This accelerated program leads to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry. The plan is open to majors in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Emphasis 1 or 2, who have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate course work, started their undergraduate research no later than their junior year, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. To enter the accelerated program, a student must obtain early admission to the NIU Graduate School and formulate a detailed plan of study, working closely with the Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. A minimum GPA of 3.00 must be maintained throughout the course of study. Failure to meet the requirements of the accelerated sequence may lead to a B.S. degree only, but only after all the requirements for that degree have been met.
Students can enroll for no more than three terms in the accelerated program without completing the baccalaureate degree. Students wishing to take part in this program should be aware of all the regulations and restrictions of accelerated baccalaureate/master’s degree programs as outlined in the NIU Graduate School Catalog under the heading of Early Admission of NIU Undergraduates; and Admission to Accelerated Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Programs. In particular, students should be aware that they will not be eligible for a Teaching Assistantship and associated tuition waiver at any point while enrolled in the accelerated program.
All students enrolled in this program must have their schedules approved by their faculty advisors each semester. Any deviation from an approved course schedule may delay graduation.
Curriculum
Students accepted into the accelerated degree program will matriculate in the graduate program during their senior year. Students can take up to 18 credits of graduate courses during their senior year, leaving 102 credits to satisfy other baccalaureate requirements. All graduate course work must be approved by the department. Acceptable courses include: CHEM 570 to 573; CHEM 600; CHEM 620 to CHEM 689. However, a student’s research advisor may require additional course work inside or outside the department course offerings. Other courses can be taken if approved by the Graduate Program Committee. The remaining course hours may be fulfilled from the departmental (CHEM 616, CHEM 691, but not CHEM 690) and university (e.g., UNIV 600) “skills” courses. The Graduate Program Committee will have a final say if a particular university course will qualify as a “skills” course for the program.
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