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Eastern Illinois University

Chemistry, Thesis

A rigorous thesis-based master's degree in Chemistry, which combines exposure to a firm foundation of core courses with electives in area of choice, as well as an intense research experience in a small-group and individualized attention from a PhD research mentor. Graduates often go on to successfully complete PhD programs in Chemistry or Biochemistry at major research universities or successfully build a career in chemical industry at major companies.

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Chemistry, Thesis

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
30 Total, 30 in Major
Careers
Chemists, Postsecondary, Managers
Chemistry, Thesis students at EIU

Why Study Chemistry, Thesis at EIU?

  • Small research group size means individualized attention given to each student
  • Department has a broad range of instrumentation and expertise for a school it's size
  • Graduate assistant positions available, and give valuable experience at supporting teaching
  • Strong research program with many publications and presentations
  • Small class sizes
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Chemistry, Thesis | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Chemistry, Thesis at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Opportunities to present research locally, regionally, or nationally
  • Small program size allows for close peer-to-peer interactions as well as individual interactions with faculty
  • Program and university have large, supportive international community, allowing for a diverse learning community
Hands-On Experience, Chemistry, Thesis students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The thesis option in the M.S. in Chemistry gives you a firm grounding in the traditional branches of chemistry and an intense research experience in a small-group setting. It is a fit if you want individualized attention from a PhD research mentor and plan to complete a PhD in chemistry or enter a research-focused career.

View in Catalog
$117,237
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Chemists
  • Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Natural Sciences Managers
  • Clinical Research Coordinators
  • Chemical Technicians
  • Water Resource Specialists
  • Food Science Technicians
  • Forensic Science Technicians
  • Environmental Scientists &…

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit InvestigativeInvestigative interest typeYou like digging into how things work. This type of work involves researching and analyzing natural phenomena, living things, health problems or human behavior.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,150 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
15% of lifetime limit

$15,150 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Cesar Ortiz-Ledon
Assistant Professor-Analytical Chemistry Graduate Coordinator
caortiz2@eiu.edu
3460 Physical Science
217-581-2720
Cesar Ortiz-Ledon Message Cesar

Message Cesar

or email caortiz2@eiu.edu directly
Edward Treadwell
Department Chair, Professor - Organic Chemistry, Pre-Medicine Adviser Chemistry Concentration
emtreadwell@eiu.edu
3154
217-581-5906
Edward Treadwell Message Edward

Message Edward

or email emtreadwell@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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