At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    MS

Our M.S. in Chemistry offers nine areas of specialization, preparing you for careers in industry, academia or Ph.D. programs.

MS in Chemistry

UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Chemistry delivers a rigorous, research-focused education designed to advance your career in industry, academia or doctoral studies. 

Choose from a range of specializations, including: 

  • Analytical chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Inorganic chemistry
  • Materials chemistry
  • Organic chemistry
  • Polymer science 
  • Sustainable chemistry

You can also elect certain advanced subjects in related fields of mathematics, physics and engineering. 

State-of-the-art labs and faculty engaged in research in areas like nanotechnology, catalysis and biofunctional materials ensure you gain practical expertise to excel in the evolving field of chemistry.

For program-specific questions, please contact Michael Brown at: Michael_Brown@uml.edu

Program Quick Facts

  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
  • STEM-Designated Degree Program
  • 9 Specialization Areas

Meet Our Students

Fang Zhang receives the UMass Lowell Young Alumni Award from Chancellor Julie Chen.
Fang Zhang ’15, ’20
M.S. in Chemistry, Ph.D. in Biochemistry

At Pfizer, Fang Zhang ’15, ’20 advances complex biologic therapies while mentoring future scientists.

It is what a school is supposed to be — a place to teach people, to mentor people, to give them opportunities to succeed, as well as to fail safely.

Chemistry Curriculum

The M.S. in Chemistry is a 30-credit master's degree. Choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks to align with your research interests or career goals.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry. 
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 hours) of laboratory research and 18 hours of coursework. 
For an NTMS without thesis, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits) beyond the required 18 required credit hours.
Of the 18 course credit minimum, exclusive of research, a minimum of 15 credits must be taken in chemistry. The remaining course credits (3 or more) may be taken in chemistry or in related fields such as physics, mathematics, biology or engineering. 
The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Required for Analytical Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5140Advanced Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5800Advanced Analytical Biochemistry3
Required Analytical Specialization
(Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5230
or
CHEM.5680		Organic Reaction Mechanism
or
Structural Analysis		3
CHEM.5221Solid-State Materials Chemistry3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry. 
There is no thesis option for the MS in Chemistry Applied Chemistry option. Beyond the 18 required credit hours, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits).
The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Required for Applied Chemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
CHEM.5850Modern Organic Chemistry3
CHEM.6310Medicinal Chemistry3
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
Required for the Applied Chemistry Specialization
(Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5510Biochemistry II3
CHEM.5670Computational Chemistry3
CHEM.5950Supermolecular Chemistry3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5700Advanced Protein Chemistry3
CHEM.5620Biopharmaceutical Development3
CHEM.5630Polymer Science I3
Electives (choose 4)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
CHEM.XXXChemistry Elective3
XXXX.XXXXElectives may also be taken in related fields such a physics, mathematics, biology, or engineering with permissions of the graduate coordinator.3

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry.
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research.
For an MS without thesis, choose any 2 graduate chemistry courses (worth the final 6 credits to complete 30 credits). The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Required for Biochemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total15
CHEM.5500Biochemistry3
CHEM.5510Biochemistry II3
CHEM.5600Advanced Physical Biochemistry3
CHEM.5670Computational Chemistry3
CHEM.5700Protein Biochemistry3
Courses for the Biochemistry Specialization (Choose 3)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5680Structural Analysis3
CHEM.5140Advanced Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanisms3
CHEM.5620Biopharmaceutical Development3
CHEM.5800Advanced Analytical Biochemistry3
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research. 
Required for Inorganic Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5221Solid State Materials Chemistry3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry3
Additional Courses for the Inorganic Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5140Advanced Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanisms 3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
CHEM.5510Biochemistry II3
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research to total 30 credits.
For a non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate level (5000 level or above) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits). The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research. 
Required for Material Chemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5221Solid State Materials Chemistry3
POLY.5030Advanced Polymer Science I 3
Additional Courses for the Material Chemistry Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5360Advanced Materials Chemistry I3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.6720Surface and Colloid Chemistry3
POLY.5040Advanced Polymer Science II3
POLY.5110Biopolymers 3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization 3
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research and choose any 1 graduate (5000-level or higher) chemistry course (worth the final 3 credits to complete 30 credits)
For a non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate level (5000 level or above) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits). The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research. 
Required for Organic Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5230Organic Reactions, Mechanics3
CHEM.5680Structural Analysis3
CHEM.5850Modern Organic Chemistry3
Additional Courses for the Organic Specialization (Choose at least 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
CHEM.5240Organic Synthesis3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5950Supermolecular Chemistry3
For a MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research and choose any 1 graduate (5000-level or higher) chemistry course (worth the final 3 credits to complete 30 credits)
For an non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 15 credits to complete 30 credits). The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with 18 credits being earned in courses; and 12 credits earned in graduate research. Of the 18 course credit minimum, exclusive of research, a minimum of 15 credits must be taken in chemistry. The remaining course credits (3 or more) may be taken in chemistry or in related fields such as physics, mathematics, biology or engineering. 
Required Courses for the Physical Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy 3
CHEM.5340Quantum Chemistry 3
Additional Required Courses for the Physical Specialization (Choose Two)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5360Advanced Materials Chemistry I3
CHEM.5221Solid-State Materials Chemistry3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5950Supermolecular Chemistry3
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanisms3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
POLY.5040Advanced Polymer Science II3
For an MS with thesis, include 12 credits (4 courses) of laboratory research and choose any 1 graduate (5000-level or higher) chemistry course (worth the final 3 credits to complete 30 credits)
For an MS without thesis, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 15 credits to complete 30 credits). The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24


Required Courses for the Polymer Science Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12
POLY.5030Advanced Polymer Science I3
POLY.5040Advanced Polymer Science II3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization3
POLY.5110Biopolymers3
Additional Courses for the Polymer Science Specialization (Choose Two)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5680Structural Analysis3
CHEM.5320Advanced Physical Chemistry3
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanism3
For an MS without thesis, choose any 4 graduate (5000 level or higher) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits). The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040). 
Polymer Seminar:

Each semester the student is required to attend and participate in the chemistry seminar/colloquium program CHEM.6010, 6020, 6030 and 6040. In addition, a master's candidate is required to present one seminar in 6020 - Polymer Science Seminar.

Although the design of the academic program is the responsibility of the student's advisory committee, the following listing provides recommended courses for program development.

Polymer Science Specialization First Semester Subjects

Polymer Science Specialization Second Semester Subjects

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/22/24

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry.
Required for Sustainable Chemistry Specialization
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total15
CHEM.5130Spectroscopy3
CHEM.5221Solid State Materials Chemistry3
CHEM.5190Sustainable Chemistry3
CHEM.5680Structural Analysis 3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization 3
Additional Courses for the Sustainable Chemistry Specialization (Choose 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total6
CHEM.5230Organic Reaction Mechanisms 3
CHEM.5240Organic Synthesis3
CHEM.5260Chromatography3
CHEM.5360Advanced Materials Chemistry I3
CHEM.5660Nanomaterials and Nanostructures3
CHEM.5430Modern Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry 3
CHEM.5800Advanced Analytical Biochemistry3
CHEM.5750Machine Learning and AI in Energy Applications3
CHEM.5850Modern Organic Chemistry3
CHEM.5950Supermolecular Chemistry3
CHEM.6720Surface and Colloid Chemistry3
POLY.5040Advanced Polymer Science II3
POLY.5110Biopolymers3
POLY.5050Polymer Preparation and Characterization3
21 credits are accounted for above, thus 3 free electives may be taken. Students who want to do a thesis should discuss with their graduate coordinators to fulfill 12 credits of research.
For a non-thesis MS, choose any 4 graduate level (5000 level or above) chemistry courses (worth the final 12 credits to complete 30 credits). The Non-thesis Master of Science degree requires 30 credits of course work earned in 3-credit graduate courses exclusive of seminar and colloquium (CHEM.6010, CHEM.6020, CHEM.6030, CHEM.6040).
Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 11/1/24

Why Study Chemistry at UMass Lowell?

A student in a lab coat pipettes a specimin while another student in a lab coat holds up a petri dish.

Expert Faculty

Learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields, providing mentorship and practical knowledge to advance your expertise.

Chemistry student, Noah Mason, using a pipette in a lab.

Research Opportunities

Conduct research with faculty who receive funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Army Research Office, Air Force Office of Research, Office of Naval Research, National Institutes of Health and industrial sponsors.

Gloved hands brush across a drinking glass to identify fingerprints

Labs and Industry Partnerships

Benefit from UMass Lowell’s state-of-the-art laboratories and partnerships with industry leaders, gaining practical, hands-on experience. 

Chemistry Career Outlook

  • +16.6%

    Projected job growth in New England (2022–2033)

    (Lightcast, 2024)

  • $97,500

    Median annual earnings for master's degree holders in New England

    (Lightcast, 2024)

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Pfizer
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals
  • Medtronic
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • MilliporeSigma

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Applied Biology, Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants

All required documents are due to the Office of Graduate Admissions by February 15 for full Fall consideration. Applications received after this date will be reviewed for the next semester.

International Applicants

A transcript evaluation is required for the M.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Applied Biology.

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated.  Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

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