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (Adv Approaches in Biochemistry)
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (Adv Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanisms)
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (Molecular Immunology)
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (Biochemistry of Renewable Energy)
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry (Proteomics)
CHEM 470	Biochemistry I
Education
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
Inorganic
CHEM 441	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry)
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (Electron & X-Ray Methods)
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (Molecular Characterization Part B)
Organic
CHEM 423	Medicinal Chemistry
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (Orgo Structure Determination)
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (Strategy & Tactics of Org Chem)
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (Func Dyes Biomed Imaging)
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (Avd Orgo-Synthesis and Mech)
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (Comp Organomet Chem)
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (Advanced Organic Synthesis)
Physical
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (Exp Tech of Surface Science)
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (Survey of Modern Physical Chem)
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (Surface Chem and Analysis)
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (Thermodynam/ Protein Structures)
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (Computational Chemistry)
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
Total Hours		30

Thesis Requirement

 In addition to coursework, students in Thesis-based MS in Chemistry will write and defend a research thesis. Once students have completed coursework and are solely working on the thesis they will be enrolled in the appropriate study or supervision course to maintain good standing in the university.

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework.  An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study.  Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection. 

Traditional Master's Program

Master of Science in Chemistry (Course-Based)

Plan of Study Grid

Year One
Fall		Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
Select one of the following:		3
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
400 Level CHEM Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
400 Level CHEM Elective		3
	Hours	9
Year Two
Fall
400 Level CHEM Elective		3
Select one of the following:		3
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
	Hours	6
Spring
400 Level CHEM Elective		3
400 Level CHEM Elective		3
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	30

Master of Science in Chemistry (Thesis-Based)

Course selection is based on specialized area of study (Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, Education), and some courses are of variable credit.

Organic Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Year One
Fall		Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A	3
CHEM 429	Research in Organic Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 423	Medicinal Chemistry
CHEM 429	Research in Organic Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Year Two
Fall
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 423	Medicinal Chemistry
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 429	Research in Organic Chemistry	3
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	9
Spring
CHEM 429	Research in Organic Chemistry	3
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	3
	Total Hours	30

Inorganic Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Year One
Fall		Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM 449	Research in Inorganic Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 441	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 449	Research in Inorganic Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Year Two
Fall
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 441	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 449	Research in Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	9
Spring
CHEM 449	Research in Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	3
	Total Hours	30

Physical Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Year One
Fall		Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry	3
CHEM 439	Research in Physical Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 439	Research in Physical Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Year Two
Fall
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry	3
CHEM 439	Research in Physical Chemistry	3
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	6
Spring
CHEM 439	Research in Physical Chemistry	6
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	30

Analytical Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Year One
Fall		Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry	3
CHEM 459	Research in Analytical Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 459	Research in Analytical Chemistry	3
	Hours	9
Year Two
Fall
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry	3
CHEM 459	Research in Analytical Chemistry	3
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	6
Spring
CHEM 459	Research in Analytical Chemistry	6
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	30

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Students can take up to 12 credit hours in the senior year with admission to the AMP.  These credits are shared between the Bachelor's and Master's programs.

Master of Science in Chemistry (Course-Based)

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
Select one of the following:		3
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
400-Level CHEM Elective		3
	Hours	6
Spring
400-Level CHEM Elective		3
400-Level CHEM Elective		3
	Hours	6
Master's
Fall
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
Select one of the following:		3
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
400-Level CHEM Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
400-Level CHEM Elective		3
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Master of Science in Chemistry (Thesis-Based)

Organic Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 423	Medicinal Chemistry
	Hours	6
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 423	Medicinal Chemistry
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
	Hours	6
Master's
Fall
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A	3
CHEM 429	Research in Organic Chemistry	3
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	9
Spring
CHEM 429	Research in Organic Chemistry	9
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Inorganic Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 441	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
	Hours	6
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 441	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
	Hours	6
Master's
Fall
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM 449	Research in Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	9
Spring
CHEM 449	Research in Inorganic Chemistry	9
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Physical Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
	Hours	6
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
	Hours	6
Master's
Fall
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 439	Research in Physical Chemistry	6
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	9
Spring
CHEM 439	Research in Physical Chemistry	9
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Analytical Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
	Hours	6
Spring
Select two of the following:		6
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
	Hours	6
Master's
Fall
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
CHEM 459	Research in Analytical Chemistry	6
CHEM 605	Master's Study	0
	Hours	9
Spring
CHEM 459	Research in Analytical Chemistry	9
CHEM 595	Thesis Supervision	0
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Responsible Conduct of Research

All PhD students and students in thesis-based Master's degree programs must successfully complete UNIV 370 Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship or other approved coursework in responsible conduct of research as part of the degree requirements. It is strongly recommended that students complete this two-day training before beginning the dissertation/thesis stage of the program.

Guidelines for Accelerated Master's Pathways

In Accelerated Master’s Pathways, students share limited, authorized credits between their Undergraduate and Graduate degrees to facilitate completion of both degrees in a shorter amount of time. Shared credits are Graduate level credit hours (400-level or higher) taken during the Undergraduate career and then applied both to the Undergraduate degree and towards Graduate program requirements.

Admission and Matriculation

Accelerated Master's Pathways are designed to enhance opportunities for advanced training for Loyola’s Undergraduates. Admission to these programs is competitive and will depend upon a positive review of credentials by the Graduate program. Accordingly, the admission requirements for these programs may be higher than those required if the Master’s degree were pursued entirely after the receipt of a Bachelor’s degree.

Students enrolled in an Accelerated Master's Pathway who choose not to continue to the Master’s degree program upon completion of the Bachelor’s degree will face no consequences.

Ideally, a student will apply for admission to an AMP program as they approach 90 credit hours in their Undergraduate career.

Students will not officially matriculate into the Master’s degree program and be labeled as a Graduate student by the university, with accompanying changes to tuition and Financial Aid (see below), until the Undergraduate degree has been awarded. Once admitted to the Graduate program, students must meet the academic standing requirements of their Graduate program as they complete the program curriculum.

Advising and Registration

Students in their final Undergraduate year will work with Advising in the home School of their Bachelor's program(s), as well as the Graduate Program Director of the Master’s program. Any 400-level or higher courses that the student plans to enroll in should be reviewed by both advisors to ensure that these courses will complete requirements for both degrees.

Registration in Graduate level courses during the Undergraduate year may require assistance from the Graduate Program Director and/or the student’s current academic advisor to enroll.

Shared Credits

Only courses taken at the 400-level or higher will count toward the Graduate program. At the Undergraduate level, students are restricted to enrolling in and sharing up to the number of Graduate level credits explicitly indicated in the catalog for their selected AMP program.

In general, Graduate level coursework should not be taken prior to admission into the Accelerated Master's Pathway. Exceptions may be granted for professional programs where curriculum for the Accelerated Master's Pathway is designed to begin earlier. On the recommendation of the program’s Graduate Program Director, students may take one of their Graduate level courses before they are admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Pathway if they have advanced abilities in their discipline and course offerings warrant such an exception.

Degree Requirements and Conferral

Undergraduate degree requirements are in no way impacted by admission to an Accelerated Master’s Pathway. Students should not, for example, attempt to negotiate themselves out of a writing intensive requirement on the basis of admission to a Graduate program.

The program’s Graduate Program Director will designate credit hours to be shared through the advising form and Master’s degree conferral review process. Graduate credit hours taken during the Undergraduate career will not be included in the Graduate GPA calculation.

If students wish to transfer credits from another university to Loyola University Chicago, the program’s Graduate Program Director will review the relevant syllabus or syllabi to determine whether it meets the criteria for a 400-level course or higher.

Programs with specialized accreditation requirements that allow programs to offer Graduate curriculum to Undergraduate students will conform to those specialized accreditation requirements.

Degrees are awarded sequentially. All details of Undergraduate commencement are handled in the ordinary way as for all students in the School/College/Institute. Once matriculated in the Graduate program, students abide by the graduation deadlines set forth by the Graduate program. Students in these programs must be continuously enrolled from Undergraduate to Graduate degree program unless given explicit permission by their program for a gap year or approved leave of absence. In offering the option of an Accelerated Master’s Pathway, the university is making possible the acceleration of a student’s Graduate degree completion. It should be understood that students may not request deferral of their matriculation into the Master’s degree program. If students would like to delay their Graduate studies after earning the Undergraduate degree, they may apply for admission to the traditional Master’s degree program. Any application of Graduate credit earned while in the Undergraduate program is subject to the policies of the Graduate degree granting school.

Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations

Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.

Learning Outcomes

• Trained in necessary lab protocol (notebooks, design of experiment, safety, etc.), effective communication of science, and job function (intellectual property, regulatory, ethics, etc.) necessary for careers with an advanced degree.
• Develop capabilities to solve fundamental problems on advanced topics in chemistry sub-disciplines relevant to their field of study.
• Demonstrate the ability to select and utilize appropriate methodologies and practices to solve chemical problems.