Master of Science in the Field of Environmental and Green Chemistry (STEM)

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 program.
 

 

Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact for questions:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

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.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
CHEM 6280	Energy and the Environment
CHEM 6281	Environmental Chemistry: Air, Water, and Soil
CHEM 6282	Green Industrial Chemistry
CHEM 6283	Chemical Toxicology and Rational Design of Safer Chemicals
CHEM 6284	Environmental 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 6238	Chemistry of Inorganic Materials
CHEM 6251	Advanced Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 6257	Physical-Organic Chemistry
CHEM 6278	Molecular Spectroscopy
CHEM 6320	Selected Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 6350	Selected Topics in Organic Chemistry
ECON 6237	Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
EMSE 6200	Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management
ENRP 6101	Environmental Sciences I: Physical Sciences
ENRP 6102	Environmental Sciences II: Life Sciences
IAFF 6141	International Science and Technology Policy Cornerstone
IAFF 6142	Technology Creation/Diffusion
IAFF 6151	Environmental Policy
IAFF 6153	Science, Technology, and National Security
IAFF 6158	Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy **
PPPA 6066	U.S. Environmental Policy
PUBH 6002	Biostatistical Applications for Public Health
PUBH 6126	Assessment and Control of Environmental Hazards
SMPP 6290	Special Topics **
STAT 6202	Mathematical Statistics II

*Alternate elective courses can be taken with the program director's approval.

**Only approved topics count toward degree requirements. Consult the Schedule of Classes for current semester offerings. Permission of the advisor must be received prior to enrollment.