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Chemistry (Non-Thesis)

Master of Science

Delivery Options

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Fall 2026 Deadline

Domestic: August 1st
International: March 1st

Department

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Chemistry (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines is designed for you if you want to deepen your chemistry expertise without committing to a research thesis. This on-campus program strengthens your bachelor’s degree by expanding your technical foundation, sharpening your problem-solving skills and preparing you to apply chemistry in practical, industry-driven settings.

You will gain advanced knowledge across core areas of chemistry while developing the ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate data and communicate technical ideas clearly. The non-thesis format allows you to focus on coursework and applied learning, making it a strong fit if you are aiming to advance professionally, pivot into a new role or prepare for technical leadership.

Chemistry remains central to industries ranging from materials and manufacturing to pharmaceuticals, energy and environmental systems. Employers seek professionals who can connect molecular-level understanding to real-world challenges. Mines stands apart by grounding chemistry education in engineering thinking and applied science, ensuring you graduate with skills that translate directly to the workplace.

This program is rigorous, practical and efficient. You graduate with advanced training that reflects how chemistry is practiced today, backed by the reputation of Mines as a leader in engineering and applied science education.

Program Detail

The curriculum for the non-thesis Master of Science in Chemistry is designed to provide broad, advanced training across core areas of the discipline. Through a combination of required courses and electives, you will deepen your understanding of fundamental chemistry while selecting coursework that aligns with your professional interests and career goals.

Coursework typically includes advanced classes in areas such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and materials-related topics. Electives allow you to explore interdisciplinary applications connected to engineering, data analysis or applied sciences across Mines.

While a formal thesis is not required, you may engage in project-based learning, laboratory-intensive courses or independent study options depending on your academic plan. These experiences help you strengthen experimental design skills, data interpretation and technical communication.

This program is offered on campus, giving you direct access to faculty expertise, teaching laboratories and research-grade instrumentation. The on-campus environment supports collaboration with peers, close interaction with faculty and immersion in the Mines academic community.

Program Opportunities

Experiential learning:

Many courses include laboratory-based work that emphasizes hands-on experimentation, data analysis and practical problem solving aligned with industry needs.

Interdisciplinary collaboration:

You can take advantage of connections across engineering and applied science departments at Mines, allowing you to apply chemistry in broader technical contexts.

Industry preparation:

The non-thesis structure supports career-focused goals, helping you build technical depth and professional skills valued by employers across multiple sectors.

Thesis & PhD Options

Program Faculty

Brian Trewyn profile picture

Brian Trewyn

Interim DH - Chemistry

Jenifer Shafer profile picture

Jenifer Shafer

Professor

Michael McGuirk profile picture

Michael McGuirk

Associate Professor

Application Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree

  • GRE: Not Required

  • Letters of Recommendations (3 letters).
    Letters are not required for current Mines students.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Transcripts

  • International students please review the English proficiency requirements

Program Curriculum

View Academic Catalog

World-Class Labs, Centers & Facilities

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Mines Radiochemistry Laboratory

Mines is home to a fully equipped laboratory dedicated to chemical experiments with radioactive materials from tritium, the lightest radioactive nuclide, to einsteinium, the heaviest element available in weighable quantities. In addition to a full suite of research-grade counting equipment, the facilities include equipment for thermodynamic and kinetic studies of chemical reactions and for characterization of chemical separations or geological transport.

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Domaille Lab

Assistant Professor Dylan Domaille develops tools and processes that address critical concerns in the fields of energy and human health and disease. His research group focuses on biocompatible chemistry for biomass conversion, dynamic covalent soft materials to aid in wound healing, and self-immolative probes for tracking proteins involved in oxidative biology.

Trewyn Research Group

Professor Brian Trewyn focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization and utility of “all things porous.” His research group investigates new materials for drug delivery, gene delivery to plant cells, heterogeneous catalysis, fuel cells, and separations of challenging metals and analytes.

Salary Outlook

Average starting salary for recent program graduates is $67,500. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

Explore Mines Career Center

Employers who seek Mines graduates include:

Chemical and Materials Companies

Companies such as Dow, BASF, 3M, DuPont, Eastman

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology

Companies such as Pfizer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Energy and Industrial Firms

Companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, BP

Engineering and Consulting

Companies such as Jacobs, AECOM, Worley, Burns & McDonnell 

Government and National Laboratories

Companies such as National Laboratory of the Rockies, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey 

A Mines student researcher working with mineral samples, which is part of a broader initiative to secure critical mineral supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of a non-thesis master’s degree in chemistry?

A non-thesis master’s degree allows you to gain advanced technical knowledge while focusing on coursework and applied learning. This format is well suited if your goal is professional advancement, industry roles or technical leadership rather than academic research.

What advances are shaping the chemistry field today?

Key advances include improved analytical techniques, data-driven chemistry, materials development and increased integration of chemistry with engineering systems. Employers value chemists who can apply theory to practical challenges and interpret complex data.

What career opportunities are available with this degree?

Career paths include laboratory scientist, materials specialist, quality or process chemist, technical consultant and roles in research support or product development across multiple industries.

What industries hire graduates with advanced chemistry training?

Industries include chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, energy, government laboratories and engineering consulting firms.

How does Mines prepare you for applied chemistry roles?

Mines emphasizes hands-on learning, practical problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration. You graduate with advanced chemistry knowledge and the ability to apply it in real-world technical environments.

Featured Student

Caitlyn Castellion, class of 2027

Chemistry major Caitlyn Castellion has stood out at Mines through early, hands-on research and academic excellence, earning a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. As a FIRST fellow, she began conducting research as a first-year student, gaining lab experience and close faculty mentorship that helped shape her path toward graduate study. “Having to learn to balance my research work on top of schoolwork was a really good thing to learn,” she said.