The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The programs provide opportunities for concentrated study in analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry, or chemical physics and interdisciplinary areas such as nanotechnology and chemical biology. A plan of study is worked out for each student to ensure a sound basis for research. In keeping with the university’s commitment as an urban institution, the department also offers part-time programs leading to these degrees.
Any student considering graduate work in chemistry will be concerned about career prospects after graduation. The department has a strong record of placing students in appropriate positions. Recent graduates have obtained postdoctoral appointments at California Institute of Technology, the University of Minnesota, the University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, the Scripps Research Institute and the Naval Research Laboratory. Others have accepted industrial positions with major companies such as Bristol-Myers, DuPont, Philip Morris, Amoco, Eli Lilly and Abbott Laboratories, and government positions at the Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Department of Agriculture. Graduates who have chosen academic careers are currently on the faculties at North Carolina State University, Mississippi State University, Virginia State University and several foreign universities.
