MS Chemistry

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Nevada Reno

Program Overview

The M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno offers a research-focused graduate education in advanced chemistry, with both thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) options. It suits students seeking deeper expertise in areas such as analytical and materials chemistry, organic synthesis, inorganic and organometallic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical biology, or computational and theoretical chemistry while gaining experience with modern research methods and instrumentation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with advanced core study through courses such as CHEM 631: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM 642: Advanced Organic Chemistry, and CHEM 650: Advanced Physical Chemistry, with at least two of these core courses normally completed during the first fall semester. Students also select a research director during the first semester, establish their advisory committee and develop a program of study suited to their research and vocational objectives.

Year 2: The second year emphasizes completion of advanced coursework alongside research, scientific communication and the master's thesis or professional paper, depending on the selected plan. Students complete CHEM 790: Graduate Seminar II, conduct and write up their research, and, for the thesis pathway, present and defend the thesis during the final oral examination.

Focus areas: Analytical and materials chemistry, bio-organic and bio-inorganic chemistry, chemical ecology, computational and theoretical chemistry, inorganic and organometallic chemistry, organic synthesis and mechanistic chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical physics.

Learning outcomes: Advanced factual knowledge across physical, inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry; specialized theoretical knowledge and awareness of modern research methods and technology; scientific research capability; ethical professional practice; continuing education; and commitment to laboratory safety and environmental protection.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The University of Nevada, Reno states that its B.S. Chemistry program has an ACS-approved emphasis, but the official sources reviewed do not state separate ACS accreditation or certification for the M.S. Chemistry program.

Reputation (employability/research standing): University of Nevada, Reno was ranked No. 136 in Chemistry in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report graduate-level rankings reported by the university. The university also retained its Carnegie R1 — Very High Research Activity classification for 2025, reflecting its substantial research activity and doctoral production.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno gives students substantial hands-on experience through research in experimental and theoretical chemistry, with opportunities to independently design experiments, investigate hypotheses and analyze research data. Students work with advanced instrumentation maintained by experienced professionals, while the department’s research environment covers analytical and materials chemistry, bio-organic and bio-inorganic chemistry, computational and theoretical chemistry, inorganic and organometallic chemistry, organic synthesis and mechanistic chemistry, and physical chemistry and chemical physics.

Research and practical opportunities include:

Research laboratories: M.S. students can undertake research in state-of-the-art university facilities and through scientific collaborations with research centers across the country; the department offers both a research-based thesis M.S. (Plan A) and a non-thesis M.S. (Plan B).
Shared Instruments Lab: Graduate students receive training and operate instruments in the Shared Instruments Lab, with consultation and training provided by specialist staff. The facility supports synthesis, materials science, optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, EPR and NMR spectroscopy.
NMR spectroscopy: Students can gain practical experience with three liquid-state NMR spectrometers, including 400 MHz, 500 MHz and 700 MHz Bruker Avance NEO systems, plus a 400 MHz solid-state NMR system.
Mass spectrometry: Research access includes Agilent TOFMS, GC-MS, MALDI-TOFMS and Waters LC-MS, supporting applications such as reaction monitoring, biomolecule and polymer analysis, molecular characterization and chemical identification.
X-ray and microscopy tools: Students can use single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, Raman microscopy, FTIR microscopy, and AFM/STM for structural, surface and materials characterization.
Spectroscopy and analytical equipment: Available equipment includes UV/VIS spectrophotometers, fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR instruments, circular dichroism spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, HPLC and polarimetry, giving students access to a broad range of analytical techniques.
Computational chemistry: The department uses the Pronghorn high-performance computing cluster together with Linux clusters and workstations. Software listed by the department includes Gaussian 16, Amber, ORCA, NWChem, GAMESS, MOPAC, NBO, Molden, Moplot and Ghemical.
Custom research equipment: The Chemistry Building houses a professionally staffed machine shop, glass shop and electronics shop, enabling fabrication of custom research instruments, specialty glassware, high-vacuum systems and electronic equipment.
Interdisciplinary research: Students can engage with the Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology, which brings together Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Biochemistry, Natural Resources and Environmental Science and collaborates with researchers and organizations internationally.
Instrumentation training: The department provides dedicated instruction in instrumentation through CHEM 707, while the Director of Instrumentation trains students in instrument use, method development, maintenance, tuning, optimization and calibration.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno combines advanced chemistry knowledge with substantial research experience, preparing graduates to solve chemistry problems, work independently and collaboratively, lead projects and communicate scientific findings. The program supports professional careers across analytical and materials chemistry, bio-organic and bio-inorganic chemistry, computational and theoretical chemistry, inorganic and organometallic chemistry, organic synthesis, and physical chemistry and chemical physics.

Typical job roles: Research Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Materials Chemist, Laboratory Scientist.

Career Services: The university provides graduate students with career development resources through its Graduate School and career services infrastructure, while the Chemistry program itself develops professional skills through research, teaching experience, seminars, scientific communication and opportunities to work in teams and independently.
Employment statistics & salary: A chemistry-specific employment rate or salary figure for M.S. graduates is not stated on the official University of Nevada, Reno Chemistry M.S. sources reviewed, so no program-specific figure is provided.
University–industry & research connections: Chemistry graduate students conduct research through scientific collaborations with research centers across the country, while faculty research is supported by national and international agencies. The department also provides access to advanced instrumentation and computational facilities used in active research.
Professional development: Graduate students gain teaching experience as part of the advanced-degree requirements, participate in student and visiting-scientist seminars, and must deliver at least two seminars. These requirements build scientific communication, presentation and professional skills alongside research training.
Accreditation value: The University of Nevada, Reno states that its Professional Chemistry B.S. emphasis has been approved by the American Chemical Society for ACS certification. The official sources reviewed do not state separate ACS certification or accreditation for the M.S. in Chemistry, so this distinction should be retained when describing the master's degree.
Graduation outcomes: The Chemistry M.S. learning objectives emphasize advanced theoretical knowledge, modern research methods and technology, independent hypothesis development, problem-solving, project leadership, teamwork, mentoring and effective scientific communication. The program offers both a research-based Plan A thesis master's and a Plan B non-thesis master's, allowing students to follow different academic and professional pathways.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue directly into the Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno, which requires 72 units and provides deeper training in research methods, experiment design, scientific literature, communication, creativity and independent research. Students interested in an interdisciplinary route can also consider UNR's Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, jointly administered with Physics and focused on atomic and molecular physics and physical chemistry.