Graduate Degrees

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Masters in Chemistry

Western Kentucky University's Graduate Program in Chemistry provides a unique learning and research environment and many opportunities for students to develop as independent researchers. Fifteen graduate faculty members provide personal and professional mentoring in an intrinsically collegial, yet challenging graduate experience. Available resources efficiently support the learning needs and academic ambitions of students with varied backgrounds and interests. The program leading to a MS in chemistry is designed to offer students comprehensive training in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.

About the Masters in Chemistry Program

With 25 to 30 students enrolled in the program at a time, all students have meaningful contact on a daily basis with their faculty mentors and fellow students. Interaction within and between research groups is encouraged, which allows students to develop significant professional and personal relationships. The MS program allows students to pursue guided independent research alongside specialized course work, undergraduate laboratory teaching experience, and intensive proposal writing and seminar experience.

Five Year BS/MS (JUMP) Degree

Students may obtain both a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS-certified) and a Master of Science in Chemistry (MS Degree) concurrently. Interested students can apply prior to completion of 75 hours of undergraduate credits. The Integrated Master's/Bachelor's program is an exciting opportunity for students who excel academically. Students participating in the Joint BS/MS program will typically be admitted to Graduate Studies and Research at the beginning of the year in which they complete the total number of credit hours required for the undergraduate degree in chemistry.

Custom Designed Graduate Coursework

Graduate coursework is intended to strengthen and broaden a student's basic scientific knowledge and to assist in understanding of topics relevant to the student research. Therefore, the curriculum is designed by the student and his/her graduate advisory committee based on the students' research interests and needs, taking into consideration previous education and experiences. This approach easily accommodates students who perform interdisciplinary research. Requirements for this degree consist of 24 semester hours of course work, 6 hour of thesis research, a thesis and 2 hours of research tool (proficiency in computers, foreign language or other options). Courses are listed in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

Research

The research facilities in the department are among the best in the area with an excellent selection of well-maintained, state-of-the-art equipment. These facilities, along with an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, allow students and faculty to pursue competitive work at the frontiers of their fields. Our graduate students work directly with one of our faculty advisors to develop, complete, and defend a Master's thesis in a wide variety of research areas. 

WKU Graduate Student Support

Teaching Assistantship (TA's)

Many incoming graduate students are offered either full or partial teaching assistantship at the first semester, subject to availability. TA positions include a reduction in tuition to the in-state rate.

Research Assistantship (RA's)

An RA performs research full time to support the research efforts of the faculty member providing the funding (usually through a grant or contract). Typical  RA assistantships, which may include partial or full tuition support, are offered for a graduate student in good standing in both courses as well as research.

Some Reasons to be a MS Chemistry Graduate

• The MS degree option offers a solid program in chemistry and biochemistry in an excellent environment in which students can pursue their academic goals.
• After graduation, graduates choose advanced study in the areas of research, academics, medicine, pharmacy and law, among others.
• Masters degree in reasonable time frame.
• Opportunity to be a Teaching Assistant
• Chance to Use the Modern Instrumentation
• Great Faculty/Student interaction

Location

Bowling Green/Warren County is a growing community of 100,000 located along Interstate I-65 approximately 110 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky and 65 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to the athletic, cultural and social opportunities on the WKU campus, the Bowling Green/Warren County community operates several well-maintained parks with running trails, and volleyball and basketball courts, three public golf courses and a water park. Bowling Green/Warren County is also home of the National Corvette Museum, the Kentucky Museum, the Capital Arts Center and the Bowling Green Symphony.

Admission and Applications

Go directly to the WKU Graduate School for information about admissions, or to apply for our graduate program.

For more information

Department of Chemistry

Western Kentucky University

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11079

Bowling Green, KY 42101-1079

Office: 444 Thompson Complex Central Wing

Phone: (270) 745-3457

Fax: (270) 745-5361

Web: www.wku.edu/chemistry