About this Program
Old Dominion University's Master of Science in Chemistry is a research-focused graduate program offered through the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in Norfolk, Virginia. The on-campus chemistry graduate program prepares students for careers in pharmaceutical research, materials science, environmental chemistry, energy, and chemical engineering, as well as for doctoral study at research universities.
Two program tracks are available: a thesis option for students pursuing original research, and a non-thesis option for students focused on coursework and professional application. Areas of specialization include:
- Analytical chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Environmental chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Materials chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
Program Highlights
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State-of-the-art Chemistry Building with advanced instrumentation including LC-MS, GC-MS, and 400 MHz NMR.
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Seven specialization areas for concentrated study.
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GRE-optional for domestic applicants.
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Teaching assistantships available.
Featured Courses
Requirements
An application, transcripts, two letters of recommendation from former college instructors, a resume, a writing sample and an essay about career goals. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for all domestic applicants and strongly recommend for international applicants. International students are also required to submit an Internet Based TOEFL Score (iBT) which includes a Speaking Portion. Admission to regular status requires a grade point average of 3.00 in the major and 2.80 overall (on a 4.00 scale). General university admission requirements also apply. In addition, a Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) with a major in chemistry (or another science) is required, although applications from majors in all science disciplines are encouraged. Undergraduate courses in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry (quantitative and instrumental analysis), physical chemistry, and calculus are required for regular admission. Deficiencies in any of these areas will be identified and must be rectified by taking undergraduate coursework.
Careers
A Master of Science in Chemistry from ODU prepares graduates for high-impact roles across industries, including:
- Pharmaceutical and Biotech: Analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and quality control specialists at pharmaceutical manufacturers and biotech companies.
- Materials Science and Engineering: R&D roles at manufacturers producing specialty chemicals, polymers, composites, and electronic materials.
- Environmental and Government: Environmental chemists and chemical technicians at EPA, Virginia DEQ, consulting firms, and environmental testing laboratories.
- Energy Sector: Process chemists and analytical roles in petroleum refining, alternative energy research, and battery technology development.
- Academic and Research: Students pursuing doctoral programs at research universities.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ODU tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching assistantships may be available, but they are not guaranteed for M.S. Students
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The GRE is optional for all domestic applicants to the ODU Chemistry M.S. program. International applicants are strongly recommended to submit scores.
Regular status admission requires a GPA of 3.00 in the major and 2.80 overall on a 4.00 scale. Students with undergraduate deficiencies in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, or calculus will be required to complete those courses.
The program offers seven areas of specialization: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students typically select a specialization area in consultation with their faculty advisor.
Teaching assistantships may be available for M.S. students, though they are not guaranteed.
Chemistry M.S. graduates pursue roles in pharmaceutical R&D, materials science, environmental chemistry, energy sector research, government laboratories, and academic doctoral programs. See the Career Outcomes section above for specific roles and salary ranges.
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