Chemistry (MS)

Research at the University of Oregon is designed to keep student researchers at the forefront of chemical science. Our programs in the traditional areas of biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry lay the foundation for new discoveries in materials science, molecular biology, optics, and theoretical chemistry. Though our department is medium in size, we are a leading innovator in chemistry.

A unique strength of our program is its interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching. Chemical scientists may be interested in the Institute of Molecular Biology, the Institute for Fundamental Science, the Materials Science Institute, the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ), and the programs in cell biology and molecular synthesis, structure, and dynamics.

We offer a traditional Master's as well as several internship-based Master's programs. Internship salaries can help offset the cost of tuition for students in an internship program; the traditional Master's program does not include financial support.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Have in-depth knowledge in a main subfield of chemistry. Students will acquire this knowledge by doing advanced course work in the field, reading scientific papers, and optionally performing original research in the lab.
  • Students pursuing a research master's degree will learn how to carry out independent chemistry research. Students will learn literature comprehension skills, will properly cite and reference techniques and methods, will be able to place one's research in context of the field, and will be able to communicate research results through scientific publications and presentations. Students will be able to formulate scientific hypotheses, understand the scientific method and apply it to research design, will become proficient at data gathering and interpretation, and will be able to write a research proposal. Students will pursue a research problem culminating in a written thesis that makes a significant and original contribution to the understanding of chemistry.
  • Have professional development skills and knowledge. Students will attend professional meetings and make oral or poster presentations. Students will learn how to get internships in governmental labs, in industry, or in teaching. Students will learn soft skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, communication.
  • Understand and have awareness of professional, ethical and safety applications of their knowledge. Students will develop and understand the ethical and social dimension of science and the role and responsibility of chemistry for the advancement of the society. Students will learn and put into practice the expectations of responsible conduct in the professional field. Students will learn about laboratory safety and best safety practices.

Chemistry Major Requirements

Department Requirements 1, 230
Internship Program in Electrochemistry28
Advanced Electrochemistry
Chemistry Professional Development 3
Numerical Simulation in Electrochemistry
Analytical Electrochemistry Laboratory
Electrochemical Device Engineering
Electrochemical Device Laboratory
Applied Electrochemistry Projects Laboratory 3
External Graduate Internship 3
Total Credits58
1

Six graded graduate-level courses with a minimum 24 credits.

2

Nine credit hours in 600-level courses.

3

May substitute for an approved alternative course.

Chemistry - Electrochemical Technology Concentration

Electrochemistry AMP Courses
CH 554Advanced Electrochemistry4
CH 531Inorganic Chemistry4
CH 689Chemistry Professional Development1
CH 690Numerical Simulation in Electrochemistry2
CH 691Analytical Electrochemistry Laboratory2
CH 692Electrochemical Device Engineering4
CH 693Electrochemical Device Laboratory4
CH 694Applied Electrochemistry Projects Laboratory4
CH 695External Graduate Internship30
Core Undergraduate Chemistry Courses
CH 221General Chemistry I4
or CH 224H Advanced General Chemistry I
CH 222General Chemistry II4
or CH 225H Advanced General Chemistry II
CH 223General Chemistry III4
or CH 226H Advanced General Chemistry III
CH 227General Chemistry Laboratory2
CH 228General Chemistry Laboratory2
CH 229General Chemistry Laboratory2
or CH 399 Special Studies: [Topic]
CH 341Majors Track Organic Chemistry I4
or CH 331 Organic Chemistry I
CH 342Majors Track Organic Chemistry II4
or CH 335 Organic Chemistry II
CH 343Majors Track Organic Chemistry III4
or CH 337 Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CH 337Organic Chemistry Laboratory3
CH 338Organic Chemistry Laboratory3
CH 348Organic Chemistry Laboratory for Majors4
CH 349Organic Chemistry Lab for Majors4
CH 411Physical Chemistry4
CH 412Physical Chemistry4
CH 413Physical Chemistry4
CH 417Physical Chemistry Laboratory4
CH 418Physical Chemistry Laboratory4
CH 419Physical Chemistry Laboratory4
CH 429Instrumental Analysis5
Required Math Courses
MATH 251Calculus I4
MATH 252Calculus II4
MATH 253Calculus III4
MATH 256Introduction to Differential Equations4
MATH 281Several-Variable Calculus I4
Required Physics Courses
PHYS 251Foundations of Physics I4
or PHYS 201 General Physics
PHYS 252Foundations of Physics I4
or PHYS 202 General Physics
PHYS 253Foundations of Physics I4
or PHYS 203 General Physics
PHYS 204Introductory Physics Laboratory2
or PHYS 290 Foundations of Physics Laboratory
PHYS 205Introductory Physics Laboratory2
or PHYS 290 Foundations of Physics Laboratory
PHYS 206Introductory Physics Laboratory2
or PHYS 290 Foundations of Physics Laboratory
University Requirements The Student will need complete the UO requirements in Writing, Arts and Letters, Social Science, and Cultural Literacy53
Total Credits219

Admission Process

Students apply to program during their junior year. 

(1) GPA and course of study to date
(2) resume including volunteer and paid work, and previous experiences
(3) personal statement including experiences, career goals and discussion of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion
(5) interview including technical, experience, and behavioral components