Master of Science in Chemistry

The FAMU Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to offer the BS Chemistry degree with ACS certification. ACS is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world and it is the standard for chemical education. Our curriculum is designed to equip graduates with a thorough knowledge of the chemical sciences. Our Student Academic and Professional Development (SAPD) series provides a comprehensive and cumulative assessment of the curriculum with verbal reasoning and standardized exam (MCAT, PA-CAT, DAT) preparation integrated in the four years.
We also have a MS Chemistry program that provides courses and research in the traditional areas of chemistry-analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. We also have courses and research in materials chemistry and polymer chemistry. Some students obtain a master’s degree to prepare themselves for immediate employment as chemists, biochemists, forensic scientists or materials scientists while others obtain a master’s degree to prepare themselves for doctoral work in a chemical science, and some obtain a master’s degree in preparation for professional school like medical or dental. Our majors are equipped with the academic and professional skills needed for success after receiving their degree, whether it be immediate employment, graduate school or professional school.

Scientist recording lab results on tablet

Those skills include but are not limited to the following:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Professional Conduct & Ethics
Teamwork & Collaboration
Information Management
Laboratory Safety
Systems Thinking
Communication

These skills and our program provide our graduates with an opportunity to do well on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT) and gain admittance to graduate school, medical school, physician assistant school or dental school.

Curriculum Course Map (PDF)
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Chemists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, and knowledge.

What is Chemistry Master?

Graduates of our MS Chemistry program can be employed as chemists, biochemists and forensic scientists.
Chemists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
Biochemists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.

Chemistry graduates have a wide range of career options in various fields, such as research, healthcare, education, and industry.

Chemistry Master Careers

Chemists typically work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct experiments and analyze their results. Some chemists work in industrial manufacturing facilities. Chemists need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Some jobs require a master’s degree or Ph.D. and work experience.

Biochemists typically work in laboratories and offices, to conduct experiments and analyze the results. Biochemists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research positions. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders are qualified for some entry-level positions.

Forensic science technicians often specialize in either crime scene or laboratory analysis.
At crime scenes, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how
Take photographs and make sketches of the crime scene
Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence
Collect evidence, including weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids
Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs
Reconstruct crime scenes

In laboratories, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes
Examine results of DNA analyses of biological substances, such as hair and skin cells, and other evidence for their significance to investigations
Consult with experts in specialized fields, such as toxicology (the study of poisons and their effect on the body) and odontology (a branch of forensic medicine that concentrates on teeth)
Prepare technical reports, including statistical analyses of forensic evidence
Operate, maintain, and clean laboratory facilities and equipment

Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Fields of study may include physical science like chemistry, biology or forensic science.

Field studies and internships give chemistry majors practical experience applying science to real-world challenges.

Chemistry Master Employment Expectations

Employment of chemists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,000 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment of biochemists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for biochemists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

FAMU Chemistry students develop critical thinking and lab skills that prepare them for graduate studies and STEM careers.

Chemistry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the mean salary for chemists?
A: The median annual wage for chemists was $84,150 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $154,430.

Q: What is the mean salary for biochemists?
A: The median annual wage for biochemists was $103,650 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,890, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,900.

Q: What is the mean salary for forensic scientists?
A: The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $67,440 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,710.

Department of Chemistry Faculty

Name	Email	Phone
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Salam Instructor	*mohamed.salam@famu.edu*
Dr. Natalie Arnett Associate Professor	*natalie.arnett@famu.edu*	850-412-5329
Dr. James Bouyer Associate Professor/Department Chair	*james.bouyer@famu.edu*	850-599-3638
Dr. Beni B. Dangi Associate Professor	*beni.dangi@famu.edu*	850-599-8419
Dr. Suresh Eyunni Instructor	*suresh.eyunni@famu.edu*
Mr. Casanova Jackson Associate Instructor	*casanova.jackson@famu.edu*
Dr. Margaret Lyles Associate Instructor	*margaret.lyles@famu.edu*
Dr. Nelly Mateeva Professor	*nelly.mateeva@famu.edu*	850-412-5662
Dr. Bereket Mochona Associate Professor	*bereket.mochona@famu.edu*	850-599-3638
Dr. Musiliyu Musa Professor	*musiliyu.musa@famu.edu*	850-599-3509
Dr. Edith Ndubuaku Onyeozili Professor	*edith.onyeozili@famu.edu*	850-412-5328
Dr. Sanuja Pitigalaarachchige Associate Instructor	*sanuja.pitigalaarachchige@famu.edu*
Dr. Bishnu Regmi Associate Professor	*bishnu.regmi@famu.edu*	850-599-8424
Dr. Keerthi Senevirathne Associate Professor	*keerthi.senevirathne@famu.edu*	850-599-3638
Dr. Ngozi Ugochukwu Professor/Associate Dean	*ngozi.ugochukwu@famu.edu*	850-412-7124

Contact Us

CST Department of Chemistry

Florida A&M University
1530 S. Martin Luther King Blvd | Jones Hall 211
Tallahassee, Florida 32307

P:: 850-599-3638
F:: (850) 561-2388
E:: science@famu.edu