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4+1 Programs in Chemisty

• Chemistry, BA/BS  + Chemistry, MA/MS
• Chemistry, BS + MS (Materials Science and Engineering Program)

Save Time & Money

Typically, earning a master's degree takes two years. But with ßÙßÇÂþ»­'s 4+1 degree programs, you can earn your master's degree with just one extra year of classes. You'll finish both your bachelor's degree and your master's degree in a total of five years.

By choosing a 4+1 degree program, you'll save a full year of tuition dollars. Plus, you'll pay undergraduate tuition rates for your graduate classes during your fourth (senior) year.

How Does it Work?

You complete most of the coursework for your bachelor's degree in your first three years. In your fourth year, you take both bachelor's- and master's-level courses, graduate with your bachelor's degree and formally apply to the Graduate School. In your fifth year, you are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on graduate coursework.

Take the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ experience to the next level. Plan your coursework early and apply for a 4+1 degree program.

HOW TO APPLY

chemistry department application form.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Junior Year

• Do I need an advisor in the Chemistry department?
  Yes.
• For the 4+1 MS degree, should I be enrolled in independent study (research), with a project underway during my junior year?
  Ideally, yes. However, it is not mandatory.
• How many courses should I have completed by the end of my junior year to be eligible?
  For specific information, please refer to Undergraduate and Graduate Student Handbooks.  
• Is there a process for "declaring interest" in the program during the junior year?
  Yes. There is a special application form that needs to be filled in and signed by the student and by the student’s advisor.
• What is the role of my advisor in this process?  Should I have a letter from my advisor during the junior year that (a) attests to the student’s qualifications (b) commits to serving as MS/MA advisor?
  The application process requires only an advisor from the Department of Chemistry to be chosen at the time of application and then the advisor to support the application by signing the form.

Senior Year

• How do I formally apply during my senior year?
  The formal application takes place at the end of the senior year but is highly recommended to apply by the end of the first semester of the senior year. The application is submitted to the Graduate School through the standard application means (please, refer to the guidelines for formal application for an MA or MS degree). 
• What is the deadline for formally applying during my senior year?
  The deadline is the end of the semester.
• Is the GRE required?
  The only requirement is GPA of 3.2 or better. GRE is not required for ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Chemistry majors.
• Are letters of recommendation required?
  Yes, two letters are required upon application to the Graduate School. One of these letters should be from the advisor.

+1 Year

• Do I need to take the placement exams that PhD students take?
  Generally yes. However, BU students could receive a waiver(s) for each placement exam based on final grades of B or better in selected undergraduate courses from the chemistry curriculum.
• Once in the program, how do I form a committee?
  The examining committee will be formed normally in the fifth year. It consists of at least three faculty members appointed by the departmental graduate committee. Please, refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for more information.
• When would I hand in and defend my thesis?
  The thesis is expected to be written and finalized in the second semester of the fifth year. Once the examining committee is formed and a thesis defense is scheduled, a copy of the thesis must be submitted to each of the committee member no later than two weeks before the defense date. Please, refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for more information.
• What happens if my thesis work is not complete by the end of the +1 academic year?
  Normally, students in such situation decide to register for one (or more) additional semester(s). Another option is to finish with a MA degree if all course requirements are met.

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