The George Washington University - Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
MS in Environmental and Green Chemistry
- Washington, USA
- Online USA
MSc
DURATION
3 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 1,885 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Employers across the public and private sectors are increasingly seeking scientists who specialize in creative ideas with minimal environmental impact. In our unique green chemistry program, students learn the science underlying today’s environmental challenges and develop innovative, greener solutions to address them.
The curriculum builds proficiency in both environmental chemistry and green chemistry, positioning graduates to find employment in this burgeoning field or to continue their education in chemistry and sustainability. Coursework combines intensive study of chemical toxicology, green industrial chemistry and rational design of safer chemicals with related courses in public health, policy and business. Students round off the program with a final capstone project with a real-world client.
Growing public awareness about the state of the environment, chemical product safety and new chemical regulatory policies is driving demand for leaders who are able to understand the science underlying environmental challenges and thus develop innovative solutions. The master of science in environmental and green chemistry, offered through GW’s Department of Chemistry, develops the experts needed with an interdisciplinary curriculum that fosters proficiency in evaluating the state of the environment and designing greener technologies.
Unlike many other graduate programs in environmental chemistry, GW's unique program places emphasis on green chemistry—the design of new chemicals and chemical processes with minimal environmental impact. Students pursue five core focus areas: energy, environmental analytical chemistry, air/water chemistry, green chemical processing, and chemical toxicology. For a broader perspective, the curriculum can be tailored to students’ interests, and courses in public health, science policy, and business are encouraged. A capstone project enables students to apply the knowledge gained from other coursework and develop the interpersonal and communication skills needed to collaborate with scientists and laypeople alike.
Being in Washington, DC, allows for unique opportunities, including proximity to a hotspot for green careers and potential capstone partners such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and Food and Drug Administration. Graduates find employment as well-rounded chemists in government and the private sector, in roles such as environmental and sustainability consultants, health professionals, new product developers, engineers, or project managers across industries and business sectors.
This is a STEM-designated degree program.
Course Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
30 credits, including 18 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.
Note: ACS placement examinations are administered at the start of the program of study to ensure competency in key areas of chemistry.
Required
- CHEM 6280Energy and the Environment
- CHEM 6281Environmental Chemistry: Air, Water, and Soil
- CHEM 6282Green Industrial Chemistry
- CHEM 6283Chemical Toxicology and Rational Design of Safer Chemicals
- CHEM 6284Environmental Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM 6298 Capstone Seminar in Environmental and Green Chemistry
- or PPPA 6198 Environmental Resource Policy Capstone
Electives
12 credits in elective courses selected from the following*:
- CHEM 6238Chemistry of Inorganic Materials
- CHEM 6251Advanced Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 6257Physical-Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 6278Molecular Spectroscopy
- CHEM 6320Selected Topics in Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM 6350Selected Topics in Organic Chemistry
- ECON 6237Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
- EMSE 6200Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management
- ENRP 6101Environmental Sciences I: Physical Sciences
- ENRP 6102Environmental Sciences II: Life Sciences
- IAFF 6141International Science and Technology Policy Cornerstone
- IAFF 6142Technology Creation/Diffusion
- IAFF 6151Environmental Policy
- IAFF 6153Science, Technology, and National Security
- IAFF 6158Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy **
- PPPA 6066U.S. Environmental Policy
- PUBH 6002Biostatistical Applications for Public Health
- PUBH 6126Assessment and Control of Environmental Hazards
- SMPP 6290Special Topics **
- STAT 6202Mathematical Statistics II
*Alternate elective courses may be selected subject to the program director's approval.
**Approved topics only. Consult the Schedule of Classes for current semester offerings. Permission of the advisor must be received prior to enrollment.
What You'll Study
Our unique program melds the scientific foundations of environmental and green chemistry with public health, science policy, and business perspectives. The core courses set our curriculum apart from any existing program in the United States and provide students with the scientific breadth and depth to evaluate environmental problems and develop sustainable solutions. Students can customize their studies with electives that take advantage of world-renowned GW programs in public health, management, public administration, and media and public affairs.
The degree concludes with a capstone project: a real-world group exercise that students carry out with an external partner/client such as a government agency, nonprofit group, or faculty member. Students work in small teams with guidance from an external mentor and the program director. At the end of the capstone, students submit a written report and a formal presentation of results to both the external client and faculty.
Why Pursue This Degree?
Interested in the environment, medical or veterinary professions, product invention, or sustainable business practices? There is a growing employer demand for professionals with a passion for sustainability and a sound fundamental scientific background in environmental and green chemistry, toxicology, and engineering. Because of the department's green chemistry capstone internship program, our graduates are strong candidates for positions in the private sector, government agencies, and NGOs as environmental and sustainability consultants, health professionals, product developers, engineers, and patent lawyers. Visit the GW Environmental and Green Chemistry LinkedIn page for current professional opportunities.