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The M.S. program requires completing 30 credit hours of study. While some students may finish within one academic year, most need additional time. Given the varied academic backgrounds and career objectives of each candidate, we expect diverse study plans within the M.S. program rather than enforcing strict course prerequisites. Typically, most credits should be earned through advanced chemistry and related subjects. Your personalized curriculum, developed with the M.S. Graduate Program Director, may include courses from various disciplines across Cornell University.
This program caters to individuals seeking advanced knowledge in the chemical sciences while enhancing their research, analytical, and teaching skills. Research-focused students must demonstrate initiative by designing and pursuing their own projects, with the M.S. degree granted upon completing a research project documented in an archival thesis submitted to both the student's committee and the Graduate School. First-year students typically enroll in Chem 5110 during fall semester, which introduces the extensive research resources available within our department and throughout the university.
Applicants should have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in chemistry, including courses in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as in mathematics and physics. Letters of Recommendation: two (minimum); three (maximum) GRE scores are not required Academic Statement of Purpose: one-page statement required Resume Writing Sample. There is no need to create a new piece of writing, and we would generally prefer not to receive an example of scientific writing. If you have any other sample of English writing--a history paper, an essay, a poem--of short length, that should be more than adequate.