Penn’s Master of Chemical Sciences

Penn’s Master of Chemical Sciences student in the lab

Industry connections and research experiences designed for your success

Whether you’re currently a chemistry professional or seeking to enter the field, the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Chemical Sciences helps you prepare for a diverse range of career possibilities. With a faculty of leading researchers and industry experts, our Master of Chemical Sciences program provides the academic and career opportunities you need to achieve your professional chemistry goals.

  • Choose from concentrations in biological chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and materials chemistry
  • Network with chemistry professionals who work in a variety of research and applied settings
  • Gain hands-on training and research experience through our industry partnerships with Axalta, the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Chemical and Nanoparticle Synthesis Core (CNSC), GlaxoSmithKline, Monell Chemical Senses Center, and The Wistar Institute
  • Enroll full- or part-time, so you can pursue your education without interrupting your career
  • Complete the 10-course program in two to four years, depending on your course load
  • Demonstrate your abilities to current or prospective employers and stake out a new professional niche through the capstone experience
  • Find your ideal career path with the guidance of faculty mentors and advisors
Honey Shah

Master of Chemical Sciences ’23
Researcher, The Wistar Institute

“Penn is a very inclusive community. You have a lot of resources and student associations from different countries. Having opportunities to relax and have fun is important to stay balanced. Grad school can be really stressful. I'm glad that Penn recognizes how important mental health is.”

Photo of Nicholas Parenti

Master of Chemical Sciences ’23
Master of Chemical Sciences Capstone Award in 2023
Research Specialist, Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

“I really like the real-world applicability of the coursework... One of the major projects that I have undertaken is re-establishing recombinant virus production in our lab. That's where I was able to link chemistry to biology.”