The Master's Degree in the Teaching of Chemistry (MSTC) provides advanced studies for scholars interested in teaching chemistry at the secondary or community college level. The program serves two different audiences:
- Those who already have a teaching certificate or will teach in situations which do not require a certificate
- Those who wish to obtain a Masters Degree and a teaching certificate simultaneously
The MSTC degree when starting with certification can be completed in one year. The MSTC degree when starting without certification requires two years.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a strong teaching tradition and features an innovative undergraduate program that emphasizes active learning and the use of technology. Students in the MSTC Program have the opportunity to gain teaching experience in freshman chemistry courses that feature team learning and peer teaching. In addition, MSTC students take courses to deepen and expand their content background as well as to increase their teaching skills. The program includes a course entitled "Teaching Chemistry at the Secondary Level" which emphasizes the practical aspects of teaching including designing lessons, setting up and managing teaching labs, performing chemical demonstrations, safety, using web resources, and learning to teach interactively. The MSTC student also gains experience in the use of technology in the classroom including PowerPoint and electronic homework.
Degree of Master of Science in Chemistry - Official catalog page detailing course requirements. Detailed program requirements are found in the department's Graduate Manual.
Admissions Requirements
We ask applicants for admission to the MSTC Program to submit the following information to the Chemistry Graduate Admissions Office:
- A completed application form including an applicant statement
- Three letters of reference
- Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work
The application deadline is December 1st for the fall semester. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Basic requirements for admission to the graduate program in Chemistry are an undergraduate degree with at least 25 semester hours in chemistry and a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0). These hours must include courses in physical chemistry and analytical chemistry. Students admitted to the MSTC Program will be required to take proficiency exams upon arrival to the university. Any deficiencies in chemistry background must be corrected in addition to the hours required for the degree.
Your academic record and recommendations must be a strong indicator of your fitness to pursue advanced study in chemistry.
Admissions Information
Chemistry Graduate Admissions
University of Illinois
109 Noyes Lab, Box 57-1
600 S. Mathews Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
(800) 516-0276 or in Illinois (217) 244-6245
Email: chem-adm@illinois.edu
Advisor
Donald Decoste
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
210 Chemistry Annex
600 S. Mathews
(217) 244-5959
Email: decoste@illinois.edu
Education Admissions
1310 S. 6th St., Champaign, Illinois 61820
(217) 333-0960
Email: gradservices@education.illinois.edu