The M.S. program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework which may be completed over a single academic year. As the academic backgrounds and personal/professional goals of each student will differ, we anticipate significant diversity in the programs of study in the M.S. degree and therefore do not prescribe a rigid set of courses as prerequisites or requirements though we would ordinarily anticipate that the majority of the credits are taken in chemistry and related subjects at suitably high levels. Your program of study will be adapted to your individual interests and needs in consultation with the M.S. Graduate Program Director, and will likely include coursework selected from across Cornell's campus. The M.S. program is designed for those who wish to obtain further education in the field of chemical sciences broadly understood, and to develop their ability for critical inquiry, independent research, and teaching. Research-degree students are expected to give evidence of mature purpose by initiating and pursuing their own programs, as such the award of the MS degree is contingent upon the completion of a master's research project documented through the preparation of an archivable document presented to the student's special committee and to the Graduate School.