Grad Chem Major: New Brunswick's Offerings

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a Master's and a Doctoral Degree in Chemistry. The university awarded seven Master's degrees and 17 Doctoral degrees in Chemistry during the 2019-2020 academic year. The University of New Brunswick, on the other hand, offers MSc and PhD degrees in Chemistry.

Graduate chemistry degrees at Rutgers University, New Brunswick

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Science (M.S.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The department is located in an urban setting in New Brunswick, NJ, and provides a rigorous program of graduate study.

The Ph.D. curriculum balances directed research with coursework to prepare graduates for careers in industry and academia. On the other hand, the M.S. program is designed for industrial chemists seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Both programs offer specializations in various fields, including biological chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

The graduate programs at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, provide students with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and faculty mentorship. The department has a strong focus on research, with faculty members securing funding from government agencies and consistently ranking highly in total research expenditures. The broad scope of research centers and institutes provides a vast array of instrumentation to support the research efforts of graduate students.

Financial support is guaranteed for all Ph.D. candidates in good academic standing and is available through various sources, including research and teaching assistantships, as well as a variety of fellowships. The application process for the graduate programs includes submitting GRE test scores and a thesis, with a $60 application fee for domestic students.

Chemistry degrees at the University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) offers a variety of chemistry degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate Degrees

UNB's Fredericton campus offers a Chemistry program as a major, double major, minor, or honours option as part of a four-year Bachelor of Science degree. The program is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry and is known for its strong research focus. The university also has some of the best chemistry labs in the country.

Graduate Degrees

UNB also offers graduate degrees in chemistry, including MSc and PhD programs. These programs are centered on original research projects, culminating in a thesis. The university has an excellent reputation for its research accomplishments and provides students with access to extensive research labs and facilities. The MSc program requires an honours bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry, while the PhD program requires a master's degree in chemistry or a related discipline.

Master's and PhD chemistry degrees

Masters and PhD Chemistry Degrees

Chemistry degrees at the graduate level are typically Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) degrees, with the former being more common. These degrees typically require 30 credits and take 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study to complete. The Master of Science degree usually involves a laboratory-based thesis project, while the Master of Arts degree often involves a research paper or comprehensive examination.

Graduate programs in chemistry offer students an advanced postgraduate education in the major branches of the chemical sciences. Students may choose to focus their studies on areas such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry. Some programs also allow students to concentrate on key industries, such as pharmaceutical chemistry.

A master's degree in chemistry can lead to various careers in science, academia, and beyond. Graduates may choose to work in traditional lab or university settings or use their degrees to specialize in other fields, such as nutritional science or chemical engineering.

For those interested in pursuing further education, a master's degree in chemistry can also serve as a stepping stone to a PhD, which is often considered a prerequisite for becoming a professional chemist or pursuing high-level positions in academia or scientific research. PhD programs in chemistry typically involve original research projects and the completion of a dissertation.

One example of a university offering graduate programs in chemistry is Marquette University, which offers MS and PhD degrees across a broad spectrum of fields, including analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, polymer, and physical chemistry, as well as chemical physics. The university's chemistry graduate program is STEM-designated, allowing international students to apply for 36 months of Optional Practical Training and providing more opportunities for employment after graduation.

Another example is Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, which offers both master's and doctoral degrees in chemistry. During the 2019-2020 academic year, 7 students received their master's degree in chemistry from Rutgers New Brunswick, and in 2020, 8 students graduated with this degree. The university also awarded doctoral degrees in chemistry to 17 students in 2020.

In conclusion, graduate degrees in chemistry, including master's and PhD programs, offer students advanced knowledge and skills in the field, leading to diverse career opportunities or further education.

Career options for chemistry graduates

Chemistry graduates have a wide range of career options available to them. A chemistry degree opens doors to diverse employment opportunities and is valued by employers. The skills developed through a chemistry degree, such as logical thought, numerical ability, and analytical skills, are sought after by many organisations.

Academia and Research:

Chemistry graduates can pursue further study through master's or doctoral programs, conducting original research in various chemistry specialisations. Graduates can also become higher education lecturers or professors, combining research with teaching.

Chemical Engineering:

Chemical engineers design and improve production methods and processes to convert raw materials into useful products. They work across multiple sectors, including oil and gas, energy, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and food and drink.

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:

Healthcare careers for chemists often involve working in laboratories, aiding in the investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Pharmaceutical chemists design, develop, analyse, and evaluate drugs and medications, ensuring their safety and efficacy.

Public Sector:

There are growing career opportunities for chemists in the public sector, including law, policy, defence, public health, and the environment. Forensic science is a notable specialisation within this field, involving evidence collection and analysis for criminal and civil cases.

Quality Control and Assurance:

Quality control chemists work in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries to ensure products meet safety standards and comply with relevant regulations. They also play a role in developing new products and testing methods.

Environmental Science:

Environmental chemists study and monitor the presence of chemicals in the environment, particularly in water ecosystems. They ensure water purification processes are safe and help develop policies to protect the environment.

Teaching:

Chemistry graduates can become teachers or lecturers, educating students about chemical principles and processes. This career path involves curriculum development and effective knowledge transfer through lectures, tests, and projects.

Other Options:

In addition to the careers outlined above, chemistry graduates can explore opportunities in fields such as nanotechnology, large-scale chemical plants, toxicology, waste management, food safety, and more. The transferable skills gained through a chemistry degree are applicable across many sectors, including banking, finance, recruitment, and marketing.

The career paths outlined here showcase the diverse options available to chemistry graduates. The specific job prospects and further specialisations will vary based on location and individual interests.

Application requirements for graduate chemistry programs

Graduate programs in chemistry prepare students for careers in industry and academia. While specific requirements may vary across institutions, here is a general overview of the application requirements for graduate chemistry programs:

Academic Qualifications

Most graduate chemistry programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field such as biochemistry, with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. Some programs may also require a master's degree in chemistry or a related discipline for PhD applicants. Additionally, applicants are typically expected to have a strong background in chemistry, with a significant number of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics courses completed during their undergraduate studies.

Standardized Test Scores

Many graduate chemistry programs require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for domestic applicants and the TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants whose first language is not English. The Chemistry program at UCLA, for example, requires a minimum TOEFL score of 87 and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for international applicants.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are typically required as part of the application process for graduate chemistry programs. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities, research experience, and potential for success in a graduate chemistry program, such as professors or research supervisors. Most programs require at least three letters of recommendation.

Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement

A well-crafted statement of purpose or personal statement is an essential component of the application. This statement should articulate the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate studies in chemistry, their research interests and goals, and how the specific graduate program can help them achieve those goals. It also provides an opportunity to highlight any unique experiences, challenges overcome, and how the applicant can contribute to the diversity and academic community of the institution.

Research Experience and Interests

Graduate chemistry programs often seek applicants with research experience or, at the very least, a demonstrated passion and curiosity for chemistry. Applicants may be asked to describe their research experiences, how these experiences have shaped their interests, and how they plan to continue their research in the graduate program.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for graduate chemistry programs can vary, but they typically fall between December and April for programs starting in the following Fall semester. Some programs may have multiple application deadlines, with earlier deadlines for scholarship consideration.

Interviews

Some graduate chemistry programs may include interviews as part of the admissions process. These interviews may be conducted in person or virtually and typically involve faculty members from the chemistry department.

It is important to carefully review the specific requirements and application process for the graduate chemistry program(s) of your choice, as requirements may differ slightly between institutions. Additionally, international applicants should pay close attention to the requirements for English language proficiency and any additional documentation that may be needed.

Frequently asked questions