MA in Chemistry

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Boston University

Program Overview

The MA in Chemistry at Boston University is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge in contemporary chemistry and preparation for research-based careers in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and materials. Students combine advanced coursework in the chemical and molecular sciences with laboratory research, developing the ability to conduct original research and communicate scientific findings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin building advanced expertise through graduate-level chemistry coursework selected with an advisor according to their specialization, with at least four of the five required non-research courses at the 600 level or above. The program's graduate offerings span areas such as CAS CH 752: Advanced Topics in Chemical Physics, while the research component begins through CAS CH 903: MA Research in Chemistry, where students undertake supervised research and complete a written report.

Year 2: Students deepen their specialization through additional advanced chemistry coursework while completing the second semester of supervised research through CAS CH 904: MA Research in Chemistry. The research experience culminates in original work that students must design, carry out, present, and defend, strengthening their preparation for research-oriented careers or further graduate study.

Focus areas: Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Catalysis, Materials Science & Engineering, Photonics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Computational Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Chemical Dynamics.

Learning outcomes: Original research design and execution, research presentation and defense, advanced mastery of the student's chosen chemistry field, ethical research practice, scientific scholarship, undergraduate-level teaching and communication.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Boston University does not state a specific professional accreditation for the MA in Chemistry on its official program page; the program is structured around advanced coursework and supervised research for research-based careers.

Reputation (employability rankings): Boston University describes its Chemistry graduate program as preparing students for careers in chemical research, education, medicine, government and law, but the official Chemistry program pages do not publish a program-specific employability ranking for the MA in Chemistry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA in Chemistry at Boston University is strongly research-oriented, giving students practical experience through advanced coursework and at least two semesters of supervised research. Students work in laboratory environments and can access BU’s Chemical Instrumentation Center, research laboratories across the Charles River Campus, advanced analytical instrumentation, and computational resources, making the program particularly relevant to research careers in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials, and molecular sciences.

Program-specific experiential learning includes:

Original research project: Students must complete at least two semesters of research under the supervision of a research advisor, developing and carrying out original research in their chosen chemistry area.
Laboratory research: The MA requires CAS CH 903/904 MA Research in Chemistry, providing 8 units of research coursework within the 32-unit degree. Students are expected to design, carry out, present, and defend original research.
Chemical Instrumentation Center: The Chemical Instrumentation Center (CIC) provides hands-on training and access to advanced analytical equipment, including NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, FT-IR, GC-MS, HPLC, LC/MS, fluorescence, UV-Vis, EPR, DSC, TGA, MALDI-TOF and polarimetry.
Open-access instrumentation: After completing instrument training, BU users can access CIC equipment on a 24/7 open-access basis, allowing graduate researchers to conduct analytical work as part of their research projects.
Mass spectrometry: The CIC houses seven mass spectrometers, including LC/MS, GC-MS, MALDI-TOF and high-resolution FT-ICR and QTof systems, with applications including metabolomics and proteomics research.
Research facilities: Chemistry research groups are located in the Metcalf Science Center, Life Sciences & Engineering Building, and Photonics Center, supporting collaborative work across chemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering and materials science.
Advanced materials instrumentation: Shared resources at the Photonics Center include AFM, SEM, TEM and clean-room facilities, expanding the practical research environment for chemistry and materials-related projects.
Computational resources: Students can access computational resources through the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC), supporting computational and theoretical chemistry research.
Research specializations: Students can undertake research in areas including biochemistry and chemical biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry and catalysis, as well as cross-disciplinary areas such as materials science, photonics and molecular biology.
Data analysis and interpretation: CIC instrumentation specialists provide hands-on training as well as assistance with experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, helping students develop practical analytical skills alongside their research.
Collaborative research environment: BU Chemistry has connections with programs and research centers in Materials Science and Engineering, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, and the Photonics Center, supporting interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Industry-connected research infrastructure: The CIC serves both BU researchers and external customers, while its instrumentation infrastructure has also received support from industry and national research organizations, providing students with exposure to equipment and methods used in contemporary chemical research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Chemistry at Boston University can apply advanced chemical knowledge and research skills across scientific, laboratory, healthcare, education and industry settings. The program can also provide a foundation for students who want to continue into doctoral study or develop specialized expertise through research and advanced coursework.

Career opportunities: Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate, Quality Control Analyst: Boston University provides career development and research resources that can help students connect their graduate-level chemistry training with professional opportunities.

Career support: Boston University’s Center for Career Development provides graduate students with career advising, career education, employer connections, job and internship resources, networking opportunities, and programs designed to support career planning and employment.
Research experience: Chemistry graduate students can participate in research across areas including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, gaining experience with advanced scientific methods and research environments.
Employment statistics and salary figures: Boston University does not publish a specific employment rate or salary figure for graduates of the MA in Chemistry on the official program information. Therefore, no program-specific employment or salary figure is stated here.
University–industry connections: Boston University Chemistry research includes collaborations with external organizations and research institutions, while the university’s career programming provides opportunities for students to interact with employers and explore industry careers. A specific industry-placement partnership exclusively attached to the MA in Chemistry is not stated on the official program page.
Professional development: Graduate students benefit from BU’s broader research environment, seminars, scientific presentations and opportunities to build professional networks alongside their academic training.
Accreditation value: The official Boston University Chemistry program information does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the MA in Chemistry. The degree is awarded by Boston University and provides graduate-level chemistry preparation for professional and academic progression.
Graduation outcomes: The degree can support progression into chemistry-related laboratory and research positions or further academic study. Students interested in research-intensive careers can use the MA as preparation for additional graduate-level specialization.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into PhD-level study in Chemistry or related scientific disciplines, particularly if they develop strong research experience during the master’s degree. Boston University’s Department of Chemistry offers doctoral study and research opportunities across multiple chemistry fields, allowing students to build on their master’s-level preparation toward careers in advanced research, academia and specialized scientific work.