Masters of Chemistry: Distance Learning

Written by: R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen • Edited by: Heather Marie Kosur
Updated Jul 5, 2011

This article will discuss how to obtain a master's of chemistry through distance learning as well as what is involved and the career outlook.

Master's of Chemistry Distance Learning

A master's of chemistry distance learning program allows students to maintain their full-time job and other responsibilities while advancing their chemistry degree and career. The colleges and universities that offer a master's degree in chemistry online allow students to advance their chemistry education completely from the comfort of their own home on their own schedule. Students will first need a completed bachelor's degree in chemistry before being able to complete a master's degree in chemistry.

Required Courses

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Students pursuing a master's of chemistry distance education will need to take and pass certain classes before receiving their master's degree in chemistry. These classes include industrial and polymer chemistry, medicinal chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, advanced inorganic chemistry, introduction to chemical research, advanced biochemistry, and advanced physical chemistry. Other courses they may take include aquatic toxicology, physical and chemical analysis of seawater, chemical oceanography, aquatic chemistry, biochemical techniques and instrumentation, biochemistry, analytical chemistry with laboratory, advanced analytical chemistry, quantum mechanics, rates and mechanisms, computational chemistry, neurochemistry, physical organic chemistry, and introduction to chemical research. Students must also complete a directed independent study course and their graduate thesis.

Average Completion Time

It will take students approximately two years to complete their master's degree in chemistry online. For those pursuing the combined BS/MS major at the University of North Carolina, it will take as little as five years to obtain both their bachelor's degree in chemistry and their master's degree in chemistry.

Top Online Schools

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Few colleges and universities that offer an accredited master's of chemistry distance learning program. The University of North Carolina offers a master's degree in chemistry online. Students will need three letters of recommendation from people in the field of science, satisfactory GRE scores, and a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Students who in North Carolina will pay $19,660.00 per year, and students who reside outside of North Carolina will pay $30,374.00 per year. Students will also pay a $45.00 application fee.

Possible Careers

Those who have completed a master's in chemistry distance education will have the opportunity to work in most chemistry fields, but most work in research. They will most often work in laboratories. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most chemists work in manufacturing, engineering, architectural work, and scientific research and development.

Career Outlook

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, by 2016, the available careers in the field of chemistry is expected to grow by nine percent. Most of these jobs will require a master's degree in chemistry or higher. The median annual salary for chemists is $59,870.

Why Is It Better to Obtain This Degree Online?

Pursuing a master's of chemistry distance learning program allows students the flexibility to study when it is convenient for them. They will have assignment deadlines, but these are far less strict than they would be if the student was pursuing this degree in a traditional campus setting. Students will be able to maintain their normal lifestyle while completing their master's degree in chemistry.

Resources

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2009). Chemists and Material Scientists. Retrieved on November 9, 2009 from Website: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos049.htm

Masters of Chemistry: Distance Learning