Graduate
Graduate Degree Programs in Chemistry
Research-focused programs (MS; PhD)
The Department of Chemistry has two research focused graduate degrees: a Master’s of Science (MS) and a Doctoral of Philosophy (PhD). These graduate programs allow students to study a wide variety of research topics spanning the five traditional areas of chemistry (Analytical, Biochemical, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). Research opportunities in the Department range from studies of fundamental chemistry to applied science projects. This broad range of research topics allows virtually all students to match their science interests with on-going projects. Specific information on research on-going in the Department is described in more detail by the individual faculty members. Graduate students enrolled in the MS or PhD programs are automatically considered for assistantships within the Department of Chemistry (no additional application is required for support.) Generally, a Teaching Assistantships (TA) also known as Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) consist of a stipend that meets the expected cost of living in the greater Starkville area and a full tuition waiver. The other common assistantship in the program is a Research Assistantship (RA) also known as Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) , which are funded through external grants and contracts earned by the faculty. These consist of a stipend and tuition waiver too, where the stipend on RA meets the expected cost of living in Starkville but salaries vary between different research groups. RA positions are rarely offered to newly admitted graduate students, however this mode of support is completely at the discretion of the research team leader.
The Department also hosts a non-thesis MS program (MSN) in Chemistry, which allows students to expand their understanding of chemical phenomena or to sharpen foundational chemistry concepts through classroom instruction. This 30-hour MSN program does not require research products but serves students to advance their knowledge for professional development or to prepare for professional programs. Graduate students admitted to the MSN program will not be considered for assistantships within the Department. The MSN program is a great option for post-baccalaureate STEM students interested in improving their overall knowledge in chemistry to support applications to medical or professional schools or graduate programs in chemistry.
The Department of Chemistry also hosts the Chemistry Graduate Student Association (CGSA). This student organization facilitates both academic and professional development of graduate students in the program and promotes peer-to-peer interaction among graduate students and faculty at MSU. More information about CGSA can be found here.
Faculty
The faculty in the Department of Chemistry are listed by research interest areas as well as alphabetically. Members of the faculty regularly contribute to the chemistry literature by publishing scholarly works as research articles and contribute to edited volumes focused on chemistry. Our faculty publishes nearly sixty articles per year and receives in excess of two million dollars in research support annually. Many also are active in the American Chemical Society, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Biophysical Society.
Graduates
The graduates of our MS and PhD programs have been successful in many different professions and a wide range of careers. Departmental graduate alumni hold faculty positions at colleges and universities, are gainfully employed in the chemical industry, work in governmental research centers, and in some cases start their own companies.
Region
MSU is located near the Tombigbee National Forest in Northeast Mississippi. The campus adjoins the town of Starkville (population is approximately 25,000) on the west and is surrounded on three sides by countryside. The cost of living in Starkville and the surrounding areas is considerably lower than most other areas of the country, and the Starkville Public School system is one of the best in Mississippi. Together these facts make Mississippi State University a relatively family friendly place to earn a graduate degree. Starkville and MSU are served by the Golden Triangle Airport (GTR) with multiple short flights to Atlanta (ATL) daily. Ten miles south of the campus is the 43,000-acre Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. The friendly, small-town atmosphere and the uncrowded, pollution-free environment provide excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, canoeing, and other forms of outdoor recreation. The climate is mild, and snow is uncommon. Memphis, TN, Birmingham, AL, and Jackson, MS are all two to three hours away by car. Atlanta and New Orleans are five to six hours away, making them all easily accessible for weekend trips.
Assistantships
Graduate students admitted to the MS or PhD programs supported financially by TA and RA positions. Stipends are competitive within the region, but since stipends and fees are subject to periodic adjustment, prospective graduate students should contact the department to obtain current rates. Graduate students receiving assistantships receive full tuition waiver. Students admitted to the MSN program are not eligible for Departmental assistantships.