Graduate Program FAQs
General Information
- Does UNC offer a Ph.D. in Chemistry?
- Do I need to take the GRE?
- What are the minimum GPA, GRE, and TOEFL/TSE scores required for admission?
- Can I obtain my degree as a non-thesis option?
- Does the Department offer student assistantships/stipends?
Yes, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry selectively grants Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and Graduate Assistantships to qualified applicants. Student fees and health insurance are paid by the student. If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship, please be sure to note your interest on the student profile form in your application packet.
- Do graduate students have to pay tuition?
Students employed by the University as Graduate Teaching Assistants are given a 100% tuition waiver; however, student fees and health insurance costs are not covered. If you wish to be considered for an assistantship, please be sure to note your interest on the student profile form in your application packet.
- What is the cost of living in Greeley?
- Does UNC offer graduate student housing?
MS Program Information
- How do the two emphasis areas (research and education) differ?
The research emphasis extends and builds upon the chemistry knowledge and skills acquired at the undergraduate level. Students gain competence in chemistry research through close collaboration with faculty in their research labs.
The education emphasis extends and builds upon the chemistry knowledge and skills acquired at the undergraduate level. Students gain competence in science education and effective teaching though coursework and in performing education-based research in collaboration with faculty.
- What are the entrance and program requirements for the Master’s programs?
- What types of Chemistry research are being done at UNC?
- For what types of job opportunities will a M.S. in Chemistry (Research Emphasis) degree
prepare me?
An M.S. in Chemistry with a research emphasis prepares students to obtain a variety of careers in chemistry laboratory settings. Students can go on to work in government, law enforcement, industrial, or academic laboratories. This M.S. degree can also be used as the stepping stone to pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Education.
- For what types of job opportunities will a M.S. in Chemistry (Education Emphasis)
degree prepare me?
An M.S. in Chemistry with an education emphasis prepares students to obtain a variety of careers teaching Chemistry. Students can go on to become chemistry instructors at a range of institutions including small liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and both state and private research universities. Students can obtain non-teaching positions such as lab coordinators, curriculum developers, or education specialists within a variety of settings. This degree does not provide licensure for students interested in teaching at the grade school level.
- Does the MS in Chemistry (Education Emphasis) include a license to teach grade school or high school?
PhD Program Information
- For whom is the Ph.D. in Chemical Education degree geared?
The Ph.D. in Chemical Education is designed to train individuals interested in teaching Chemistry at higher-education institutions. Students take pedagogy courses in educational psychology, science education, and chemical education. Students in the program will also be trained to conduct chemical education-based research. Research training includes a variety of courses in statistics and research methods.
- Do I need to have a Master’s degree in Chemistry before entering the program?
Students may enter the program with or without a Master’s degree in Chemistry. Those that enter with a Master’s degree in Chemistry can immediately begin taking chemical education courses and pursuing research requirements. Those that enter without a Master’s degree in Chemistry can complete their Master’s degree en route to obtaining their doctoral degree. Students can take both chemistry and chemical education courses simultaneously, but must complete their chemistry Master’s research prior to beginning their education-based research.
- For what type of job opportunities will a Ph.D. in Chemical Education prepare me?
Students can go on to teach chemistry at a range of institutions including small liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and both state and private research universities. Graduates are also qualified to conduct education-based research. Students can obtain non-teaching positions such as lab coordinators, curriculum developers, or education specialists. Outside of academia, students could pursue careers with textbook publishers or educational media developers.
- What types of research questions would be addressed in a Ph.D. in Chemical Education dissertation?
- How will the program at UNC prepare me to answer education-based research questions?
- How will the program at UNC prepare me to be a more effective educator?
Students take a core set of pedagogy courses in addition to the courses that focus on education-based research. These courses provide students with perspectives about how students learn and how instructional practices affect this learning. In addition to the experience gained as a teaching assistant, each Ph.D. student does a two-semester teaching practicum.
- What are the entrance and program requirements for the Ph.D. in Chemical Education?
- What current education-based research topics are being investigated at UNC?
