Programs of Study
PhD in Chemistry
Most chemistry graduate students at WSU are working toward a PhD in Chemistry. Some complete an MS degree first, either at WSU or elsewhere, while others go directly from a Bachelor's degree to work on their doctorate. Four to five years of residence (full-time enrollment) beyond the BS is required for the PhD.
The PhD degree centers around a substantial research project and a resulting thesis. Thesis research is a full time activity during the latter part of the student's graduate career. Thirty-four hours of graduate level courses are required in the total PhD program (including the MS or equivalent work). Seminar groups play an important part in the learning experience of PhD students. Students are also expected to become aware of the current literature in their field.
Requirements differ somewhat depending on the student's area of study. The process of getting a Ph.D., based upon division:
- Analytiical, Environmental, and Radiochemistry (AER)
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
In every case, there is a test of competence in the student's area of study; via cumulative examination at regular intervals, or via a comprehensive preliminary examination. At least one year of teaching is required of each student that is completing any graduate degree.
MS in Chemistry
The MS degree in Chemistry is granted upon completion of thirty hours of credit reflecting a variety of basic courses plus a thesis research project of smaller scope and complexity than a PhD thesis. Twenty-one hours must be in course work, with the required thesis and seminars acceptable for the remainder. The MS degree may be used by students unable to continue further graduate work, or by students establishing their subject background and involvement in research prior to beginning a longer PhD thesis problem.
Specific Requirements for a MS
Current Classes
Visit the WSU Catalog for information on all Chemistry courses.
- 501 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I
- 502 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II
- 503 Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
- 506 Industrial Practicum
- 507 Topics in Coordination Chemistry
- 509 Chemical Group Theory
- 510 Introduction to Protemics
- 512 Bioanalysis
- 514 Mass Spectrometry
- 515 Trace Element Analysis
- 517 Chromatography 2
- 518 Electrochemistry 2
- 520 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- 521 Radiochemistry and Radiotracers
- 522 Radiochemistry Laboratory
- 524 Activation Analysis
- 527 Environmental Chemistry
- 529 Selected Topics in Analytical Chemistry
- 531 Advanced Physical Chemistry I
- 532 Advanced Physical Chemistry II
- 534 Chemical Statistical Mechanics
- 535 Computational Quantum Chemistry
- 536 Quantum Chemistry
- 537 Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
- 540 Organic Reaction Mechanisms
- 542 Advanced Organic Chemistry
- 543 Theoretical Organic Chemistry
- 544 Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
- 546 Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
- 550 Special Topics in Nuclear Processes and Radioactive Waste Management
- 551 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
- 555 Teaching Chemistry
- 561 Atomic and Molecular Phenomena
- 564 Molecular Phenomena
- 581 Environmental Chemistry I
- 590 Introduction to Research Topics
- 591 Seminar in Inorganic Chemistry
- 592 Seminar in Analytical Chemistry
- 593 Seminar in Physical Chemistry and Materials Science
- 594 Seminar in Organic Chemistry
Ask an expert
Contact the Graduate Student Advisor, who will help facilitate all areas of your admission, including registration, visas, and assistantships.
Dig into the Catalog
Complete information on each course is available from the WSU Catalog.