Professional Science Concentration

The Master of Science in Chemistry, Professional Science Concentration (PSC) is a two-year program offered by the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Western Carolina University.

PSC students will work with dedicated faculty to use cutting-edge chemistry technology and innovative business theories and practices to solve real-world problems. The PSC will increase students' professional network and job prospects in fast-growing chemical industries, such as natural products, pharmaceuticals, and process analytical applications. 

There are three professional tracks: executive, technology and financial, all of which share a common science core. This program is ideal for people interested in industrial applications or who are currently employed in the private sector looking for career advancement.

Program Highlights

• Students will earn an M.S. Chemistry degree
• All learning will focus on chemistry and business/professional skills that are needed by the chemical industry
• The M.S. Chemistry Professional Science Concentration is 30 hours and includes the following:

1. Five chemistry courses that focus on biotechnology, biochemistry, instrument techniques, and structural determination;
2. Three business "tracks" to choose from: executive, technology, and financial; and
3. An internship at a regional company or a research project where students will apply their learning in a real-world context.

Concentration Requirements

Required Core Courses (21)

• CHEM 689 - Cooperative Education in Chemistry Credits: 6, R6

• 15 hours of chemistry courses or courses approved by an advisory committee that are related to the student’s career goals and are numbered 500-level or above. The following courses cannot be used to fulfill this requirement: CHEM 689, CHEM 696, CHEM 697, CHEM 698, CHEM 699, CHEM 779 and CHEM 799.

            AND 6 hours of

• Students are required to work a minimum of 120 hours to satisfy the 6 credit hour internship requirement. The scheduling and duration must be negotiated and approved by the student, the student’s faculty advisor, and the internship supervisor.

             OR 6 hours of

• CHEM 697 - Non-thesis Research in Chemistry Credits: 1-3

Professional Tracks (9)