Chemistry, MS

Chair:

James Kallmerten (interim chair), 1-014 Center for Science and Technology, 315-443-4109, jkallmer@syr.edu

Faculty

Philip N. Borer, Mark S. Braiman, Carlos Castaneda, Joseph Chaiken, Arindam Chakraborty, John D. Chisholm, Daniel Clark, James C. Dabrowiak, Robert P. Doyle, Jerry Goodisman, Bruce S. Hudson, Tara Kahan, James Kallmerten, Ivan V. Korendovych, Timothy M. Korter, Yan-Yeung Luk, Mathew M. Maye, Karin Ruhlandt, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler, Nancy I. Totah, Jon Zubieta

The Department of Chemistry is large enough to provide a broad range of graduate-level courses and research opportunities and yet small enough to foster close working relationships between students and professors. It includes 21 faculty, some 85 graduate students, 10 postdoctoral associates, and technical and secretarial staff. Programs of study include those for both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, with research offerings in the areas of biochemistry, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as those at the interface of these disciplines. An interdisciplinary program in structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics is also available.

During the first year of graduate study, courses enable students to gain a sound theoretical foundation for their own research investigations. Students are encouraged to become actively involved in research projects as soon as possible.

M.S. in Chemistry

There are two options for M.S. students. A non-thesis option requires at least 30 credits in graduate chemistry and related courses, passing two of four qualifying breadth examinations and successful completion of a comprehensive examination or other culminating experience based on the coursework taken by the student. An M.S. degree based in part on a thesis requires a satisfactory master’s thesis; at least 18 credits in graduate chemistry courses; a total of 30 graduate credits, including thesis credits; passing two of four qualifying breadth examinations; and passing an oral examination based on the thesis.

Graduate Awards

The figures associated with various appointments are based on 2014 - 2015 awards.

Syracuse University Graduate Fellowships provide stipends of $23,830 (PhD) for nine months and tuition scholarships for a total of 30 credits for the academic year.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships, to support graduate study for students with superior qualifications, involve no more than 20 hours of teaching obligations per week during the academic year. They provide a stipend of $23,679 and a graduate tuition scholarship for 24 credits per year.

Summer Teaching Assistantships supporting undergraduate classes offered during the summer sessions, and Summer Research Fellowships-offered to graduate students making strong progress in their studies and research, provide stipends from $1,000 to $5,000.

Graduate Research Assistantships provide stipends over the academic year and summer from $19,000.

Facilities

The Center for Science and Technology near the main quadrangle of the Syracuse University campus provides space and facilities for chemistry faculty and graduate student research: glassblowing and electronic shops; millions of dollars of specialized equipment, including spectrometers, lasers, and other chemical instrumentation; computers and high-speed networks; and an automated X-ray diffractometer for structure determinations.

The new Life Sciences Complex, located adjacent to the department of chemistry, provides new research and teaching space for the departments of chemistry and biology, and helps foster interactions between the two departments. This building opened in fall 2008.