Master of Science in Chemistry

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Massachusetts Boston

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Chemistry at UMass Boston is a research-focused graduate program designed for recent graduates and professionals seeking advanced training in chemistry, with opportunities to specialize in Biological Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical/Analytical Chemistry, or Chemistry Education. Students combine graduate-level coursework with original chemical research, a literature seminar, and a master's thesis, making the program particularly suited to students preparing for advanced professional or research-oriented careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build advanced chemistry knowledge through a core course such as CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology or CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry, followed by specialist graduate courses aligned with their chosen research area. Options include CHEM 621 – Organic Synthesis & Mechanisms, CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics & Kinetics, CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis, and CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry, while students also begin research and complete the required literature seminar during their first year.

Year 2: Students deepen their specialization through advanced coursework such as CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy, CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation, CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry, or CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry, depending on their research direction. The second year emphasizes completing original research, writing the CHEM 699 – Master's Thesis, and presenting and defending the thesis as the program's research capstone.

Focus areas: Biological Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical/Analytical Chemistry, and Chemistry Education.

Learning outcomes: Students develop competency across major chemistry sub-fields, conduct and communicate original chemical research, apply scientific ethics, strengthen creative problem-solving, understand Green Chemistry and environmental responsibility, and communicate advanced chemical principles in written and oral formats.

Professional alignment (accreditation): UMass Boston states that its B.S. in Chemistry is ACS-certified; the official university information does not state separate ACS certification or accreditation for the Chemistry M.S. program.

Reputation (employability rankings): UMass Boston's official rankings page reports that U.S. News & World Report ranked UMass Boston #136 for Graduate Chemistry in 2024. The university's Chemistry Department also has 11 research-active faculty members working across major areas of chemistry and biochemistry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston gives students opportunities to build practical skills through graduate-level study, research and access to university facilities. Because “Master of Science” is not a specific program title, the available official information does not identify one discipline, laboratory sequence, software package, internship structure, or research facility that can be accurately attributed to this degree without the specific M.S. field. The relevant practical opportunities therefore depend on the particular UMass Boston M.S. program selected:

Research opportunities: UMass Boston offers graduate research opportunities across its academic disciplines, with students able to work with faculty on research projects appropriate to their program.
Laboratory facilities: Program-specific laboratories and research spaces are available through the relevant academic departments; the official university facilities information does not identify a single laboratory designated for all M.S. students.
Research institutes: UMass Boston hosts research centers and institutes covering areas including environmental, marine, health, education, social science and other interdisciplinary research.
University library: The Joseph P. Healey Library provides graduate students with research collections, databases, electronic resources, research support and study spaces.
Digital resources: Students can use UMass Boston's academic technology and digital learning resources, although specific software depends on the student's academic discipline and courses.
Internships and field experiences: These are program-dependent; the official university information does not establish a universal internship or field-trip requirement for all M.S. programs.
Practical research environment: UMass Boston's urban campus provides access to interdisciplinary research activities and collaborations connected with the university's academic departments and research centers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Chemistry MS at UMass Boston is designed to develop advanced chemistry knowledge alongside focused research experience, preparing graduates for professional advancement or further research-oriented study. Students complete original chemical research, communicate scientific findings, and can specialize in biological, green, inorganic, organic, physical/analytical chemistry or chemistry education.

Typical job roles: Research Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Laboratory Scientist, Chemistry Instructor.

Career Services: UMass Boston’s ACES Center provides graduate students with career exploration, career assessments and workshops, internship opportunities through local, national and international organizations, and resume and cover-letter assistance.
Employment statistics & salary: The official UMass Boston Chemistry MS page does not publish a program-specific employment rate or salary figure; therefore, no chemistry-specific statistic is stated here.
Industry connections: The university’s graduate career services connect students with organizations for internships and real-world experience, while the Chemistry Department’s research spans environmental, health and sustainability applications through its green-chemistry focus.
Accreditation value: UMass Boston identifies its undergraduate Chemistry BS as ACS-certified, but the official sources reviewed do not state separate ACS certification or accreditation for the Chemistry MS.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates complete a minimum of 33 credits and an original-research master's thesis that must be defended, demonstrating research planning, data generation, scientific reporting, ethical research practices and advanced chemical communication skills.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Chemistry MS, students can progress to doctoral-level study, including the PhD in Chemistry at UMass Boston, which offers Biological, Green, Inorganic, Organic and Physical/Analytical tracks. The MS curriculum is explicitly suitable for students intending to continue into research-oriented graduate programs, providing extensive coursework and high-impact chemistry research experience.