TRADITIONAL M.S. PROGRAM
Program Adviser:
Prof. James R. Vyvyan
Thesis Option: The Master of Science thesis demonstrates that you are capable of pursuing a
program of original and independent research, that you can formulate and carry out a research project, and
that you can report on the project in a proper scientific manner. The thesis option prepares students for
technical careers in industry, or for further study toward a more advanced degree. This option requires
advanced coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, or environmental chemistry and research, with the latter
culminating in an M.S. thesis. Shortly after entering the program students select a faculty advisor based
on their research interests and agree on a research problem. Under the guidance of their faculty advisor
students carry out the research program, and write and defend the thesis in a final oral examination.
Industrial Internship Option: Students interested in pursuing a career in industry can obtain
practical experience by participating in the industrial internship option as part of their M.S. program.
Students choosing this option will normally earn a master's degree via the non-thesis option. However, in
those instances where the research problem undertaken in the industrial setting can be coordinated with
on-campus research, the student may exercise the thesis option, with approval of the graduate adviser.
Students spend one or two quarters as an intern with a company which has been selected in advance. This
internship will normally take place during the second year of graduate study. Students interested in
pursuing an industrial internship should notify the program adviser as early as possible during the first
year of graduate study. The department cannot guarantee that an internship opening will be available for
all interested students. In addition to the internship, students exercising this option will be expected
to submit a comprehensive report, according to an approved format, describing the work accomplished during
the internship. A seminar presentation describing the work is required. Additionally, the student will be
expected to pursue a limited research problem on campus. This research problem will normally require the
equivalent of one quarter's work, although it may be extended over more than one quarter.
Course Work Requirements
- Thesis option: Chem 595 (2), 596 (3), 690 (12), plus 28 credits under advisement
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Industrial Internship Option: Chem 501 (6), 595 (2), 596 (3), 694 (6-12), plus 31 credits under advisement
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M.Ed. -- NATURAL SCIENCE
Chemistry Specialization, Thesis and Non-Thesis
Program Adviser: James E. Stewart
"Thoughtful, knowledgeable and effective educators for a diverse society" is the conceptual framework
providing a common focus for all education programs and underlies the eight options available for a person
seeking a M. Ed. in Natural Science/Science Education.
The program encourages each person to purse their area of interest in Science Education plus develop their own
background and ideas in a manner that makes them a better teacher in their own teaching situation. For the
teachers selecting a M. Ed. in Natural Science/Science Education, no longer will they just sit in classes
where professors establish the entire curriculum. The student must now develop ideas for creative projects
that will aid their own teaching and then carry them forward to completion with the guidance and advice of
the program advisor and other teachers.
The eight options in our M. Ed. program include: an elementary program; elementary and secondary environmental
studies programs; and secondary programs to include general science, physical science, biology, chemistry
and earth science. To choose a secondary program the teacher is normally expected to have completed an
undergraduate major in a science area. The other choices in the secondary program require teaching majors
in the specific field and commitment to spending a year on the WWU campus. An evaluation of the undergraduate
record will determine any deficiencies which must be made up outside the credit requirements for the Master
of Education program.
For curriculum requirements, see listing under Natural Science/Science Education in the Graduate Catalog.
