Chemistry (M.S.) - Chemical Education Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

Douglas Raynie, Department Head
Matthew Miller, Graduate Program Coordinator 
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Avera Health and Science Center 131, Box 2202
605-688-5151

Program Information

In addition to a traditional thesis-based (Option A) M.S. degree, the Department also offers a predominantly on-line M.S. in chemistry in chemical education. This is a non-thesis (Option B) degree that focuses on the content necessary for practicing high school teachers to achieve highly qualified status. Admission in this program is limited to in-service high school/college science teachers; students interested in the thesis-based M.S. degree in chemical education should specify this on the application for admission.

Course Delivery Format

The M.S. in Chemistry – Chemical Education Specialization, is a largely online program for course offerings. As such, the content coursework is delivered via online format. In this format, individualized coursework and discussion methods are used to encourage discourse on content as it relates to teaching high school science. In summer, students participate in laboratory development exercises with research active faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, providing practical skills development. Additionally, students learn about research skills for the classroom to engage in a year-long action research project.

Facilities and Services

The Department is housed in the newly constructed Avera Health and Science Center, which provides 100,000 sq. ft. of research and instructional space.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Option B - Research/Design Paper

32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

CHEM 770 - Atomic Theory & Bonding Credits: 3
CHEM 771 - Intermolecular Interactions & Phases of Matter Credits: 3
CHEM 772 - Thermodynamics Credits: 3
CHEM 773 - Equilibria & Acid-Base Chemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 774 - Kinetics, Nuclear, & Electrochemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 775 - Organic & Biochemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 776 - Laboratory Development Credits: 3 (6 credits required) (Must be taken twice for 3 credits each session.)
CHEM 777 - Action Research in the Secondary Classroom Credits: 2
CHEM 778 - Chemistry Teaching Strategies Credits: 3
CHEM 788 - Research Problems in the Chemistry Classroom Credits: 1-2 (Must be taken twice, once for 1 credit, the second for 2 credits.)

Total Required Credits: 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Score of 580 paper-based, 92-93 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

Applications are accepted for admission to the M.S. program in fall only. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications for admission no later than January 15. Initial offers of admission will be made no later than the first week of February.

In addition to the materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry requires the following application materials:

A one- to two-page personal statement which includes a description of undergraduate research, work experience, or other factors demonstrating a propensity toward graduate studies. The personal statement should also include a statement of the applicant’s career goals. The applicant may upload this statement while completing the Graduate School’s online application.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .