Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Chemistry - Biochemistry

University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth

The BS/MS option permits the student to achieve both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in five years, rather than the usual six years required. This option provides exposure to graduate courses and research, making easier the transition from BS-MS to PhD-level study. For those going directly into teaching or industry, the master’s degree typically yields a significant increase in starting salary. By counting some beginning graduate courses also as senior chemistry courses, this combined program permits the student to achieve both degrees in 143 credits, fewer than the total if the two degree programs were taken separately. Two summers of research are necessary. Entrance into this program requires approval of the department.Under this option the student works toward completion of the course curriculum for one of the BS options. The student may apply for acceptance to this program as early as the fourth semester. A research project is typically begun in the summer of the third year and continued through one or two summers, the fall of the fourth year (as CHM 491), the spring of the fourth year and in both semesters of the fifth year (as 9 credits of CHM 600). A total of 12 additional credits of advanced CHM electives beyond those required for the BS (or, with approval of the departmental advisor, advanced electives in another department) is required at the 500 level. The student is also required to enroll in Graduate seminar (CHM 650) in both semesters of the fifth year.