Master of Science in Applied Chemistry

Master of Science in Applied Chemistry

Stand out in the field by advancing your understanding of chemical and biochemical concepts, enhancing your laboratory and independent research skills, and strengthening your ability to communicate scientific data to experts and non-experts through a master’s in applied chemistry.

Finish in just 10 months. Available fellowships allow you to save significantly on tuition while gaining valuable experience.

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Graduate Info Session & Tour

Saturday, March 23, 2024 
from 10:30 am 
to 12:00 pm

Explore the Merrimack College community, gain tips on what makes a strong application, hear about our fellowship opportunities, take a tour and more!

Applied Chemistry Graduate Program: Why Merrimack College?

With a master’s in chemistry from Merrimack, you will increase your scientific knowledge, technical abilities, leadership and management skills, career options, and salary potential within the in-demand pharmaceutical, life sciences and biotechnology industries.

Accelerated Program.

Merrimack College allows you to earn your master’s degree in just 10 months, an abbreviated time period compared to most graduate programs in chemistry and biochemistry. Additionally, our Applied Chemistry graduate program offers a 4 +1 fast-track pathway for Merrimack undergraduate students to seamlessly earn an advanced professional degree.

High-level research experience.

You will conduct extensive chemical research and master practical lab bench skills identified as particularly desirable by local industry partners. You will also have the opportunity to present your research to and network with local chemistry professionals, making connections with companies such as Akita, Creagen BioSciences, EMD Serono, Moderna, Pfizer, Sarepta Therapeutics, Seqens, Syneos Health, Uniqure and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.  

Robust professional and personal development.

Opportunities for you to improve your essential career skills are integrated across the curriculum of the applied chemistry master’s program. Courses also feature outside speakers from both academia and industry to help you gain exposure to various career paths, and we will further guide you through tailoring your CV, cover letters, and interviewing and presentation skills for success. Additionally, professional ethics will be assessed throughout the curriculum, and you will work through a variety of professional ethics issues with your research faculty members.

Small class sizes.

With small class sizes, Merrimack College provides you with unique opportunities to develop practical chemistry skills, gain meaningful lab and research experience, engage in innovative coursework, form valuable connections to knowledgeable professors, and be a part of a close-knit network of scientists.

Affordable cost.

Merrimack’s applied chemistry master’s degree was designed to offer competitive tuition compared to other programs. Available graduate fellowships offer a significant tuition discount if you participate in teaching introductory laboratory sections!

 

Program Format

  • On-campus classes
  • Full-time study*
* Though designed to be full-time, part-time study is a possibility. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission to discuss your options.

Start Terms

  • Fall*
*It is recommended that students apply by the priority application deadline of June 15 to have the best chance of securing a spot in the program.

VIEW APPLICATION DEADLINES

Master’s in Applied Chemistry: What You’ll Learn

Merrimack’s applied chemistry master’s degree will enable you to learn new fundamental and applied chemistry concepts, enhance your independent laboratory and research skills, and further develop your communication and presentation skills.
Earning a master’s degree in chemistry from Merrimack will enhance your expertise in the field, improve your technical proficiency, boost leadership and management capabilities, broaden your career prospects, and elevate your earning potential in the thriving pharmaceutical, life sciences, and biotechnology sectors.

In this 32-credit program, you will:

  • Develop a deep working knowledge of the principles and underlying theories associated with contemporary chemical and biochemical research.
  • Expand your capacity to work independently in modern chemistry laboratories.
  • Integrate and apply your chemistry knowledge and experimental results to critique, create, and disseminate solutions to modern chemistry challenges.
  • Utilize your knowledge and skills in experimental chemistry and chemical education to educate STEM students.
  • Improve leadership and management skills.

Stand Out in the Chemistry Job Market

With a Master of Science in Applied Chemistry, you will be highly competitive for jobs in the pharmaceutical, life sciences and biotechnology industries that require an advanced skill set.

Industry professionals with a master’s degree in chemistry benefit from higher average pay and employment rates than those holding only a bachelor’s degree:

Higher average pay

According to Burning Glass, chemists with a master’s degree earn about $10,000 more per year than chemists with a bachelor’s degree, while biochemists with a master’s  earn $15,000 more than those with just a bachelor’s.

Lower unemployment rate

Recent data from the American Chemical Society highlights that chemists have a very low unemployment rate of just 2.1% – lower than chemists with just a bachelor’s (3.3%) and better than even chemists with a doctoral degree (2.5%)

+ $
0
Annually with a M.S. in Chemistry
+ $
0
Annually with a M.S. in Biochemistry
0
%
B.S. in Chemistry Unemployment Rate
0
%
M.S. in Chemistry Unemployment Rate
0
%
Ph.D. in Chemistry Unemployment Rate

Burning Glass data further indicates that Massachusetts has the second highest number of job postings for chemists and biochemists, behind only California. This highlights the strong  demand for more chemists and biochemists in the area.

Merrimack’s master’s program in applied chemistry will prepare you for desirable positions such as:

  • Laboratory technician
  • Research assistant within academic, medical and industry settings 
  • Senior research associate
  • Associate scientist or scientist I at biotech firms
  • Technical representative

In addition, you  will be qualified to represent biotech and pharmaceutical companies at scientific trade shows and as part of a sales team, to become sales representatives in the field, and members of marketing teams. The Master of Science in Applied Chemistry will also prepare you for possible careers such as naturalist for community and municipal organizations, conservation scientist, environmental scientist and technician, veterinary technician, and chemistry research assistant.

Finally, as a graduate of the program you will be a more competitive applicant for graduate doctoral programs and professional schools, such as medical, dental, and veterinary. 

Explore Applied Chemistry Fellowships

Merrimack College offers fellowship opportunities to students in the applied chemistry master’s program to significantly reduce tuition costs. Qualified applicants gain enhanced development via a work placement of up to 20 hours per week. You’ll work closely with a faculty member to gain hands-on experience through serving as a Teaching Assistant in laboratory sections for the introductory courses offered in the Department of Applied Chemistry.

In addition, partial-tuition Dean scholarships are available, and they may include advanced professional development opportunities.

Entry Requirements for the Master of Science in Applied Chemistry

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or related discipline prior to acceptance into the program. An undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.7 on a 4.0 scale is required for entry to the graduate program, and it is recommended that all applicants have a GPA of at least 3.0. 

There is no fee to apply, but you will be required to submit transcripts, at least 2 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement discussing your reasoning for continuing your education and interest in scientific research.

There is no fee to apply, and there is no GRE requirement.  However, we encourage you to submit test scores if you feel they will support or enhance your academic background.

“Our accelerated program provides you with the hands-on experience to gain a competitive edge in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, or in your pursuit of graduate and professional school. ”

Want to Learn More About the Master’s Degree in Applied Chemistry?

Contact the Merrimack College Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@merrimack.edu.

Schedule an Informational Call with Program Experts

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