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:
Five chemistry courses that focus on biotechnology, biochemistry, instrument techniques,
and structural determination;
Three business "tracks" to choose from: executive, technology, and financial; and
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 593 Topics in Chemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 535 Instrumental Analysis II Credits: 3
CHEM 541 Advanced Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 563 Molecular Biotechnology Credits: 3
CHEM 550 Principles of Biochemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 689 Cooperative Education in Chemistry Credits: 6
A two-day seminar that covers regulatory content is required but does not count toward
the curriculum credit hours.
The internship requires students to work 120 hours to satisfy the 6 credit hour internship.
The scheduling and duration must be negotiated and approved by the student, the student's
faculty advisor, and the internship supervisor.
Professional Tracks (9)
MBA 621 - Leadership and Ethics Credits: 3
ENT 610 - Entrepreneurial Creation Credits: 3
MBA 629 - Organizational Behavior Credits: 3
MBA 635 - Managing Value-Creating Business Operations Credits: 3
ENT 601 - Entrepreneurial Innovation Credits: 3
ENT 610 - Entrepreneurial Creation Credits: 3
MBA 627 - Applied Business Statistics Credits: 3
MBA 639 - Systems for Competitive Advantage Credits: 3