Degree Programs (Graduate)

Explore our programs  
M.Sc. and M.A.Sc.
Ph.D.

 

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Chemistry?  Check out the degree information details and links below to learn about our programs.

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M.Sc. (Master of Science) and M.A.Sc. (Master of Applied Science)

The Department of Chemistry offers Master's degrees in Science and Applied Science. Students can graduate with an M.Sc. or M.A.Sc. degree. These are research-based degrees that require students to complete sufficient research to write a Master's thesis.

Most students starting graduate studies after completing an undergraduate degree will start at the M.Sc. level. Students initially enrolled in the M.Sc. program who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Queen's can request to transfer to the Ph.D. program after satisfactory completion of a Ph.D. candidacy exam.

Program Requirements
  • Students who intend to work in a chemical laboratory must pass departmental safety (CHEM 801) and WHMIS training at the earliest possible opportunity.
  • CHEM 802 - Chemistry Seminar Program (Students who registered as of May 2016).
  • CHEM 803 - Principles of Scientific Communication.
  • CHEM 899 - M.Sc. Thesis Research (each year).
  • Six (6) graduate modules (or the equivalent of three (3) term lecture courses). Unless permission is obtained from the supervisor and coordinator of graduate studies in chemistry, at least four (4) modules must be from among those offered by the Department of Chemistry.
  • Annual Research Progress Reports.
  • Thesis.
Students wearing gloves hold chemical vials filled with coloured liquid
Group of students and faculty face the camera and smile
Staff member wearing protective equipment holds chemical in a flask as part of an experiment

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

The Department of Chemistry offers a Ph.D. degree. This is a research-intensive degree that requires the student to make a unique contribution to science that can be written into a Ph.D. thesis.

Most students enrolling in the Ph.D. program from outside Queen's have already obtained an M.Sc. degree in Chemistry or a related discipline. Students enrolled in the M.Sc. program at Queen's may enroll in the Ph.D. program without obtaining an M.Sc. degree by successfully completing a Ph.D. candidacy exam. In exceptional cases, it is possible to enroll in the Ph.D. program directly after completing a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry or a related discipline.

Candidates wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Science/Engineering in the Chemistry Department should contact the Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the department for more information.

Program Requirements
  • Students who intend to work in a chemical laboratory must pass departmental safety (CHEM 801) and WHMIS training at the earliest possible opportunity.
  • CHEM 802 - Chemistry Seminar Program 
  • CHEM 803 - Principles of Scientific Communication 
  • CHEM 999 - Ph. D. Thesis Research (each year)
  • A total of six (6) graduate module lecture courses (each equivalent to one half of a term course) or the equivalent of three (3) term lecture courses beyond the Bachelor's degree.
    • Note: Direct Entry students are required to complete at least six (6) module lecture courses (or the equivalent of three (3) term lecture courses). Unless permission is obtained from the supervisor and coordinator of graduate studies in chemistry, at least four (4) modules must be from among those offered by the Department of Chemistry.
  • Annual Research Progress Reports.
  • Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination - must be attempted in the first 18 months of the program.
  • Departmental Research Seminar (15 minutes, plus 5 minutes questions) on research work. The seminar should be given after completion of research work, but before your thesis is submitted for internal review.
  • Thesis.