Master of Science in Applied Chemistry
Merrimack's accelerated STEM Designated degree allows you to graduate in just 10 months. Full-tuition fellowships available!
Stand out in the field by advancing your understanding of chemical and biochemical concepts, enhancing your laboratory and independent research skills, and strengthening your ability to communicate scientific data to experts and non-experts through a master’s in applied chemistry.
Applied Chemistry Master's Degree at a Glance
Mode of Study
On Campus
Est. Time
10 months (full-time study)*
Start Terms
Fall**
View Application Deadlines
Credits
32
STEM Designated
Yes
Accreditation
Fellowships
Presidential (Full-tuition)
Scholarships
Dean Scholarship &
Alumni Scholarship
*Though designed to be full-time, part-time study is a possibility. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@merrimack.edu to discuss your options.
**We encourage you to apply early to secure your spot in our Applied Chemistry graduate program. The priority application deadline for the Fall term is June 15.
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Applied Chemistry Master's Degree
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Master of Science in Applied Chemistry Tuition
Published Tuition
$1,100 per credit (32 credits). Tuition for 2024-2025. Rates are subject to change.
Average Aid Amount
Scholarships and fellowships significantly reduce the tuition for most of our students.
Average Tuition Cost
After scholarships and fellowships.
Typical Tuition Savings for the M.S. in Applied Chemistry
Merrimack College offers generous scholarship and fellowship opportunities to offset your graduate tuition.
Presidential Fellowships are 9-month, 25 hour-per-week teacher assistantship and research or laboratory support placements and cover $35,200, or 100% of tuition.
Double Warrior Alumni Scholarships are awarded to all Merrimack College alumni, covering $11,616, or 33% of tuition, for recent graduates (25% for previously graduated alumni).
Dean Scholarships are merit based aid awarded to all students, ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 and average $5,300 or approximately 15% of tuition.
Visit the page below to find all up-to-date tuition and fees information.
Overview of Merrimack’s M.S. in Applied Chemistry
In Merrimack’s M.S. in Applied Chemistry program, you will develop advanced expertise in chemical and biochemical concepts with a focus on practical, real-world applications. From mastering research techniques and laboratory skills to refining your ability to communicate complex scientific data, this program emphasizes hands-on learning to prepare you for success in pharmaceutical, life sciences, and biotechnology industries. Whether conducting groundbreaking research, presenting findings to industry leaders, or collaborating on innovative projects, you’ll graduate ready to take on leadership roles in high-demand fields.
Rooted in Merrimack College’s decades-long tradition of combining rigorous education with real-world impact, the Master of Science in Applied Chemistry equips you with the knowledge and tools to address critical challenges in modern science. Guided by ethical practices and a commitment to innovation, the program empowers you to drive scientific advancements that improve lives, foster sustainability, and contribute to the betterment of society.
Why Choose the M.S. in Applied Chemistry at Merrimack
ACCELERATED PROGRAM
Merrimack College allows you to earn your master’s degree in just 10 months, an abbreviated time period compared to most graduate programs in chemistry and biochemistry. Additionally, our Applied Chemistry graduate program offers a 4 +1 fast-track pathway for Merrimack undergraduate students to seamlessly earn an advanced professional degree.
HIGH-LEVEL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Our research track enables students to work closely with a research-active faculty member and receive mentorship from that faculty member, enabling you to conduct extensive chemical research and master practical lab bench skills identified as particularly desirable by local industry partners. You will also have the opportunity to present your research to and network with local chemistry professionals, making connections with companies such as Akita, Creagen BioSciences, EMD Serono, Moderna, Pfizer, Sarepta Therapeutics, Seqens, Syneos Health, Uniqure and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
ROBUST PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities for you to improve your essential career skills are integrated across the curriculum of the applied chemistry master’s program. Courses also feature outside speakers from both academia and industry to help you gain exposure to various career paths, and we will further guide you through tailoring your CV, cover letters, and interviewing and presentation skills for success. Additionally, professional ethics will be assessed throughout the curriculum, and you will work through a variety of professional ethics issues with your research faculty members.
INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION
At Merrimack College, small class sizes create unique opportunities for you to develop practical chemistry skills, gain hands-on lab and research experience, and strengthen your collaboration and communication abilities. You'll build meaningful connections with expert faculty who provide mentorship and tailored academic support, while being part of a close-knit network of scientists. Despite our intimate class sizes, our cutting-edge labs and advanced instrumentation rival those of larger universities, ensuring you receive both a personalized and state-of-the-art education.
AFFORDABLE COST
Merrimack’s applied chemistry master’s degree was designed to offer competitive tuition compared to other programs. Additionally, we offer graduate fellowships exclusively to our M.S. in Applied Chemistry students that cover 100% of your graduate tuition in exchange for teaching introductory laboratory sections!
Career Outlook: Where Can a M.S. in Applied Chemistry Take You?
Average Annual Salary
for chemists in Massachusetts metropolitan areas such as Worcester, Boston and Cambridge in 2023
Job Openings
Jobs for chemists in Massachusetts alone as of 2023
Unemployment Rate
unemployment rate for chemists in the U.S. in 2022, the lowest ever recorded.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) & American Chemical Society (ACS), 2025
Jobs with an Applied Chemistry Master's Degree
- Analytical Chemist
- Forensic Scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Toxicologist
- Doctoral Candidate
- Laboratory technician
- Research assistant within academic, medical and industry settings
- Senior research associate
- Associate scientist or scientist I at biotech firms
- Technical representative
What You'll Learn in Merrimack's M.S. in Applied Chemistry
Key Courses You'll Take
Instrumentation/Lab Skills
NEW COURSE!
In this course, students gain experience with instrumentation utilized in laboratories, which prepares them for a range of careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, environmental work and medical research.
Graduate Research I
CHM 5910
This is a laboratory based, Master’s level research course, in which students collaborate with a faculty member as a part of their research team focusing on solving complex chemical problems.
Graduate Seminar: Literature and Writing
CHM 5010
Master of Science in Applied Chemistry Curriculum
View Full Curriculum from the Graduate Catalog
Applied Chemistry Requirements
To see more details about the program, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Applied Chemistry, M.S.
Minimum number of credits required to complete the program: 36
Minimum cumulative GPA required: 3.0
School: School of Arts and Sciences
The M.S. in Applied Chemistry will enable students to learn new fundamental and applied chemistry concepts, enhance their independent laboratory and research skills, and further develop their communication and presentation skills.
In this program, students will:
- Develop a deep working knowledge of the principles and underlying theories associated with contemporary chemical and biochemical research.
- Expand your capacity to work independently in modern chemistry laboratories.
- Integrate and apply your chemistry knowledge and experimental results to critique, create, and disseminate solutions to modern chemistry challenges.
- Utilize your knowledge and skills in experimental chemistry and chemical education to educate STEM students.
- Improve leadership and management skills.
Program Requirements
The M.S. in Applied Chemistry requires the completion of 36 credits. It consists of a synergetic combination of chemistry/biochemistry courses, research, and teaching undergraduate laboratory sections.
Core Courses
Complete the following eight required courses (28 credits):
- CHM 5010 - Graduate Seminar: Literature and Writing
- CHM 5110 - Chemical Education I
- CHM 5260 - Structural Instrumental Analysis
- CHM 5910 - Graduate Research I
- CHM 5XXX - Instrumentation/Lab Skills Credits: 4
- CHM 5XXX - Graduate Research II Credits: 4
- CHM 5XXX - Chemical Education II Credits: 2
- CHM 5XXX - Graduate Research III Credits: 8
Elective Courses
Complete two advanced electives (eight credits).
Skills You'll Learn
Earning a master’s degree in chemistry from Merrimack will enhance your expertise in the field, improve your technical proficiency, boost leadership and management capabilities, broaden your career prospects, and elevate your earning potential in the thriving pharmaceutical, life sciences, and biotechnology sectors.
In this program, you will:
Develop a deep working knowledge of the principles and underlying theories associated with contemporary chemical and biochemical research.
Expand your capacity to work independently in modern chemistry laboratories.
Integrate and apply your chemistry knowledge and experimental results to critique, create, and disseminate solutions to modern chemistry challenges.
Utilize your knowledge and skills in experimental chemistry and chemical education to educate STEM students.
Improve leadership and management skills.
Featured Faculty
Brandi Baldock
Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry & Director, Master of Science in Applied Chemistry
Dr. Brandi Baldock, Associate Professor and Director of the M.S. in Applied Chemistry program at Merrimack College, specializes in analytical chemistry, green chemistry, nanomaterials, and chemical education. Her research explores nanoparticle-biomolecule interactions, focusing on quantifying protein binding to nanoparticles and identifying cellular proteins targeted by nanoparticles. She employs advanced analytical and molecular biology techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry. Dr. Baldock is also passionate about developing innovative chemistry lab activities and experiments for students. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Oregon and a B.S. in Chemistry from Trent University.
Jimmy Franco, Ph.D.
Associate Dean & Professor
Dr. Jimmy Franco, Associate Dean and Professor at Merrimack College, is an organic chemist specializing in medicinal chemistry, with expertise in biochemistry and chemical education. His research focuses on developing novel therapeutics for neglected diseases like tuberculosis and histoplasmosis, combining organic synthesis, biochemistry, and computational chemistry. Additionally, Dr. Franco explores innovative pedagogical methods, including the use of technology such as iBooks and virtual reality, to enhance chemistry education. He actively involves undergraduate researchers in his work, many of whom have co-authored publications and presentations. Dr. Franco earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Davis, and his B.S. in Chemistry from Beloit College.
Brian Provencher, Ph.D.
Chair & Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Brian Provencher, Chair and Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Merrimack College, focuses on medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and chemical education. His research aims to develop organic compounds that selectively bind to opioid receptors, offering potential treatments for CNS diseases such as addiction, Parkinson’s, and schizophrenia. In chemical education, he designs innovative lab curricula, integrating techniques like microwave chemistry and mobile technology. A Merrimack College alumnus, Dr. Provencher earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Organic Chemistry from Brandeis University and has published extensively in medicinal chemistry and educational methodologies.
Fellowships, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Applied Chemistry Graduate Fellowships
Merrimack College offers Presidential Fellowship opportunities to students in the applied chemistry master’s program that cover 100% of their graduate tuition. Qualified applicants gain enhanced development via a work placement of 25 hours per week, where they will be participating in a combination of a teaching assistantship role and research or laboratory support. The responsibilities include:
- Teaching: Fellows are expected to serve as a teaching assistant for two introductory STEM courses per semester. Responsibilities may include teaching lab sections, leading review sessions outside of regular class hours, and preparing reagents and equipment for lab courses.
- Research: Fellows are expected to spend additional hours working on faculty-mentored research projects, above and beyond the hours required for their graduate research course.
Please note that if you accept a fellowship position, you will not be eligible for any other discounts or scholarships, including the merit-based Dean scholarship or the Double Warrior alumni scholarship.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Merrimack College offers scholarships for students who are not receiving a fellowship. Our scholarship opportunities available to M.S. in Applied Chemistry students include:
- Dean Scholarship: Determined by academic merit and financial need. Students not receiving a fellowship are automatically considered for a Dean Scholarship upon applying.
- Double Warrior Alumni Scholarship: Available to all Merrimack graduates. Students enrolling immediately after senior undergraduate year automatically receive a 33% discount, and 25% thereafter. Please note that Double Warrior alumni scholarships cannot be combined with Dean Scholarships.
Financial aid in the form of federal aid, private loans, and payment plans are also options available for graduate students. Click the link below to learn more about our scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Application Information for the M.S. in Applied Chemistry
It’s easy to apply online! Simply create your account by registering a username and password. This will allow you to start an application, save and log back in at any time to complete it before submission.
A Completed Application Includes:
Important Information:
- Online application
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resumé
- Interview OR personal statement
- Contact information for one reference OR one letter of recommendation
- No application fee or GRE requirement.
- If applying for a fellowship, be sure to indicate that on your application.
- Optional: Submit test scores to enhance or support your academic background.
Graduate Community and Student Support
Discover Merrimack’s vibrant and supportive graduate community! Our Graduate Center, located on the second floor of the McQuade Library, is our hub for student life, resources, and support, ensuring that you get the most out of your graduate experience.
Enjoy the following benefits that are exclusive to graduate students:
A comfortable lounge for studying and socializing
A home base for daily life on campus with coffee and tea, a microwave and a fridge
A venue for programs and services supporting graduate student success
A warm, inviting place to connect with staff and other graduate students
Want to Learn More about the Master of Science in Applied Chemistry?
Contact the Program Director, Brandi Baldock!
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way! Please feel free to contact our Graduate Admission team or join us at an upcoming event if you have any questions regarding scholarships, fellowships, financial aid, or the application process.
Programs Related to the M.S. in Applied Chemistry
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Grad Chat Podcast
Check out this episode of Grad Chat featuring Dr. Jimmy Franco, the Associate Dean of our Master of Science in Applied Chemistry program. Discover how this 10-month degree can set you apart by deepening your knowledge of chemical and biochemical principles, honing your lab and independent research skills, and gaining opportunities for you to improve your essential career skills. Don’t miss this engaging conversation and find out how the MS in Applied Chemistry can help you advance your career!
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Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
