# What masters degrees could I get with a B.S. in chemistry
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [May 13, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625 "2005-05-13T00:57:02Z")
**Posts on this page:** 16
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/1 "2005-05-13T00:57:02Z")
A doctorate isn’t for me, but a Masters sounds like something i’d like. The only problem is a M.S. in chemistry isn’t worth much more than a B.S. in chemistry so I see no reason to do one.
So are there graduate fields that a BS in chemistry would prepare (either totally or largely, i’d be willing to do another 20ish hours to prepare for another field) me for where a masters is actually worth something? All the fields I love and enjoy (microbiology, chemistry, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, etc) are fields where a MS isn’t worth much so I don’t really know what kind of MS/MA programs I could look at.
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### Author:  [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/2 "2005-05-13T01:04:25Z")
What’s wrong with an MS in chemistry? That’s my plan, and the data shows that it’s generally easier to get a job with an MS than a Ph.D., unless, of course, you want to go into academia.
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### Author:  [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/3 "2005-05-13T01:10:48Z")
Well, most people looking for a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering start with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering but I knew one guy who didn’t. I’m pretty sure he bombed the PhD qualifier the first time he took it (not that he was alone in that, it is designed to test knowledge and ability to put it together when faced with problems you’ve never seen before.) He also floundered a bit early on- didn’t know some of the things the rest of us did. NOTE: I do not recommend this route, or this type of route for anyone looking to postpone getting a job in their field, rather than someone who really knows that this is the degree that they want.
Or you could be really wild and go for a MLS, MSIS, MLIS (Master’s of Library Science, Master’s of Science in Information Science or Master’s of Library and Information Science respectively). Everyone will look at you funny, because most people pursuing such degrees have degrees in English or History or other Liberal Arts-type fields, but I’m told there should be a lot of jobs just waiting for someone with a science-y background. (Can’t prove it by me. On the other hand, I have just barely begun to look. Still-- I’m not kidding about the get a job and figure out if a MS will actually help you in doing your ideal job before you go after the master’s degree advice).
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### Author:  [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/4 "2005-05-13T01:15:34Z")
> [@Eureka](#):
>
> Or you could be really wild and go for a MLS, MSIS, MLIS (Master’s of Library Science, Master’s of Science in Information Science or Master’s of Library and Information Science respectively). Everyone will look at you funny, because most people pursuing such degrees have degrees in English or History or other Liberal Arts-type fields, but I’m told there should be a lot of jobs just waiting for someone with a science-y background.
I can attest to that- it’s almost a joke in libraries to ask “which one of us has the science background?” and it invariably falls to the person with a History degree who happened to sleep in a Holiday Inn Express or something. Particularly at a research university you’d be much in demand.
OTOH, you’d never make much money. With a degree in pharmacy you’ll start out making very close to $100,000 and it can go way up from there. Both of my siblings and one of my in-laws are all pharmacists, all in their forties, and all self-made millionaires.
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### Author:  [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/5 "2005-05-13T01:42:12Z")
My dad is a pharmacist and I don’t want to do that. Besides, that is a PhD program now, and very competitive to get into.
I’ve thought of a MLIS degree before, and it sounds like something i’d like. Its one of the few master programs i’ve seriously considered. Money isn’t a huge concern but I think they make a good wage (around $20-ish an hour which for a single, frugal person in the midwest is plenty).
A MS in chemistry is worth something in the job field? Are you talking about people who set out to get the MS or people who set out to get the PhD who drop out after they get the MS?
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### Author:  [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/6 "2005-05-13T02:16:57Z")
You’re more than welcome to join me this fall: I’m going to start an MS in Biochemistry at U of L (one class at a time, because I can’t afford to work less than 40 hours a week). You need to make sone decisions soon, though. Deadlines and all that.
Vlad/Igor, MT(ASCP)
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### Author:  [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/7 "2005-05-13T02:25:16Z")
> [@Wesley Clark](#):
>
> A MS in chemistry is worth something in the job field? Are you talking about people who set out to get the MS or people who set out to get the PhD who drop out after they get the MS?
Did you get the _In Chemistry_ publication from a few months ago? It was the [Nov./Dec. 2004 issue.](http://center.acs.org/inchemistry/inchemistry1204.pdf) (Warning: PDF) See the article starting on p. 13 and this quote on p. 24.
> [@](#):
>
> The M.S. in chemistry suffers from some old stereotypes: in the past, this degree was often considered a “consolation prize” for those who weren’t able to complete the Ph.D. But in fact, depending on your career goals, an M.S. can offer some real advantages.
>
> Although master’s-level chemists in laboratory R&D are often directed by Ph.D.s, they nevertheless enjoy responsibilities that reflect their added experience—especially if they’ve done strong master’s theses. Also, there are growing numbers of specialized master’s degrees in chemically related areas (Regulatory Affairs or Biotechnology, for example). Salaries for M.S. chemists generally fall between those of B.S. and Ph.D. candidates, and in many cases, M.S. chemists are in great demand by industry. It usually takes two years beyond the B.S. to obtain a master’s degree, compared to five years for the Ph.D. Depending on your career goals, an M.S. may be something to consider.
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### Author:  [@nivlac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nivlac)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/8 "2005-05-13T03:10:15Z")
If you plan to work in industry, consider getting an MBA. Yes, an MBA. One of the strongest combination of degrees to have is an undergrad science degree + MBA. Most MBAs will not have your technical skills, and almost all chemists will not have you business knowledge. Give it some consideration.
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### Author:  [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/9 "2005-05-13T10:48:26Z")
> [@Vlad/Igor](#):
>
> You’re more than welcome to join me this fall: I’m going to start an MS in Biochemistry at U of L (one class at a time, because I can’t afford to work less than 40 hours a week). You need to make sone decisions soon, though. Deadlines and all that.
>
> Vlad/Igor, MT(ASCP)
I would but I won’t graduate until may 2007 and I don’t plan to do grad school directly after college, I’m going to spend a few years working before I go back so this info won’t be relevant until 2010 or so. I’m just fielding ideas right now.
I thought you loved your medical technologist job. Why not a MS in microbiology?
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### Author:  [@Ol\_Gaffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ol_Gaffer)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/10 "2005-05-13T17:03:50Z")
What about an M.A. in Criminology? Then you could work as a Criminalist doing DNA analysis, ballistics, or some other cool stuff. When I was in college I took a Forensic Science course through the Criminology department and it was taught by the head of the local “Crime Lab” (or whatever they call it). IIRC, he said that the basic degree that most everyone had to have was a B.A. in Chemistry. The advanced degree would just make you the boss.
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### Author:  [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/11 "2005-05-13T17:55:56Z")
> [@nivlac](#):
>
> If you plan to work in industry, consider getting an MBA. Yes, an MBA. One of the strongest combination of degrees to have is an undergrad science degree + MBA. Most MBAs will not have your technical skills, and almost all chemists will not have you business knowledge. Give it some consideration.
That was my advice as well.
One question for the OP: Are you wanting to go straight from undergrad to grad school, or do you want (or have) a few years experience under your belt. Entrance to many grad schools is made much easier if you have a bit of working history behind you.
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### Author:  [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2005, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/12 "2005-05-13T18:34:48Z")
> [@JohnT](#):
>
> That was my advice as well.
>
> One question for the OP: Are you wanting to go straight from undergrad to grad school, or do you want (or have) a few years experience under your belt. Entrance to many grad schools is made much easier if you have a bit of working history behind you.
I want some work experience first, probably a few years of it. I want to feel out the field a bit, then decide if I want to do any graduate level work.
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### Author:  [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)
#### Post date: [May 14, 2005, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/13 "2005-05-14T01:54:47Z")
> [@Wesley Clark](#):
>
> I thought you loved your medical technologist job. Why not a MS in microbiology?
I do love the clinical aspect of it. Microbiology was my worst subject in MT school, while chemistry and hematology were my best. I’ve been doing clinical chem, chromatography and immunochemistry now for four years in a research lab, and I intend to stay with it. That, combined with the fact that I’m doing Master’s level work now leads to the logical conclusion that an MS in Biochem would fill in the gaps and take me further than my BS MT would.
Vlad/Igor
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### Author:  [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)
#### Post date: [May 14, 2005, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/14 "2005-05-14T02:12:08Z")
> [@Vlad/Igor](#):
>
> I do love the clinical aspect of it. Microbiology was my worst subject in MT school, while chemistry and hematology were my best. I’ve been doing clinical chem, chromatography and immunochemistry now for four years in a research lab, and I intend to stay with it. That, combined with the fact that I’m doing Master’s level work now leads to the logical conclusion that an MS in Biochem would fill in the gaps and take me further than my BS MT would.
>
> Vlad/Igor
Nice. What is U of L though? University of Louisiana? Keep me updated on where you end up, you know my email address.
I notice some of the colleges in Indiana offer the MS in chemistry degree. Ball state has it, but I think I may be better off doing a PhD then dropping out after I get my MS degree. The PhD program supposedly offers better TA positions than a MS program.
Doing one class a semester will take a while. Most MS degrees I’ve seen take 20-25 hours of coursework (as well as a thesis) you’ll need 4 years to do your MS degree (unless you take summer classes, then only 3 years). It may vary by school, but what i’ve seen is each requires one advanced lecture in Biochem, organic, inorganic, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry (about 15 hours total) plus a seminar plus a communication or nomenclature class. Then some electives to get to about 25 hours. I don’t know if this is universal, but its what i’ve seen in most programs.
I’m somewhat lazy (If you call what i’m about to say lazy, which some will) and i’d rather not work more than 60 hours a week in grad school so if I do a MS degree instead of doing two years of 70-80 hour workweeks I wonder if I can manage 2.5-3 years of 50-60 hour workweeks.
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### Author:  [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)
#### Post date: [May 14, 2005, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/15 "2005-05-14T23:38:21Z")
> [@Wesley Clark](#):
>
> A doctorate isn’t for me, but a Masters sounds like something i’d like. The only problem is a M.S. in chemistry isn’t worth much more than a B.S. in chemistry so I see no reason to do one.
>
> So are there graduate fields that a BS in chemistry would prepare (either totally or largely, i’d be willing to do another 20ish hours to prepare for another field) me for where a masters is actually worth something? All the fields I love and enjoy (microbiology, chemistry, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, etc) are fields where a MS isn’t worth much so I don’t really know what kind of MS/MA programs I could look at.
If you’re interested in organic chemistry a MS will really strengthen a move into the pharmaceutical industry. Graduate students who know how to make molecules are always in demand.
One of the large pharma companies has a major research centre in Indianapolis, but I can’t remember which one. Eli Lilly maybe? You could put your ear to the ground and see whats the story with their recruitment at grad level. Of course, if organic chem isn’t your cup of tea then ignore the foregoing. 🙂
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### Author:  [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)
#### Post date: [May 15, 2005, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-masters-degrees-could-i-get-with-a-b-s-in-chemistry/303625/16 "2005-05-15T01:59:38Z")
> [@Wesley Clark](#):
>
> Nice. What is U of L though?
University of Louisville, [Biochemistry](http://biochemistry.louisville.edu/education/education.html).
> [@](#):
>
> Doing one class a semester will take a while. Most MS degrees I’ve seen take 20-25 hours of coursework (as well as a thesis) you’ll need 4 years to do your MS degree (unless you take summer classes, then only 3 years).
I’ll need about 3.5 years. A few of the [courses](http://biochemistry.louisville.edu/education/courses.html) are 4 credit hour, and I need about 26 hours. I’ll have about 5 hours of class time a week, plus about 2 hours a night studying (give or take) in addition to my full-time job. So we’re talking about 57 hours a week devoted to work and study. No problem. My thesis project will probably overlap my classes, as I’m already doing Master’s level work. The trick will be to find a project in my own lab for which I’m not going to be paid to do. In other words, I will be expected to design and execute my project on my own without the usual planning and guidance given by my supervisor(s).
Vlad/Igor