Become a top-notch scientist, researcher and scholar

DePaul’s MS in Chemistry prepares you for advanced work in chemistry and biochemistry, and for further graduate study. Through either a thesis or non-thesis degree option, you’ll learn the theory and ethical practice of Chemistry within the scientific method and gain context for appreciating the history of Chemistry in society.

Our facilities include seven dedicated teaching laboratories, the latest instrumentation and a machine shop. Faculty have active research programs in

• bioanalytical chemistry
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• biochemistry
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• biophysical chemistry
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• biophysics
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• chemical physics
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• computational chemistry
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• geochemistry
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• inorganic chemistry
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• medicinal chemistry
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• organic chemistry and synthesis
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• physical chemistry
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• polymer chemistry

Classes are held in the evenings on the Lincoln Park Campus. The program can be completed in two years.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

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A city built on research

A hub for research and production, Chicago is home to numerous R&D labs, world-class universities and hospitals, plus excellent opportunities for teaching at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Here, you’ll find an array of career opportunities. You’ll also benefit from connections to more than 20,600 alumni from the College of Science and Health.

Application Deadlines

Enrollment Quarter	Application Deadline
Fall	August 1
Winter	December 1
Spring	March 1

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts and at least two letters of recommendation.

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Required Courses

You’ll take six core courses, one elective course and one special topics course and complete either thesis or non-thesis track requirements.

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100%

of Chemistry graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

Accomplished researchers and engaged teachers

Study with Professor Wendy S. Wolbach, whose research examines the elemental carbon produced during or following giant meteorite impacts. She’s just one of our many faculty members who conduct cutting-edge research and bring their expertise in teaching and mentorship to the classroom.

Scholarships

A small number of competitive graduate assistantships are available each year for full-time students. These assistantships pay for up to 30 quarter hours of courses per year and an $11,845 annual stipend. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.

Chemistry Admission Requirements

Applying to the Chemistry Program

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning August 1 for the fall term, December 1 for the winter term, and March 1 for the spring term. To be eligible for the Chemistry MS program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from a regionally accredited institution.

Students must also demonstrate successful completion of the following prerequisites:

• One year of calculus
• One year of physics, with laboratory
• One year of general chemistry
• Analytical chemistry, including quantitative or instrumental analysis
• One year of organic chemistry, including spectral analysis
• One upper-level course in inorganic chemistry
• One year of physical chemistry

To apply, please submit the following:

• A completed online application
• Official transcripts from all previous college course work. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for the application review. Official transcripts will be required upon admission.
• At least two letters of recommendation

Students educated outside the United States must present proof of English proficiency. The program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 96 on the TOEFL iBT, or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, or a minimum Duolingo score of 125.

Students with a TOEFL score between 80-95 who otherwise meet entrance requirements may be admitted conditionally into a joint program with DePaul’s English Language Academy (ELA). Students have up to three quarters (one year) to study English intensely and raise their TOEFL score to 96, at which time they may begin the graduate program in chemistry. For questions about this program, contact the graduate program director.

For additional information for international students please visit our International Student Admission Process page.

Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

Graduate Common Core (9 courses/32 credit hours)

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
CHE 494	SCIENCE WRITING AND COMMUNICATION	4
Select six of the following common core courses:		24
CHE 422	INORGANIC STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY
CHE 424	GROUP THEORY
CHE 442	PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
CHE 444	ADVANCED TOPICS IN PROTEIN BIOCHEMISTRY
CHE 450	ADVANCED MECHANISTIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHE 452	ADVANCED SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHE 470	STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS
CHE 472	MOLECULAR DYNAMICS
Select one of the following special topics courses:		4
CHE 480	SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CHE 482	SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY
CHE 484	SPECIAL TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHE 486	SPECIAL TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHE 488	SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Track Requirements

In addition to the 9 courses at 32 credit hours in the Graduate Common Core, Chemistry students must complete the requirements within their chosen track: Thesis Track or one of the Non-Thesis Tracks.

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