Information of Graduate Studies

 In the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

At The University of Southern Mississippi

 

(Compiled by Dr. Wujian Miao for Prospective PhD Students on March 28, 2004)

 

1. Important Websites:

The University of Southern Mississippi: http://www.usm.edu/

College of Science and Technology: http://www.usm.edu/colleges/cost/

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry: http://www.usm.edu/chem/

International Student and Scholar Service Office: http://www.usm.edu/cice/isss/

Office of Graduate Studies: http://www.usm.edu/graduatestudies/

 

2. Description regarding the graduate studies from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at USM

Your Graduate Career at Southern Miss

The primary focus of your education toward a doctoral or master's degree is the successful completion of a research project. Courses and examinations are designed to enhance your abilities as an independent scientist.

Successful graduate students in our department pass several milestones during their graduate career: 

We encourage you to apply if you 

To apply, download and complete the graduate application form (pdf format). Send your completed application, official transcripts, GRE scores, resume, statement of future plans, and two letters of recommendation directly to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the address below. If you are accepted, your paperwork will be sent to the Graduate School for processing and the department will pay your application fee.

Application Checklist for Domestic Students

International students must take the TOEFL and are strongly encouraged to provide evidence of their fluency in spoken English.  Most students are admitted as teaching assistants and must be able to communicate fluently in spoken English. Applications from international students require lengthy processing and should be complete by March 1.

Application Checklist for International Students

The University of Southern Mississippi

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

 

A completed application packet contains:

  (1) Application for Admission to the Graduate School and for Assistantships

  (2) 2 Recommendation for Admission to the graduate School and for Assistantships forms to be sent to:

 

Chair, Graduate Admissions Committee

The University of Southern Mississippi

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Box 5043

Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5043

 

 (3)  Plans for the Future

 (4) Resumé

 (5) Official Transcripts from all Colleges and Universities attended

 (6) General GRE scores (sent to the Office of Graduate Studies at USM)

 (7) TOEFL scores (_____________________)

 

Department address

 

Graduate Admissions

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5043

 

3. Part of the 2003-2004 Graduate Studies Catalogue for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at USM

 

Robert C. Bateman, Chair

Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5043

Tel: (601) 266-4701

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants wishing to enter either the Master of Science degree program or the Doctor of

Philosophy degree program within the department must satisfy the requirements for the Graduate School. Among those factors considered in the admission decision are the GPA, submission of test scores on the GRE, and two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the candidate's readiness for graduate study. Letters should be sent to the department. Students whose native language is not English must achieve a score of 590 or above in the TOEFL exam.

 

Master of Science Program

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the Master of Science degree with specialization in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, biochemistry, or chemistry education. The M.S. programs jointly emphasize area course work and research/thesis.

 

Program Requirements

The master’s program requires a minimum of thirty (30) hours with a 3.0 GPA (18 hours must be at the 600 level or higher). Placement examinations to identify deficiencies and to indicate remedial studies to remedy these deficiencies, participation in the seminar program, and a familiarity with computer programming are required for the M.S. degrees, along with specific but flexible course work programs. Completion of a comprehensive examination in the student's area of specialization is also required.

 

Continuous Enrollment Requirement

 

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree with specialization in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, biochemistry, and chemical education. The Ph.D. programs emphasize excellence in research. Qualified students holding a bachelor of science are encouraged to enter directly into the doctoral program. Individuals who are adequately prepared may take the qualifying examination at the beginning of their first semester of graduate work, but in no case can it be postponed beyond the second semester of graduate work.

 

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. programs require eighty-four (84) graduate hours beyond the bachelor's degree or fifty four (54) graduate hours beyond the master's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Specific course requirements depend upon individual needs and are selected with the advice of the student's research director and doctoral committee.

 

Among other requirements are

 

1. Completion and oral defense of a Research Prospectus

2. Completion of a Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

3. Participation in the seminar program

4. Research Tool(s)

The student's research director and doctoral committee will determine the research tools requirement, which is to be based on the student's background and goals.

5. Completion of a substantial research project and successful oral defense of a dissertation

6. Residency. Students must meet the residency requirements specified in this Bulletin.

7. Continuous Enrollment Requirement