The Chemistry Graduate Program does not offer admission to an M.S. track. However, there are limited circumstances in which the M.S. degree may be earned by scholars initially admitted to the Ph.D. program.

The primary resource for scholars interested in learning more about the M.S. degree is Section 3 of the Laney Graduate School Handbook. This chemistry handbook section clarifies chemistry-specific interpretation of this policy.

M.S. Degree On the Basis of Candidacy

Scholars who complete chemistry’s candidacy requirements may apply for the M.S. degree “on the way” to the Ph.D. In accordance with LGS policy, chemistry will not approve the M.S. degree retroactively under any circumstances. Scholars must review the relevant LGS policy and submit all necessary paperwork to LGS as soon as their candidacy application is approved.

M.S. Degree on the Basis of Change of Program

In the event that a scholar (1) chooses to leave the graduate program prior to receiving the Ph.D., OR (2) is advised to leave the graduate program following a failed milestone exam; the scholar may petition the graduate program to request to initiate a change of program and earn the M.S. degree prior to departing Emory.

Once a petition is submitted, the Director of Graduate Studies will schedule a meeting with the scholar to discuss the intended change of program. The petition will not receive a response until after this meeting takes place.

If a change of program to an M.S. track is approved by both the graduate committee and LGS, the Chemistry Graduate Program follows LGS guidelines for degree completion. In most cases, scholars will be expected to complete the degree within one semester of approval. Chemistry will not approve the M.S. degree based on coursework unless a scholar has met all candidacy requirements including JPE 610 workshops; otherwise, a thesis must be submitted. An in-person thesis defense is not required. Additionally, scholars must have completed at least thirty hours of graduate-level coursework before the expected degree conferral date.

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