Chemistry, M.A.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

About the Program

The Chemistry graduate program is designed to provide a solid background in the chosen area of specialization. It emphasizes the acquisition of skills that enable students to gain further knowledge in their research and professional careers. For this reason, the Chemistry graduate degree program is research oriented, and seminar attendance and familiarization with the chemical literature are considered integral. The course requirements are comparatively light, although a wide variety of intermediate and advanced courses in related areas are offered. Students are encouraged to take courses in related areas, such as Biology, Computer Science, and Physics, according to their research interests.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study: A Chemical Physics program is offered jointly with the Department of Physics.

Areas of Specialization: The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Areas of specialization include environmental chemistry, materials and polymers, medicinal, nanoscience, photonics, and surface science. For the master's program, two options are offered:

  • Thesis Track, which is designed for students who are not full-time. Students cannot receive financial support from the Chemistry Department when completing this option. Any student wanting to pursue this option must receive prior approval from the Graduate Committee.
  • Coursework Track, which is designed for students who already have extensive experience in the laboratory and are currently employed in the local chemical industry. Students must get permission from the Graduate Committee to pursue this option.

Job Prospects: The majority of students find employment in the chemical industry. Some go on to academic positions or positions in government laboratories.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students are allowed to take up to 9 credits before admission into a degree program must be sought.

Financing Opportunities: The duties of a Teaching Assistant typically involve leading recitation sections and/or overseeing laboratories, as well as grading lab assignments, tests, and quizzes, when applicable. After their first year, most students are supported by a research assistantship.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: December 15; January 1 international
Spring: September 15; August 1 international

For Fall admissions, priority will be given to applications submitted by December 15. Applications submitted after December 15 will be considered on a case-by-case basis for admissions and financial assistance.

Applications for Spring admission should be received by September 15. Note, however, that Spring admission is rare as coursework is designed to start in the Fall.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from faculty or people in industry who are familiar with the academic and/or research aptitude of the candidate.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree is required. Typically, the undergraduate degree has been earned in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.

Statement of Goals: Include your specific interest in Temple's program; your research goals; your future career goals; and your academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Required. If the applicant's GPA is below 3.25, s/he can be considered for appointment as a Teaching Assistant if her/his percentile scores on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE sum to at least 100%.

TOEFL: 88 iBT or 575 PBT minimum. Regardless of score, all international students are required to take a SPEAK test upon arrival at Temple.

Resume: Current resume required.

Transfer Credit: All graduate credits earned by a student prior to matriculation in the Chemistry graduate program are subject to evaluation and approval by the Chemistry Graduate Committee. A "Request for Transfer of Graduate Credit" form, found in TUportal under the Tools tab within “University Forms,” must be completed. It must be supplemented with an official transcript, sent directly by the Registrar of the institution where the credits were earned. All transfer credits must be "B" or higher and must be from an accredited institution. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses:

Thesis Track

Six formal lecture courses18
Literature seminar2
An approved graduate course and/or research course4
CHEM 9996Master's Thesis Research6
Total Credit Hours30

Coursework Track

Ten formal lecture courses30
Total Credit Hours30

Culminating Events:
Thesis:
The M.A. thesis is the culminating event for the Thesis Track. The thesis should be an original piece of research. Often, but not always, the research described in the M.A. thesis can be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The student coordinates the time for the defense with her/his Graduate Advisory Committee, which is responsible for evaluating the thesis and its defense. No thesis should go to defense unless it is ready for public scrutiny.

Master's Examination:
The master's examination is usually the last requirement to be fulfilled by students in the Coursework Track. Its purpose is to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in the core concepts of Chemistry. The exam is based on the student's major track in Chemistry. Faculty members in the student's track write the questions for the mater's exam. The faculty members who write the questions grade the exam. Students schedule the exam though the Graduate Secretary.

Courses

CHEM 5001. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I. 3 Credit Hours.

Group theory and its applications to chemical systems. Molecular orbital theory and spectroscopy. Descriptive chemistry of transition metal and organometallic compounds.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5102. Data Analysis and Evidence. 2 Credit Hours.

Forensic chemistry involves the forensic application of analytical chemistry theories, techniques and instrumentation to the analysis of controlled substances, fire debris evidence, explosives, and other trace evidence/chemical unknown materials. This course will cover those concepts relevant to the field of forensic chemistry including chain of custody, the theory and practical applications of the uncertainty of measurement and propagation of error. Students will also learn the classifications and unique physical and chemical characteristics of forensic chemistry evidence and investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of this evidence through the use of chemical, microscopic and instrumental techniques. The chemical characteristics of explosive materials as well as the analytical techniques used to analyze these samples will also be covered.

Department Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Departments: CST:Chemistry.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5103. Advanced Instrumental Methods. 3 Credit Hours.

Recent developments in electrochemical and electroanalytical techniques, including voltammetric and potentiostatic procedures and the basics of instrumental design. Applications to organic chemistry, trace analysis, chromatographic detectors, and electrokinetics discussed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5107. Drug Analysis. 4 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5108. Investigative Chemistry. 4 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5201. Physical Methods in Organic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Principles and applications of important physical and spectroscopic methods; IR, UV, NMR, MS, ESR, ORD, and CD in structure determination.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5202. Organic Reaction Mechanisms. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introductory overview of organic structure and most common organic reaction mechanisms.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5205. Organic Syntheses. 3 Credit Hours.

Scope and limitations of modern synthetic methods, including silicon reagents, organometallic and radical chemistry.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5301. Quantum Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to quantum mechanics and its application to chemical systems.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5302. Statistical Thermodynamics. 3 Credit Hours.

The basic concept of statistical mechanical ensembles and their application.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5304. Nanomaterials Chemistry and Physics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will cover the key chemical/physical properties of nanomaterials as well as nanomaterials characterization and synthesis for graduate students. The goal of this class is to help students get familiar to the important concepts associated with the confined dimensionality in nanomaterials and apply these concepts to understand unique electronic/optical properties of nanomaterials and the thermodynamics/kinetics of forming nanomaterials. The course is organized with four modules: 1) Introduction to Nanoscience - Physical and Chemical Concepts, 2) Characterization of Materials at Nanoscale, 3) Fabrication of Nanostructures and Nanomaterials, and 4) Case Study of Specific Nanomaterials.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5305. Chemical Kinetics. 3 Credit Hours.

A study of the dynamics of chemical reactions.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5358. Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5401. Biochemistry I. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of the biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids) correlating their structures with their chemical properties and biological functions.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5412. Structural Bioinformatics II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an introduction to structural bioinformatics, with focus on understanding three dimensional structures of biological macromolecules. Topics covered include: an overview of macromolecular structure determination, introduction to molecular modeling theory and the application of computational modelling in structure based drug design. The course also offers practical training on the application of molecular modelling methods for understanding structural biology and in rational drug discovery.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
BIOL 5411|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently.

CHEM 5505. Advanced Polymer Structure and Properties. 3 Credit Hours.

Polymers are ubiquitous in many new (scaffolds for tissue engineering, hip replacements) and old (textiles, engineering resins, flocculants) applications, and are often used in composites with inorganic materials. In order to better understand the use and novel developments of polymers, this course will provide the fundamentals of synthesis, polymer structure/property relationships, and characterization methods.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5701. Teaching of Chemistry. 0 to 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8000. Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of a topic chosen by the instructor. Topics could include bioinorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, solid state and materials chemistry, and catalysis.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8001. Leadership, Law and Ethics in Forensic Science. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide the students with an introduction to the American criminal justice system, explain the role of the forensic scientist in the criminal justice system, and discuss theoretical and practical applications of forensic science laboratory management. Students will learn successful leadership styles and discuss topics relating to ethical behavior, quality measures including quality control and quality assurance, communication and privacy issues relating to forensic science as well as resource management. Through discussion and analysis of the U.S. Constitution, the Pennsylvania Constitution, Federal (and State) Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Federal (and State) Rules of Evidence with particular emphasis on case law, students will develop a practical understanding of modern criminal jurisprudence. Special emphasis and consideration will be given to the ethical obligations of criminal justice practitioners, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers and expert witnesses.

Department Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Departments: CST:Chemistry.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8107. Advanced Forensic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Forensic chemistry involves the forensic application of analytical chemistry theories, techniques and instrumentation to the analysis of controlled substances, fire debris evidence, explosives, and other trace evidence/chemical unknown materials. This course will cover those concepts relevant to the field of forensic chemistry including chain of custody, the theory and practical applications of the uncertainty of measurement and propagation of error. Students will also learn the classifications and unique physical and chemical characteristics of forensic chemistry evidence and investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of this evidence through the use of chemical, microscopic and instrumental techniques. The chemical characteristics of explosive materials as well as the analytical techniques used to analyze these samples will also be covered.

Department Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Departments: CST:Chemistry.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
CHEM 5102|Minimum Grade of B+|May not be taken concurrently.

CHEM 8200. Special Topics in Organic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course; subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8201. The Chemistry of Natural Products. 3 Credit Hours.

Biogenetic classification, classical and modern synthetic approaches to polyketides, steroids, terpenes, and alkaloids.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8202. Organometallic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of the chemistry of organic compounds of the main and transition elements, with emphasis on their reactions and applications.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8205. Heterocyclic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8210. Special Topics in Organic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course; subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8300. Special Topics in Physical Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course, subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8301. Molecular Spectroscopy. 3 Credit Hours.

Absorption, emission and scattering of light by molecular system. Discussion of basic principles and experimental techniques.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8302. Computational Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8303. Modern Meth in Exp Chem. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8310. Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course, subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8400. Special Topics in Biochemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course; subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8401. Bioinorganic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8501. High Polymer Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the important theoretical and practical aspects of high polymer chemistry.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8601. Analytical Separations. 3 Credit Hours.

Theory and practice of modern separation methods with emphasis on chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8985. Teaching in Higher Ed:Phys Sci. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

Teaching in Higher Education: Physical Sciences. This course focuses on learning theory and the best teaching practices, with the aim of preparing students for effective higher education teaching.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9300. Seminar in Physical Chemistry. 1 Credit Hour.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9800. Seminar in Forensic Chemistry. 1 Credit Hour.

Wide-ranging introduction to key areas and "hot topics" in forensic science, as presented by a series of guest lectures by leading practitioners in the field.

Department Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Departments: CST:Chemistry.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9900. Seminar. 2 Credit Hours.

Formal presentation of research topics by graduate students. Regular attendance required of all graduate students.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9991. Master's Research Projects. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Short-term, limited research project or laboratory project in the field. This course is not the capstone project course, nor can it be used for thesis based research. The course is for master's students only, including PSM, MA or MS. This class will not confer full-time program status unless nine credits are taken.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9994. Preliminary Examination Preparation. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This course is required for students who are preparing for the preliminary or candidacy examination. Students should enroll after coursework is completed or when preparing for the candidacy exam until the time that the preliminary or candidacy examination is completed. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit. All students must complete a minimum of one credit of this course. Students must complete a total of 6 credit hours of 9994, 9998 and 9999.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9995. Capstone Project. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Capstone project for master's students including students in PSM, MA or MS. This class will provide full-time status. Students in PSM programs need to register for at least one credit of this course to fulfill program requirements. Additional credits may be required for specific programs. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Arts, Master of Science, Prof Science Masters.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9996. Master's Thesis Research. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Course for master's thesis research. Only intended for students in thesis bearing master's programs. A minimum of one credit is required. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9998. Pre-Dissertation Research / Elevation to Candidacy. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This course is intended for students who are performing research prior to candidacy. Students can register for this course after required courses are completed. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit. Students must be registered for this course during the semester that they are to be elevated to candidacy examination. Students must complete a total of 6 credit hours of 9994, 9998 and 9999.

Department Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Departments: CST:Chemistry.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Chemistry.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Science & Technology.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9999. Dissertation Research. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

The course is for Ph.D. students who have been elevated to candidacy. During the course of their candidacy students must complete a minimum of two credits of dissertation research. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit. Students must complete a total of 6 credit hours of 9994, 9998 and 9999.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Dissertation Writing Student.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Contacts

Program Web Address:

https://chem.cst.temple.edu/graduate/

Department Information:

Dept. of Chemistry

130 Beury Hall

1901 N. 13th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19122

cstgrad@temple.edu

215-204-7118

Mailing Address for Application Materials:

Dept. of Chemistry

400 Carnell Hall (041-03)

1803 N. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19122-6095

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Graduate Secretary

cstgrad@temple.edu

215-204-1980

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Frank Spano

Graduate Chairperson

spano@temple.edu

215-204-5203

Chairperson:

Dr. Daniel R. Strongin

dstrongi@temple.edu

215-204-7119