FAQ MAS Chemistry Option
From MWSU Graduate School Policy Portal
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How is this different from a traditional master’s degree?
The MAS degree at Missouri Western State University is an interdisciplinary professional master’s program for students interested in a wider variety of career options than typically provided by existing traditional graduate programs in the various disciplines of study. The MAS degree programs are open to bachelor’s level degree graduates and prepare students for work in various professional fields.
Why is it important to integrate business and chemistry?
The Master of Applied Science in Chemistry degree is designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in chemistry, while simultaneously developing workplace skills highly valued by employers. The program is an innovative two-year graduate degree consisting of academic training in chemistry, along with a professional component including “cross-training” in business and communications developed in concert with industry and designed to dovetail into present and future professional career opportunities. Graduates are equipped to manage the breakthroughs that are created by the research teams. They can interact between researchers and managers, especially in the marketing, finance, and legal departments. The Master of Applied Science in Chemistry allows students to pursue advanced training and excel in the field of chemistry while simultaneously developing highly-valued business skills, preparing them for science careers in business, government, or nonprofit organizations, where workforce needs are increasing. The curriculum is characterized as “science-plus,” combining rigorous study of chemistry with skills-based coursework in business fundamentals, economics, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, project management, and skills-oriented training in: communications, computation, and working in teams. The MAS Chemistry goals are:
- To broaden and deepen the knowledge of state-of-the-art analytical methods
- To learn to design and manage projects
- To gain an overview of statistical methods
- To improve communication skills
- To become aware of emerging opportunities in the chemical, biotechnical, and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, forensics, food technology and other burgeoning chemical-technical areas such as environmental remediation.
Teaching Assistantships
Two Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available in Chemistry and awarded on a competitive basis. Contact the Chemistry Department for more information or obtain an application through the Graduate Office. Please see Graduate Assistantships for general infomation.
When are classes held?
Classes for the Master of Applied Science Chemistry degree are scheduled to be offered on two weekday evenings (Tuesday and Thursday) after 4:30 p.m. during the regular fall and spring semesters. All classes will be scheduled to accommodate students who may already be engaged in full-time employment.
Do I have the option of full- or part-time?
Most students should plan to complete the degree during four academic semesters taking 6-9 credits of course work each semester. A minimum of 32 total credits are needed for degree completion. Enrollment is considered full-time when taking 9 credits per semester.
Where are classes held?
Classes will be held on the main campus of Missouri Western State University in Agenstein Hall, Remington Hall, and Murphy Hall.
Who teaches the courses in this option?
Most courses required of this graduate degree program will be taught by full-time Ph.D. faculty members approved for graduate faculty status by Missouri Western State University. It is anticipated that adjunct graduate faculty may be used to teach selected applied and professional courses, and will be required to meet established university criteria for graduate faculty status.
