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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
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing 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 MS thesis option in Chemistry both gives students a firm grounding in the traditional branches of chemistry, as well as allowing them to pursue a research project in a small-group setting with individualized attention from their research mentor.  Many research groups are internally and externally funded, and their active research leads to presentations at the local, regional, and national level, as well as publications in prominent peer-reviewed journals.  The program includes intensive study of chemical literature as well as a seminar series that stresses communication skills.

View in Catalog
$117,237
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • 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 Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Investigative

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, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

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.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
15% of lifetime limit

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

Connect With Us

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

Message Dr. Ortiz-Ledon

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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