M.S. in Chemistry

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Vermont

Program Overview

The M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Vermont is designed for students seeking advanced preparation in chemical sciences and related areas such as biomedical sciences, catalysis, energy, environmental science and materials science. Students build broad chemical knowledge while developing expertise in a chosen area through graduate coursework, research and either a thesis or non-thesis literature research pathway.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by demonstrating proficiency across the major chemistry disciplines through ACS-standardized qualifying examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, while completing core graduate preparation such as CHEM 6010: Intro to Graduate Research, CHEM 6015: Chemical Investigations and CHEM 6020: Grad Seminar. Students also start developing their research direction by attending faculty research presentations and discussing potential research interests with faculty advisors, normally selecting a research direction and advisor toward the end of the first year.

Year 2: Students deepen their specialization through graduate-level chemistry coursework, with options including CHEM 5320: Gr Instrumental Analysis, CHEM 5400: Gr Advanced Inorganic Chem and CHEM 6410: Organometallic Chemistry, while completing the research component of their selected pathway. The thesis option requires 12 credits of CHEM 6391: Master's Lab Thesis Research and a satisfactory thesis, while the non-thesis option requires 6 credits of CHEM 6392: Master's Lit Project Research and a comprehensive literature research project; both pathways require at least 30 graduate credits.

Focus areas: Analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, with additional coursework and research opportunities in organometallic chemistry, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry and polymer chemistry.

Learning outcomes: Students develop broad fundamental knowledge in chemistry, master a specialized chemical field, critically analyze chemical literature, conduct original research, analyze research data, and communicate scientific findings effectively in written and oral formats.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The University of Vermont lists Chemistry — American Chemical Society among its specific academic program accreditations; however, the current official accreditation page does not separately identify whether this ACS status applies specifically to the M.S. rather than the undergraduate Chemistry program.

Reputation (official academic standing): UVM describes its Chemistry Department as having a large and active graduate program and highlights faculty who are world-recognized researchers; the department also reports research supported by organizations including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Energy.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Vermont combines advanced coursework with substantial research experience, allowing students to build practical skills in experimental chemistry, chemical analysis, scientific literature evaluation and research communication. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis pathway; the thesis option includes 12 credits of Master's Lab Thesis Research (CHEM 6391), while both pathways include graduate research preparation through courses such as CHEM 6010: Intro to Graduate Research and CHEM 6015: Chemical Investigations.

Research experience: Independent research is an integral part of the graduate experience, with students attending faculty research presentations before selecting a research direction and advisor, normally around the end of their first semester.

Advanced instrumentation: Graduate researchers can use UVM's chemistry instrumentation facilities, including high-field NMR and mass spectrometry systems, to conduct sophisticated chemical analysis and characterize research samples.

Key experiential opportunities:

NMR spectroscopy: The department provides access to two 500 MHz NMR spectrometers, including a Bruker Avance III HD and Varian Unity Inova system, with training available for graduate students and online scheduling for trained users.
NMR software: The Bruker system uses TopSpin 3.2 software, while the Varian system uses VnmrJ 4.2 for instrument operation and data acquisition.
Mass spectrometry: Students conducting relevant research can work with advanced LCMS, GCMS and high-resolution LCMS instrumentation, including an Applied Biosystems 4000QTrap, Varian Saturn 2100T GCMS and Waters Xevo G2-XS QTOF.
Chemical analysis: The Agilent Laboratory for Chemical Analysis (ALCA) provides graduate students with access to advanced analytical instrumentation, staff-assisted analysis, method development and technical training.
Chromatography: ALCA includes an Agilent 6530 QTOF coupled to a 1290 Infinity II UPLC, supporting high-resolution and accurate-mass analysis of complex chemical samples.
Research laboratories: Discovery Hall houses new teaching and research laboratories designed to support student interaction and interdisciplinary work across chemistry and related STEM fields.
Research specializations: Students can develop practical expertise in areas including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, with additional coursework and research in areas such as optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry, mass spectrometry, polymer chemistry and quantum chemistry.
Scientific communication: The program includes CHEM 6020: Grad Seminar and CHEM 6050: Topics in Current Chemistry, where students engage with current chemical literature and present their understanding of contemporary research.
Research partnerships: ALCA was established through a strategic partnership between UVM and Agilent Technologies, connecting advanced analytical instrumentation with academic, industrial and applied research communities.
Interdisciplinary facilities: CEMS graduate students have access to major research facilities including the Vermont Advanced Computing Center, Microscopy Imaging Center and Instrumentation and Model Facility, supporting multidisciplinary research beyond conventional chemistry laboratories.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Vermont combines advanced coursework with research, preparing graduates for careers in chemistry, scientific research, laboratory work and related fields. The program can also provide a strong foundation for students who want to continue into doctoral study or other advanced scientific training.

Typical job roles: Research Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Laboratory Scientist, Chemical Research Associate.

Career services: UVM Career Center supports graduate students through career advising, job and internship resources, employer events, networking opportunities, resume and cover-letter reviews, and interview preparation.
Employment statistics & salary: UVM's official program information does not publish a program-specific employment rate or salary figure for M.S. Chemistry graduates, so a chemistry-specific statistic is not stated.
University–industry connections: Chemistry students can benefit from UVM's research collaborations and connections across areas such as materials science, environmental chemistry, biochemistry and pharmaceutical research. UVM also provides opportunities to connect with employers and research organizations through its career programming and professional networks.
Accreditation value: UVM's official Chemistry information does not state a separate professional accreditation for the M.S. in Chemistry. Therefore, no specific accreditation claim is made for this master's program.
Graduation outcomes: The degree develops advanced laboratory, research, analytical and scientific communication skills, supporting progression into chemistry-related employment, research positions and further graduate education.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into doctoral-level study in chemistry or closely related scientific disciplines, including Ph.D. research programs at UVM or other universities. The research experience and advanced chemistry preparation gained through the M.S. can also support applications to specialized doctoral and professional programs.