Chemistry MS

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University at Buffalo SUNY

Program Overview

The MS in Chemistry at the University at Buffalo (UB) provides advanced training in chemical science within a collaborative research environment, allowing students to work closely with faculty and develop expertise across organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. Designed for students seeking research-focused careers, technical scientific roles or further graduate study, the program offers both thesis and project options and develops skills in advanced laboratory techniques, instrumentation, data analysis and scientific communication.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with graduate-level study across the core areas of chemistry, building advanced knowledge in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry. Depending on their chosen pathway, students also begin supervised research or an advanced laboratory project, developing proficiency in modern chemical instrumentation and research techniques.

Year 2: Students deepen their specialization through additional graduate coursework and focused research or applied project work. In the thesis option, the second year centers on original independent research and culminates in a written thesis, while the project option emphasizes advanced lecture coursework and a supervised applied project culminating in a written project report.

Focus areas:

Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical research, advanced laboratory science and applied chemical science.

Learning outcomes:

Original research, advanced laboratory techniques, modern chemical instrumentation, data analysis, scientific writing, research communication and advanced understanding of the core areas of chemistry.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Chemistry MS is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Reputation (employability rankings):

UB's official 2026 U.S. News ranking places its graduate Chemistry program at No. 84 nationally and No. 50 among public universities. UB also reports graduate training leading to placements in industrial and pharmaceutical companies, government positions, and faculty and postdoctoral positions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the MS in Chemistry at the University at Buffalo gain substantial hands-on research experience through advanced laboratory work and close interaction with faculty across analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry. The program emphasizes research training, with students working in faculty laboratories and using specialized instrumentation and computational resources available through the Department of Chemistry and shared university research facilities. Students can also develop practical skills through seminars, research presentations and independent thesis research: these experiences connect graduate coursework with active scientific investigation.

Graduate research: Students complete original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor, developing practical skills in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis and scientific communication as part of the master's program.
Research areas: Department research spans analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry, allowing students to select research aligned with their scientific interests.
Advanced instrumentation: Chemistry research at UB uses specialized analytical and characterization equipment for areas such as spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography and materials characterization.
Computational research: Students working in theoretical and computational chemistry can use computational methods and university research-computing resources to model chemical systems and analyze scientific data.
Research laboratories: Faculty research groups provide dedicated laboratory environments for experimental chemistry, including synthesis, characterization and investigation of chemical and biological systems.
Graduate seminars: Students participate in chemistry seminars where researchers present current scientific work, helping graduate students develop their ability to follow, evaluate and communicate research.
Research presentations: Graduate research provides opportunities to communicate findings through presentations and scientific discussions, strengthening professional scientific communication skills.
Shared research facilities: UB's research infrastructure provides access to specialized university-wide facilities and instrumentation that support advanced chemical analysis and interdisciplinary research.
Faculty research groups: Students work directly with faculty whose research covers areas including chemical biology, catalysis, materials chemistry, spectroscopy, computational chemistry and synthesis, giving them opportunities to participate in active research projects.
Scientific collaboration: The department's interdisciplinary research environment connects chemistry with areas such as biology, materials science, medicine and engineering, creating opportunities for collaborative research beyond traditional chemistry laboratories.
Internships and industry experience: A specific mandatory internship or industry placement is not stated as a requirement for the MS in Chemistry; the program's primary practical component is graduate research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Chemistry MS at the University at Buffalo can pursue careers in chemical research, laboratory science, pharmaceuticals, materials, environmental analysis and other chemistry-related industries. The program also provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue into doctoral research or move into specialized scientific roles requiring advanced chemistry training.

Career opportunities: Chemist, Research Scientist, Laboratory Scientist, Analytical Chemist.

Career support and progression:

Career development: UB's UB Career Design Center provides graduate students with career coaching, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career fairs, employer events and access to job and internship opportunities through Handshake.
Research experience: The Department of Chemistry provides opportunities to conduct research with faculty across areas including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, allowing students to develop advanced laboratory and research skills.
Research facilities: Chemistry students have access to specialized instrumentation and research facilities that support areas such as mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, microscopy and materials characterization.
Employment statistics and salary: UB does not publish a chemistry-MS-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure on its official program information. Therefore, a program-specific employment percentage or salary figure is not stated here.
University–industry connections: UB's chemistry research environment supports collaborations involving pharmaceutical, materials, chemical and other scientific organizations, while the university's broader career and research infrastructure connects students with external employers and research opportunities. A specific industry partnership exclusively associated with the Chemistry MS is not stated on the official program page.
Graduation outcomes: The MS can prepare graduates for professional chemistry and laboratory positions as well as further graduate-level research. Students completing advanced research may also use the degree as preparation for doctoral study.
Accreditation value: UB does not state a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Chemistry MS. The degree is awarded by the University at Buffalo, SUNY, a Middle States Commission on Higher Education-accredited institution, providing institutional accreditation for the university's academic programs.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into a PhD in Chemistry or related doctoral research areas, particularly when their MS research experience aligns with a faculty research specialization. They may also pursue advanced study in interdisciplinary areas such as materials science, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental science or other chemistry-related fields.