MSc and PhD academic requirements for our graduate program can be found at Faculty of Graduate Studies—Program Requirements.
MSc Degree in Chemistry
There are two routes by which a student may achieve an MSc degree in chemistry, either by research thesis or by coursework.
- All entering students plan a research program with their supervisor at the start of their degree studies. Progress in research is monitored by the Supervisory Committee through annual enrollment in the Research Evaluation Course (Chemistry 7000 3.0). This requires an annual progress report, consisting of a written paper, a public oral presentation, and an oral examination, usually in May each year. Satisfactory progress in research results in credit for Chemistry 7000 3.0 up to a maximum of 6 credits, and a statement of the student’s progress in the student’s record. In the event of failure to achieve satisfactory progress, the student is normally required to withdraw from the program.
- In addition to the Research Evaluation course, each student must complete a minimum of one full course (6 credits) from those offered by the Graduate Program in Chemistry. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the student’s supervisor.
- Candidates must conduct a research study and report the results in appropriate thesis form. The research and thesis should demonstrate the candidate’s independence, originality, and understanding of the area of investigation at an advanced level. After the formal submission of the thesis, an oral examination normally centred on the thesis and matters related to it, is held.
Candidates for the MSc degree by coursework must either:
- Successfully complete three full courses (18 credits) chosen from those offered by the Graduate Program in Chemistry, conduct a full-course literature survey (CHEM 6000 6.0) and write a review essay, which is submitted to an Examination Committee for approval; or
- Successfully complete three full and one-half courses (21 credits) chosen from those offered by the Graduate Program in Chemistry, conduct a half-course literature survey (CHEM 6000 3.0) and write a review essay, which is submitted to an Examination Committee for approval; or
- Successfully complete four full courses (24 credits), chosen from those offered by the Graduate Program in Chemistry
Some courses within the Graduate Program in Chemistry are offered on a once-per-week basis during weekday evenings. The options of an MSc degree by coursework, or by coursework and review essay are therefore particularly suited to part-time candidates. Because of the special nature of research work, the MSc degree option by research is generally only open to full-time candidates.
Candidates may take up to four years to complete the requirements for the MSc degree by coursework, or coursework and review essay on a part-time basis but a shorter period is desirable. Full-time candidates are normally expected to complete the requirements for the MSc degree in two years. All requirements for an MSc degree must be fulfilled within 12 terms of registration, with a maximum of 6 terms enrolled as a full-time student.
PhD Degree in Chemistry
- All entering students plan a research project with their supervisor at the start of their degree studies. Progress in research is monitored by the Supervisory Committee through annual enrollment in the Research Evaluation courses (Chemistry 7001 3.0). This requires an annual progress report consisting of a written paper, a public oral presentation, and an oral examination, usually in May each year. Satisfactory progress in research results in credit for Chemistry 7001 3.0 and a statement of their progress in the student’s record. In the event of failure to achieve satisfactory progress, the student is normally required to withdraw from the program.
- In addition to Research Evaluation, each student must take a minimum of two full courses (12 credits) from those offered by the Graduate Program in Chemistry. These should be chosen in consultation with the student’s supervisor. Note that no more than half of the required credits (6) can be 5000-level courses. For students entering the PhD program with an M.Sc. degree, a maximum of 6 credits may be allowed for courses taken at York University or at another recognized university.
- Candidates must conduct a research study and report the results in an appropriate dissertation form. The research and dissertation should demonstrate the candidate’s independence, originality, and understanding of the area of investigation at an advanced level. After the submission of the dissertation, which must be formally approved by the Supervisory Committee, an oral examination, normally centred on the dissertation and matters related to it, is held behind closed doors in front of an Examination Committee.
Candidates must conduct a research study and report the results in an appropriate dissertation form. The research and dissertation should demonstrate the candidate’s independence, originality, and understanding of the area of investigation at an advanced level. After the submission of the dissertation, which must be formally approved by the Supervisory Committee, an oral examination, normally centred on the dissertation and matters related to it, is held behind closed doors in front of an Examination Committee.
The PhD degree should normally be completed within four years. All requirements for a doctoral degree must be fulfilled within 18 terms of registration or 6 years as a full-time or part-time doctoral student.
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Chemistry at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.