Masters in Chemistry in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

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129 results found

Clinical Chemistry (MS)

University of Scranton, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Fiber Science(M.S.)

Cornell University, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 16.85L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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MAT in Adolescence Ed Chemistry

State University of New York at New Paltz, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
INR 14.00L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

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M.S. in Cancer Chemical Biology

University of Michigan, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
INR 46.80L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Chemistry, MS (Thesis Option)

Central Washington University, USA

DURATION
1 Year 6 Months
FEES
INR 30.07L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.5
INTAKE SESSION
JUN 2025

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Master of Science in Chemistry

Western Illinois University , USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 6.46L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Accelerated BS/MS (or BA/MS) dual degree program

Eastern Illinois University, USA

DURATION
5 Years
FEES
INR 7.32L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Master of Science in Historic Preservation

University of Texas Austin, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 16.03L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Chemistry, MS

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
INR 27.33L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Master of Science Chemistry

Youngstown State University, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Highlights of Master's in Chemistry in USA

Feature	Details
Duration	1.5 to 2 years (full-time programs)
Top Specializations	Organic, Analytical, Physical, Biochemistry, Materials Chemistry
Tuition Fees (Avg.)	$30,000–$50,000 per year (₹25–₹42 lakhs)
Entry Requirements	Bachelor’s in Chemistry or related field, SOP, LORs, English test scores
GRE Scores for Chemistry MS USA	Optional at most top schools
Top Locations	California, Massachusetts, New York, Texas
Career Scope After Chemistry MS USA	R&D labs, pharmaceuticals, materials science, chemical analysis
Popular Intakes	Fall (Aug/Sept), Spring (Jan)

Top Universities for Master's in Chemistry in USA

USA dominates global rankings in chemistry education, with 8 of the top 20 chemistry departments worldwide. These universities offer cutting-edge research in organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry, alongside access to well-funded labs and cross-disciplinary projects.

Here’s a breakdown of the best universities for chemistry in USA, based on QS World University Rankings 2025 (Chemistry subject):

Top-Ranked Chemistry Universities – USA (2025)

University Name	QS 2025 Rank	Avg Tuition Fees (USD + INR/year)
Harvard University	1	$54,000 (approx. ₹45 lakhs)
MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology	2	$55,510 (approx. ₹46.2 lakhs)
Stanford University	4	$56,487 (approx. ₹47 lakhs)
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	6	$45,888 (approx. ₹38 lakhs)
Caltech – California Institute of Technology	14	$58,479 (approx. ₹48.6 lakhs)
Northwestern University	15	$54,432 (approx. ₹45.4 lakhs)
UCLA – University of California, Los Angeles	15	$46,326 (approx. ₹38.7 lakhs)
Cornell University	27	$56,207 (approx. ₹46.8 lakhs)
Yale University	31	$45,700 (approx. ₹38 lakhs)
University of Chicago	34	$57,600 (approx. ₹47.9 lakhs)

What You Study in Master's in Chemistry in USA

A Master's in Chemistry in USA typically runs for 2 years and includes both core and elective modules. The curriculum balances theoretical foundation with practical lab work, which helps students transition into research, pharma, energy, or academia.

Curriculum Master's in Chemistry in USA

Specialization	What You Study	Job Roles After Graduation
Organic Chemistry	Reaction mechanisms, drug design, synthesis	R&D chemist, Medicinal chemist, Pharma lab analyst
Analytical Chemistry	Spectroscopy, chromatography, instrumentation	Quality control analyst, Forensic chemist, Lab technician
Physical Chemistry	Thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, kinetics	Computational chemist, Research scientist, Energy labs
Inorganic Chemistry	Coordination compounds, solid-state chemistry	Materials scientist, Academic researcher, Lab chemist
Biochemistry/Chemical Biology	Protein chemistry, molecular biology, cell signaling	Biotech researcher, Clinical lab scientist, Diagnostics
Materials Chemistry	Polymers, nanotech, energy materials	Battery tech, Materials R&D, Sustainable product labs
Environmental Chemistry	Green chemistry, environmental impact, compliance	Environmental consultant, Government lab officer

Intakes for Master's in Chemistry in USA

Most USA universities offer two main admission cycles for international students pursuing a Master’s in Chemistry in USA—Fall and Spring. Fall (August–September) is the most popular intake, especially for Indian students, as it aligns with major course offerings, internships, and scholarship availability.

Spring intake (January) is less competitive but limited in terms of program options and research assistantships. A few schools offer a Summer intake, though it’s typically reserved for short-term or online chemistry programs.

MS Chemistry in USA Intake Timeline

Intake Season	Application Deadline Range	Ideal For
Fall (Aug–Sept)	Oct – Feb (previous year)	Best for research-focused, scholarship-backed tracks
Spring (Jan)	Aug – Oct (previous year)	Good for students needing more time to apply
Summer (May)	Jan – Mar (same year)	Limited availability; not common for chemistry MS

Eligibility for Master's in Chemistry in USA

Indian students applying to a Master’s in Chemistry in USA must meet certain academic and test-based benchmarks. Most universities prefer candidates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related discipline such as biochemistry or chemical engineering. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (65–70%), along with proof of English proficiency, is standard.

Educational Background Required for Master’s in Chemistry in USA

A BSc in Chemistry or a related subject from a recognized university.
3-year degrees may need additional coursework or a 1-year PG diploma.
Exposure to analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, or inorganic chemistry is often preferred.

GRE Scores for Chemistry MS USA

GRE is optional at many USA universities post-2023.
Still required at top research universities (e.g., Harvard, Caltech, Johns Hopkins).
A score above 300 (Verbal + Quant) is considered competitive.

English Language Tests (IELTS/TOEFL) for Master’s Chemistry in USA

IELTS score of 6.5+ or TOEFL score of 80+ is mandatory.
Some schools accept Duolingo (minimum score ~110), especially for Fall 2025 intakes.
Waivers may apply if your undergrad was fully in English.

Additional Admission Documents

Requirement	Details
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Clear goals, academic background, research interests
Letters of Recommendation	Usually 2–3 from academic or research mentors
Resume or CV	Include internships, lab experience, and published work
Transcripts	Must be in English and officially certified

How to Apply for Master's in Chemistry in USA

The application process for a Master’s in Chemistry in USA starts nearly 10–12 months before your intended intake. Most students target the Fall intake, so applications are usually submitted between October and February of the previous year. Every university has its own process, but the core steps are similar across most institutions offering analytical chemistry programs USA or organic chemistry master’s programs USA.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Chemistry MS USA

Step	Action	Why It Matters
Step 1	Finalize 5–8 universities (mix of dream, match, safe)	Focus on the best universities for chemistry in USA that match your goals and profile
Step 2	Check eligibility, GRE scores for chemistry MS USA (if required), English test (IELTS/TOEFL)	Not all schools require GRE—check early to avoid delays
Step 3	Write your Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Explain research interests, academic history, and career goals clearly
Step 4	Get 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	Preferably from professors in chemistry, lab mentors, or research heads
Step 5	Prepare official transcripts and update your resume	Highlight any chemistry research opportunities in USA or internships you plan to pursue
Step 6	Apply via the university portal or centralized platform (e.g., Common App for some)	Pay the application fee (USD 50–100 ≈ ₹4,100–₹8,200) per university
Step 7	Track application status and respond to interview/test requests	Some schools may ask for a quick chemistry-focused online assessment
Step 8	Accept offer, apply for visa, and prepare funding documents	Also check for scholarships for chemistry students USA at this stage

Cost of Master's in Chemistry in USA for Indian Students

The fees for MS Chemistry in USA generally range from $28,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on the university and program type. This equals approximately ₹23.4 lakhs to ₹46 lakhs per year. Along with tuition, Indian students should also factor in living expenses, health insurance, and lab material fees, especially for analytical chemistry programs USA and organic chemistry Master’s programs USA, which involve extensive lab work.

Tuition Fees for MS Chemistry in USA – Public vs Private Universities

University Type	Average Annual Tuition Fees (USD & INR)
Public Universities	$28,000 – $38,000 (₹23.4L – ₹31.8L)
Private Universities	$45,000 – $55,000 (₹37.6L – ₹46L)

Cost of Living for Chemistry MS Students in USA

Expense Type	Estimated Annual Cost (USD & INR)
Housing (shared off-campus/apartment)	$7,000 – $12,000 (₹5.8L – ₹10L)
Food & Groceries	$2,500 – $4,500 (₹2L – ₹3.7L)
Transport (public transit/occasional Uber)	$1,000 – $2,000 (₹83K – ₹1.6L)
Utilities & Internet	$1,000 – $1,500 (₹83K – ₹1.25L)

Lab, Health & One-Time Student Expenses

Additional Costs	Estimated Annual Cost (USD & INR)
Lab Fees & Course Materials for Chemistry	$500 – $1,000 (₹42K – ₹83K)
Health Insurance	$1,200 – $2,000 (₹1L – ₹1.6L)
Visa Fee + SEVIS Fee	$510 (₹42K approx.)
Flight Tickets (one-way India to USA)	$800 – $1,200 (₹66K – ₹1L)
Initial Settling Cost (deposits, bedding etc.)	$1,000 – $1,500 (₹83K – ₹1.25L)

Scholarships for Master's in Chemistry in USA

Many scholarships for chemistry students in USA cover 50% to 100% of tuition costs, with some also offering a monthly living stipend between $1,200–$2,500 (₹1L–₹2L+). University-funded options often include research or teaching assistantships that waive full tuition and offer partial salary. External scholarships, like Fulbright-Nehru or Inlaks, can fund up to $70,000 (₹58+ lakhs), including travel and health insurance. Most are merit-based but a few also consider financial need and underrepresented backgrounds.

University	Scholarship Name	Coverage (USD & INR)
MIT	MIT Chemistry Department Fellowship	Full tuition + stipend (~$50,000 or ₹42 lakhs/year)
Stanford University	Knight-Hennessy Scholars	Full tuition + living (~$70,000 or ₹58.6 lakhs/year)
University of Chicago	Graduate Aid for Physical Sciences	Partial tuition (~$20,000 or ₹16.7 lakhs)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	Departmental Fellowships	Up to $10,000 (₹8.3 lakhs)
Purdue University	Chemistry Graduate Fellowship	Full tuition + assistantship stipend
University of Florida	Graduate School Fellowship	$4,000–$12,000/year (₹3.3–₹10 lakhs)

External Scholarships for Chemistry Master’s Programs USA

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Amount (USD & INR)
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Indian Trust	Up to $100,000 (₹83 lakhs)
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship	USIEF	Full funding (tuition + living)
AAUW International Fellowships	AAUW (for women only)	$20,000–$50,000 (₹16.7–₹42 lakhs)
Tata Scholarship (via Cornell)	Tata Education	Full tuition for eligible Indian students

Assistantships and Chemistry Research Opportunities in USA

Many analytical chemistry programs USA and organic chemistry Master’s programs USA offer Graduate Research or Teaching Assistantships (GRA/TA). These roles can waive full or partial tuition and pay a monthly stipend (~$1,800–$2,500 or ₹1.5–₹2 lakhs).

Jobs After Master's in Chemistry in USA

Graduates with a Master's in Chemistry in USA work in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental labs, materials science, and chemical manufacturing. Industries hiring include pharma (Pfizer, Eli Lilly), consumer goods (P&G, Unilever), and research labs (FDA, NIH, private R&D). Analytical chemistry programs USA and organic chemistry Master’s programs USA prepare students for lab-based roles and technical consulting.

Average starting salary ranges between $60,000–$85,000/year (₹50L–₹71L). Research scientists and QC analysts often earn on the lower end; process chemists and regulatory scientists command higher packages, especially in metro locations.

Top Job Roles After MS Chemistry USA

Job Title	Average Salary (USD/year)	INR Equivalent (₹ approx.)
Analytical Chemist	$62,000	₹51.6 lakhs
Research Scientist (Pharma)	$75,000	₹62.5 lakhs
Process Development Chemist	$80,000	₹66.7 lakhs
Environmental Chemist	$68,000	₹56.7 lakhs
QC/QA Specialist	$65,000	₹54.2 lakhs
Regulatory Affairs Associate	$70,000	₹58.3 lakhs

Career scope after chemistry MS USA also includes further research (PhD), especially in chemistry research opportunities in USA or transitions into allied roles in biotech and materials engineering.

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FAQs About Master's in Chemistry in USA

What is the salary after Master's in Chemistry in USA?

The average salary ranges from $55,000 to $80,000 (₹46–₹67 lakh/year) based on role and industry. Career scope after chemistry MS USA includes lab analyst, quality control chemist, R&D associate, and regulatory scientist.

Is GRE required for Master's in Chemistry in USA in 2025?

Many top schools have made the GRE optional for chemistry MS USA. However, some programs still require it, especially for funding or competitive STEM scholarships.

Which are the best universities for Master's in Chemistry in USA?

Best universities for chemistry in USA include MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, Stanford, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Harvard—known for cutting-edge chemistry research opportunities in USA.

Can I do MS Chemistry in USA after BSc Biotechnology?

Yes, if you have taken foundational chemistry subjects during your bachelor's. Check each school’s admission requirements for chemistry in USA to confirm eligibility.

Is a thesis compulsory in Master's in Chemistry in USA?

No. Most programs offer both thesis and non-thesis tracks. Thesis options are preferred for research or PhD paths, while non-thesis suits industry roles.

Do Indian students get scholarships for MS in Chemistry in USA?

Yes. Scholarships for chemistry students USA are offered as teaching or research assistantships, university fellowships, or external grants like Inlaks or Fulbright.

Is Master's in Chemistry in USA a STEM course?

Yes. It qualifies as a STEM program, allowing up to 3 years of OPT—useful for gaining USA work experience in chemical, pharma, or energy sectors.

Can I get a job after MS in Chemistry in USA without a PhD?

Yes. While PhD is preferred for academic research, many chemical and biotech firms hire MS graduates for analytical roles, quality assurance, or technical sales.

What are the top-paying jobs after Master's in Chemistry in USA?

High-paying roles include chemical safety engineer, formulation chemist, analytical chemist, and regulatory affairs associate, especially in the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors.

What is the cost of MS Chemistry in USA for Indian students?

Fees for MS chemistry in USA range from $30,000 to $55,000 (₹25–₹46 lakh) annually. Living expenses add another $10,000–$15,000 (₹8–₹12 lakh) per year.

Can I work while studying Chemistry in USA?

Yes. On an F-1 visa, you can work up to 20 hours/week on campus. Some students take CPT internships after completing 1–2 semesters.

Is it hard to get admission in MS Chemistry in USA?

Admission is competitive, especially at top-tier schools. A strong academic record, research experience, and recommendation letters help boost your chances.

Do USA colleges accept Indian 3-year degrees for Chemistry MS?

Some universities accept 3-year BSc degrees if they are NAAC A-accredited or evaluated through WES. Others may require an additional year of study.

What documents are needed for MS Chemistry USA applications?

You'll need transcripts, GRE/TOEFL scores (if required), SOP, LORs, resume, and passport copy. Some schools also require a writing sample or research summary.

Which specialisation is best in Master's in Chemistry in USA?

Top specialisations include organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, biochemistry, and polymer science—aligned with the most in-demand roles in industry and research.

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