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Graduate Studies – Chemistry

Learn more about the two postgraduate Chemistry degree programs at Rose‑Hulman, which offers two paths: Master of Science (MSCHEM) and a Master of Chemistry (MCHEM).

Two post-graduate degree programs are offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: the Master of Science in Chemistry (MSCHEM) degree, that requires a thesis and a publication, and the Master of Chemistry (MCHEM) degree, that does not require a thesis or a publication, but instead requires 12 credit hours of additional course work.  

A MCHEM student's plan of study is arranged on an individual basis through a joint agreement between the student and their academic advisor, who must be a member of the RHIT CHEM faculty.

Similarly, an MSCHEM degree student's plan of study is arranged by agreement between the student, the student's advisory committee chairperson, and the student's advisory committee.

The MSCHEM student's advisory committee must consist of at least (1) an RHIT CHEM faculty member serving as the major advisor who guides the student's thesis research, (2) a second RHIT CHEM faculty member, and (3) an RHIT faculty member from outside of the CHEM department.

Both degree programs seek to build upon the basic foundations established by the student's undergraduate course of study

The objective of both programs, the Master of Chemistry and Master of Science in Chemistry, is to prepare graduates for early career advancement in the field of Chemistry by building upon their undergraduate training with advanced coursework and concentrated study of problems and topics relevant to the field.

Student Outcomes Student Outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to have by the time of graduation.

  1. Students will demonstrate the ability to carry out and discuss an independent research project or write a technical review of a specialized topic in their field.
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to clearly and effectively communicate and critically evaluate information on advanced topics in their field to both technical and non-specialized audiences.

Faculty and Staff Contacts

Master of Science in Chemistry requirements

1  48 credit hours, 36 credit hours of course work as approved by the student's advisory committee.

2  At least 24 credit hours must be upper-level CHEM courses (CHEM4xx or CHEM5xx)

3  At least 24 credit hours must be at the 5xx level, thus, no more than 12 credit hours of 400-level classes can count toward the MSCHEM degree.

4  12 credit hours of thesis work (the Institute's non-thesis option is not permitted for the MSCHEM degree).

5  Successful defense of thesis.

6  Acceptance of a technical article for publication and/or for conference presentation with the major professor included as a named author.

Master of Chemistry degree requirements

  • 48 credit hours of course work as approved by the student's academic advisor.
  • At least 32 credit hours must be upper-level CHEM courses (CHEM4xx or CHEM5xx).
  • At least 36 credit hours must be graduate-level courses (5xx from any department, or 4xx-level Mathematics which have been approved by the student's advisory committee.) Thus no more than 12 credit hours may be 4xx level.

 

CHEM Graduate Course Offerings:

 

CHEM 530 Advanced Biochemistry

CHEM 531 Biochemical Instrumentation  

CHEM 532 Biochemical Pharmacology

CHEM 545 Organometallic Chemistry  

CHEM 552 Synthetic Organic

CHEM 554 Theoretical Organic Chemistry  

CHEM 555 Natural Products .

CHEM 557 Synthetic Polymer Chemistry 

CHEM 561 Advanced Physical Chemistry 

CHEM 562 Physical Polymer Chemistry 

CHEM 599 Thesis ResearchCHE 546 Bioseparations

Dr. Ross Weatherman, Rose-Hulman Professor of Chemistry and department head

Dr. Ross Weatherman

Department Head and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Dr. Ross Weatherman has received the Board of Trustees Outstanding Scholar Award and was an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. He leads a team of high-achieving students in researching the role of estrogen in the development and treatment of breast cancer. Their work seeks to improve existing drugs, resulting in better treatments with fewer side effects. The value of his research has been recognized with grants totaling $2 million from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Army. Dr. Weatherman also has developed strong collaborations with the Indiana University School of Medicine and has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed research publications.

Rose Hulman Campus Map.

Contact Us

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Moench Hall F110
5500 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
812-877-8166

Admissions, Programs of Study, and Courses

Our graduate program offers a variety of courses and programs taught by passionate and experienced professors to help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Learn more about our admissions process, and the programs and courses we are proud to offer.

Admissions

There are a variety of options for both traditional and non-traditional students at Rose-Hulman. Learn more about how to apply for graduate school.

Programs

Rose-Hulman offers graduate studies in eight different programs. Some programs offer evening classes off campus to make it possible for professionals to continue to work fulltime while earning their graduate degree.

Courses

A number of courses have been approved by the Graduate Studies Committee for credit toward graduate degrees. 

Research Facilities

There are seven research facilities on our campus all operating with the dual mission of providing education, as well as performing research and development. Projects at the facilities reflect faculty and student interests, as well as industry needs. As part of the graduate program at Rose-Hulman, you will likely participate in thesis research in one of our facilities.

Exterior view of Myers Hall

John T. Myers Center for Technological Research with Industry

This 40,000-square-foot facility is devoted to student and faculty project work. The center provides space and specialized instrumentation for students and faculty to engage in engineering design projects for external clients. There is ample laboratory space for project-based education.

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Rose-Hulman Ventures

Rose-Hulman Ventures is a program that brings together students and technology-based companies. For students, the program provides the best engineering professional practice experience possible. In turn, this provides businesses with prototypes, refinements to the design of existing products and expansion in current engineering capabilities. The facility is on the south campus of Rose-Hulman.

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JRSI Laboratory

In this lab, you will have the opportunity to work side by side with surgeons, faculty and engineers to design, execute and present scientific investigations in an effort to develop engineering solutions to clinical problems. Mechanical testing in the lab is conducted utilizing a state-of-the-art biaxial materials testing machine.

Dr. Craig Downing

Dr. Craig Downing

Dr. Craig Downing is the Director of Graduate Studies, Interim Dean of Lifelong Learning, and Head of the Department of Engineering Management. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering, mathematics and statistics, manufacturing systems and workforce education and development.
Rose-Hulman campus map

Contact Us

Graduate Studies
5500 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
Phone: 812-877-8403
Fax: 812-877-8061
graduatestudies@rose-hulman.edu
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