Chemistry (MSc)
Master of Science (MSc)
Offered by:Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Arts & Science
Why pursue a Master's in Chemistry?
In today’s complex and ever-changing world, chemical sciences are fundamental in shaping the future, impacting every aspect of society from health, the environment, to how we live. This program prepares you for this influential field of study by providing occasions to work with internationally renowned faculty. Your research and learning objectives will be supported in multiple ways including access to specialized research centres and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
With research options in chemistry and biochemistry, take advantage of the department’s knowledge in areas of growing significance, including:
- materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, computational and geological chemistry
- genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, protein structure and function
- nanoscience
- topics at the interface between chemistry and biochemistry
You can also experience the immediate impact of your research by embarking on a Co-op MSc program, in which research is conducted for an employer while directing your work towards a thesis project.
Master’s students who wish to continue their academic training may transfer to the PhD program, upon the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.
The admission requirement is an honours or specialization degree in chemistry or biochemistry or its equivalent. Comparable qualifications in related areas such as biology or physics may also be acceptable. Qualified applicants requiring prerequisite courses may be required to take up to two such courses in addition to their regular graduate program. Applicants with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation may be required to take a qualifying program. This does not apply to International Students.
Candidates for the master's degree may register on either a full-time or a part-time basis. It is also possible to carry out MSc studies on a CO-OP basis with the collaboration of an employer. CO-OP MSc graduate studies are arranged as a form of a full-time or part-time program where the student conducts research of interest to the employer, normally in the employer's laboratory, but directs the project toward a thesis topic acceptable to the department at Concordia and under the guidance of an academic supervisor in the department. The student will spend one term, normally with the support of an employer, gaining experience teaching in undergraduate laboratories and participating actively in the departmental seminars. This program will be available in areas of chemistry and biochemistry where the department has the resources to provide a suitable academic co-supervisor. It is a condition of the program that the employers agree to the publication of thesis results. Prospective applicants should contact the Department for further details.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
- Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
- Courses. The following are required:
- 6 credits from courses listed under Topics, in the general field of the student's research project;
- Another 3 credits from courses listed under Topics, outside the student's research project, acceptable to the supervisory committee;
- CHEM 655 - Master's Research and Thesis (33 credits);
- CHEM 666 - MSc Seminar (3 credits).
This course provides an opportunity for the student to prepare and present materials concerning their current research problem in an area of chemistry or biochemistry to a critical audience. It is designed to give students practice at communicating and defending their ideas on a research topic in a professional forum, and should successfully inform a broad audience of chemists and biochemists. - With permission from their supervisory committee, students are allowed to take graduate level courses from other departments relevant to their research problems, as partial fulfillment towards their degree requirements.
- Thesis. Students will work on a research topic under the direction of a faculty member and present an acceptable thesis at the conclusion. CHEM 655 - Master's Research and Thesis will be examined by the student's supervisory committee before being accepted by the department. Students may submit a manuscript-based thesis following the guidelines outlined in the section on Thesis Regulations in this calendar. In addition, an oral examination will be conducted before a committee of the department to test the student’s ability to defend the thesis.
- Seminars. Each student is required to attend and participate in departmental seminars.
- Research Areas. Areas for possible research are listed before the Doctor of/Doctorate in Philosophy section.
- Cross-Registration. Students may, with the permission of their supervisory committee, cross-register for courses falling in the Topics categories in other Quebec institutions.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- An up-to-date, complete copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- An original Statement of purpose written in your own words. It should outline your background, experience, goals, and why you would like to enter the program
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
For IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 or more is required in each component; for TOEFL, a minimum score of 20 or more is required in each component. This Department does not give conditional acceptances to improve English.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Chemistry | MSc | June 1 | Sept. 1 | Feb. 1 |
Canadian residents: Late applications may be considered. Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant. International students are advised to apply by the following deadlines to allow adequate time to obtain immigration documents: Fall Term: February 1; Winter Term: June 1; Summer Term: November 1 |
Consult the graduate calendar for a list of courses and our department site for current courses offered.
We are committed to providing students the support they need to focus on their studies. Top students benefit from scholarships, and all students are eligible for research and teaching assistantships together with conference awards and other funding.
Salary support in the form of research and teaching stipends starts at a minimum of $17,500 per annum for all full-time graduate students (excluding Co-op students). Exceptional applicants may, upon entry to the program, be awarded a supplementary Arts and Science Fellowship of $5,000/year for two years.
The departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in the Faculty of Arts and Science are seeking graduate students for specific research areas. Please visit this page for new opportunities regularly.
Please also consult the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
The department is housed in a custom-designed facility equipped with state-of the-art laboratories and research centres, groups or platforms. These facilities include:
- Centre for Biological Applications in Mass Spectrometry
- Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling
- Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics
- Centre for NanoScience Research
- Integrated Platform for the Analysis of Biomolecular Functions, Interactions and Structure
Many of these facilities are shared with Concordia’s other ground-breaking science departments: biology, physics, psychology and exercise science. The proximity of researchers working in various disciplines helps foster innovative and productive collaborations.
See what our students are working on. Review an inspiring list of thesis topics.
Concordia has a long-standing tradition of preparing Master’s students for careers demanding a broad spectrum of research and technical skills. The program is designed to advance analytical and experimental knowledge in chemistry or biochemistry through a combination of specialized courses, seminars and a supervised original research project culminating in a thesis. In addition to departmental course offerings, students can take advantage of crossover teaching with other science departments, and workshops offered through GradProSkills to hone their soft skills.
