Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry

The program information below was valid for the spring 2023 term (May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Graduate research fields

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biological Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Nanoscience
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry

Program information

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Spring
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus
  • Program type 
    • Joint
    • Master's
    • Research
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
  • Study option(s) 

Admission requirements

  • Minimum requirements 
    • An Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Science with a minimum overall standing of 75% in the last 2 years (domestic students only).
  • Application materials 
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  3
    • Type of references: 

      at least 2 academic
  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree requirements

    Thesis option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must successfully complete at least 4 one-term graduate courses (0.50 unit weight), which must include CHEM 784 Foundations of Literature Review and CHEM 794 Master's Seminar. 2 graduate courses may be taken through other departments within their registered University or students may request transfer credit for courses taken from another University to meet the course requirements. Students are advised to consult with their supervisor in the selection of courses.
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Master’s Thesis
    • Students must submit and defend an acceptable Master's thesis.

    Master's Research Paper option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must successfully complete 7 one-term graduate courses (0.50 unit weight), which must include CHEM 784 Foundations of Literature Review and CHEM 794 Master's Seminar.
    • Within the GWC2 (Guelph-Waterloo Centre for Graduate Work in Chemistry and Biochemistry) program, part-time students can only take courses through the University of Guelph or the University of Waterloo, but 3 of the 5 graduate courses may be taken through other departments within their registered University. It is advisable that students take courses that are relevant to their area of specialization in chemistry, as this may be of help when students eventually seek a research advisor for their Master’s Research Paper.
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Master’s Research Paper
    • Students must submit and defend an acceptable Master's Research Paper.
Department of Chemistry website
Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry future students program page