Modality
On Campus
Program URL
https://emap.georgetown.edu/
The Master of Science program in Environmental Metrology and Policy, along with the Doctor of Philosophy program in Chemistry, offers a joint program that emphasizes expertise in identifying health and ecological risks through precise, standardized measurements of pollutants. With a scientific and evidence-based curriculum, students learn to formulate regulatory frameworks and effective strategies for policymaking. Students are also equipped with skills to use metrology to address pressing environmental issues.
Upon graduation, students are proficient in identifying and quantifying accurate and reliable legacy and emerging environmental pollutants so that impactful environmental policies can be crafted based on the soundest scientific evidence.
Academic Policies
To be in good academic standing over the period of studies, EMAP students are required to maintain an average GPA no less than 3.0. Any probation and dismissal will follow the Graduate School’s policy and guidance.
Program Requirements
The joint Master of Science in Environmental Metrology & Policy and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry program is for students who have a strong mastery of college-level chemistry. Students are initially admitted to the M.S. program and must maintain at least a 3.000 GPA to be considered for admission to the doctoral program in Chemistry.
Students must complete the degree requirements for the M.S. degree:
Students shall be exempted from all other coursework required by the Ph.D. in Chemistry program, with the exception of CHEM 9915 (Intro to Chemistry Research). However, students may take additional Chemistry coursework if deemed important for the student’s development and/or doctoral research.
Required Examinations
Once students have completed the Master of Science degree, they will need to take the following examinations.
Placement Examinations
Students will take the Phase I exams in areas of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry by the end of their fourth semester of student. These exams are similar to ACS tests and gauge the standing of students on topics typically covered in B.S. programs. The results also inform course selection.
Students are required to reach excusing level in 4 out of 5 chemistry areas in order to advance to the second year of study. Students are allowed up to three attempts in each exam area.
Comprehensive Examination
The Comprehensive Examination is comprised of two oral exams. The Phase IIA exam occurs no later than the sixth semester where students are guided by their research mentors to prepare and submit a document summarizing research accomplishments and directions. The thesis advisory committee forms at this juncture and an oral examination is conducted to evaluate the research progress and students’ fundamental chemical knowledge pertinent to the research area.
The Phase IIB exam occurs in the semester following the Phase IIA exam. Students must prepare an original research proposal without mentor input and defense the proposal in an oral examination. These exams prepare students for the design, execution, and reporting of scientific studies.
Thesis Requirements
For the master’s portion of the joint program, students must complete a summative capstone project with a thesis in the fourth semester of the program. The research topic is based upon the students’ internship experience and should address a contemporary environmental issue.
In the doctoral program, students are required to convene a dissertation to committee to support them through original research that will result in a dissertation. Once the committee approves the dissertation for submission, students will give a 20-minute presentation on the dissertation followed by an oral defense. The presentation and questioning parts of this examination are open to the public and should be advertised ahead of the defense date.
