When the MS is omitted, the student must include equivalent work in the PhD program, but the MS thesis is omitted. The PhD degree centers around a substantial research project and a resulting thesis. Thesis research is a full time activity during the latter part of the student's graduate career. Seminar groups play an important part in the learning experience of PhD students. Students are also expected to become aware of the current literature in their field.
Requirements differ somewhat depending on the student's area of study.
At least one year of teaching is required of each student that is completing any graduate degree. The MS degree in chemistry is granted upon completion of 30 hours of credit reflecting a variety of basic courses plus a thesis research project of smaller scope and complexity than a PhD thesis. Twenty-one hours must be in course work, with the required thesis and seminars acceptable for the remainder. The MS degree may be used by students unable to continue further graduate work, or by students establishing their subject background and involvement in research prior to beginning a longer PhD thesis problem.