Master of Arts in Chemistry
The Master of Arts is awarded via the BA/MA program for current Wesleyan undergraduates. The program has a strong research orientation and includes coursework, seminars, and, in some cases, teaching. Students interested in applying to this program should declare their interest early enough in their undergraduate careers to permit the design of an acceptable program with a research advisor. Prospective BA/MA candidates are advised to begin research no later than their junior year.
Admission to the BA/MA program is competitive and based on academic transcripts, faculty recommendations, and previous research experience. Students apply in their senior year and must complete the master's degree requirements in one additional post-baccalaureate year. The MA year is tuition-free and financial aid may be available for eligible students.
For additional information on the BA/MA program, see https://www.wesleyan.edu/grad/graduate-programs/bama_program.html
The Chemistry Department may also grant the degree of Master of Arts to students in the PhD program who do not complete all the requirements for a PhD.
Courses
Students in either the BA/MA program or a terminating PhD program are required to earn a minimum of 6.0 credits in order to fulfill the requirements of the master's degree. The minimum 6.0 required credits must include at least 2.0 total credits of advanced research, at least two 1.0 credit chemistry elective courses at the 300-level or higher, two semesters of upper-level seminars (CHEM547/548, CHEM557/558, or CHEM587/588), and two semesters of the departmental colloquium (CHEM521/522). Students may petition to have one or more advanced elective courses from other departments count toward the 300-level chemistry elective requirement.
All degree-seeking graduate students are required to register for at least one credit in each semester that they are enrolled in the University.
Progress and Qualifying Exams
Students in the BA/MA program or a terminating PhD program are not required to take the progress examinations required of PhD candidates.
Teaching
Teaching is not required as part of the BA/MA program, however many students in the BA/MA program choose to contribute to the department to build their pedagogical skills as teaching assistants. Students in a terminated PhD program have the same teaching responsibilities as those in the PhD program.
Research
Students in both the BA/MA and terminated PhD programs are required to enroll in 1.0 credits of advanced research each semester.
Thesis and Defense
An oral defense of the master's thesis before a faculty committee is required for successful completion of the master's degree for both BA/MA and terminating PhD students. An open public defense is not required for the Master of Arts degree.
Additional Information
For additional information, please visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/grad/graduate-programs/bama_program.html