Overview

The Chemistry programme at Northern Illinois University provides students with a robust foundation in scientific research and practical application. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers across the global chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological industries.

Students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalised mentorship and a collaborative learning environment. The department focuses on developing a distinctive blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Research projects often span traditional areas and interdisciplinary fields, pushing the boundaries of modern scientific discovery.

Why Chemistry at Northern Illinois University?

The university is situated in an ideal location just one hour from Chicago, providing unparalleled access to one of the largest hubs for the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. This proximity allows for strong professional connections with major organisations such as AbbVie, Baxter, and the Argonne National Laboratory.

Facilities at the institution include cutting-edge laboratories equipped with modern instrumentation to support high-level research. The department is known for its collaborative atmosphere, where graduate students often co-author peer-reviewed publications and present their findings at national conferences. These opportunities help students build extensive professional networks before graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 388 per credit
Local fee: USD 388 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum offers various pathways, including research-based degrees and specialised tracks in Biotechnology or Industrial Chemistry. Modules may include:

Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Nanotechnology
Biotechnology
Industrial Chemistry
Public Health
Management
Biological Sciences

For those pursuing the Educator Licensure track, the syllabus focuses on research-based best practices in science education. The Industrial Chemistry specialisation allows for research projects conducted directly within a student's workplace, supported by academic advisors.

Careers with Chemistry

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for senior roles in academia, government research, and private industry. The advanced analytical and problem-solving skills gained at the university lead to high job stability and significant earning potential in various scientific sectors.

Common career destinations for alumni include roles in pharmaceutical research and development, environmental science, and medical research. Many graduates find fulfilling employment with prestigious companies in the Chicagoland area, such as FONA/McCormick, leveraging the practical experience and industry links established during their studies.

Programme Structure

Thesis Option

A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work is required. The student must successfully complete a minimum of five courses (15 semester hours, excluding CHEM 615, CHEM 690, CHEM 698, and CHEM 699), of which at least 9 semester hours are to be in chemistry, for graduate credit.

CHEM 615, Chemistry Seminar, must be taken each semester unless a written waiver is given by the director of graduate studies.

Essay Option

A minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate work is required. The student must successfully complete a minimum of six courses for graduate credit (18 semester hours, excluding CHEM 615, CHEM 690, CHEM 698,CHEM 699, and CHEM 799), of which at least 12 semester hours are to be in chemistry

Educator Licensure Option

Students in this option must meet the requirements for educator licensure, in consultation with the discipline coordinator.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

30-36 credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Chemistry View 426 other Masters in Chemistry in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11925 USD / year

≈ 11925 USD / year
Out-of-State

5955 USD / year

≈ 5955 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

5955 USD / year

≈ 5955 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Chemistry.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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