Program Overview
The combined Master of Science in Chemistry with a Chemical Business concentration and Master of Business Administration degree at Montclair State University is designed mainly for individuals with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry who wish to advance their careers in the local chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Generally, individuals who are interested in areas such as research and development, and production and quality assurance complete a MS. Individuals who are interested in areas such as management, marketing, and sales complete a MBA. Some individuals complete both degrees during their career.
Dual MS-MBA degrees serve students who wish to further their knowledge in a particular discipline and obtain management training at the same time. This program is designed for talented and motivated students who wish to enhance their opportunities for advancement within the chemical and pharmaceutical industry by obtaining both degrees in a shorter time period than required for completion of both degrees separately.
The MS-MBA program requires a minimum of 62 credits, and is composed of 20 credits from the Chemistry MS program, and 42 credits from the MBA program. 12 credits are shared between the MBA program and the MS in Chemistry program: INFO 501, INFO 503, ACCT 501 and MKTG 501.
Please click here for a Degree at a Glance if you were admitted prior to Fall 2009.
PharmFest Scholarship information
MBA links |
Chemistry links |
| Saturday MBA | |
| Course schedules | |
| Advanced standing |
|
| Frequently asked questions |
|
| Post MBA certificates |
|
Admission requirements
You apply to the MS in Chemistry/MBA program at Montclair State University through the Graduate School.
There is no deadline for applications - all applications are processed on a rolling admissions basis - but we encourage you to apply well in advance of the term in which you plan to begin your studies, to ensure there is time for a comprehensive review of all your credentials. For more information, please click here.
An application portfolio for the MBA degree includes the following:
One official copy of the academic transcript from each college and/or university you have attended.
Official scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
A personal statement of professional objectives.
Two letters of recommendation.
International applicants - additional requirements:
Prerequisites for the MS in Chemistry/MBA program
One(1) official copy of the academic transcript from each college and/or university you have attended
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry (or the foreign equivalent), and document that with a transcript.
If any of the credit hours that counted toward that bachelor's degree were earned at another institution, such as a community college, we must receive that original transcript, too.
Many applicants to the MS in Chemistry/MBA program already have completed other post-graduate work, from professional certifications to full degree programs. Transcripts of these are valuable additions to your application. (Note: See information below about GMAT waivers for candidates with certain graduate degrees).
Official scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is an MBA requirement (the GRE cannot be substituted).
The GMAT may be waived only for applicants who submit proof of the following to the Graduate School :
- An earned terminal degree (Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.) in any discipline; or
- An earned MS degree with a significant quantitative component (in a discipline such as math, engineering, computer science, statistics), from an accredited US college or university.
We look for GMAT scores of 500 or better, but if your other credentials meet our standards, there is no fixed score that will prevent a review of your application.
The Montclair State MBA program uses a weighted scoring system to evaluate academic performance. To calculate this, multiply your undergraduate GPA by 200, then add your GMAT score.
- If the total is between 1100 and 1200, your GMAT score should be acceptable, if your other credentials also are strong.
- If the total is below 1100, your other credentials, such as work experience, may be particularly important in the admissions decision.
Please click here for more information about the GMAT. GMAT is administered worldwide by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Contact ETS to request their latest bulletin. Montclair State University's institutional code for test reporting is 2520.
A personal statement of your professional objectives
This statement, 1-2 pages in length, is your opportunity to explain your reasons for seeking the MS in Chemistry/MBA degree program. You may consider discussing any of the following topics:
- Your ultimate career goals, and the ways in which you expect the MS in Chemistry/MBA to advance them.
- Personal and/or professional accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to master new challenges.
- Gaps in your existing knowledge or experience that affect your job satisfaction or productivity, and that you believe will be addressed by the MBA.
Please note that this statement is your opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills as well as your interest in the MBA.
A resume (if applicable).
You are encouraged to submit a current resume, including information about any professional training, licenses, and/or certifications that may be relevant to assessing your professional experience.
Work experience is not a requirement for admission, but most of our students have worked full-time for 2-6 years before applying, and professional experience is a significant positive factor in the admissions decision.
Applicants who do not yet have professional experience present strong academic credentials, personal statements, and recommendations.
Two letters of recommendation.
Two recommendations are required, from persons qualified to evaluate your promise of academic achievement and potential for professional growth.
These should be from people who know your work and can comment thoughtfully on your abilities and accomplishments. This may include current and/or former employers, colleagues, business associates, and/or clients; current and/or former professors; etc.
We suggest that you ask your references to consider the following before drafting a 1-2 page recommendation:
- Accomplishments that demonstrate your motivation to acquire new knowledge and skills, and your ability to master new experiences.
- Achievements that reflect your analytical, organizational, and/or communication skills, and your readiness for higher levels of performance.
Top of page
International applicants - additional requirements.
International applicants and students who have studied in other countries should carefully review the information on relevant policies and procedures here.
Degree evaluation - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
Montclair State University does not evaluate transcripts of non-U.S. degrees or coursework. You must document your university-level studies at any foreign university by submitting a course-by-course evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Please note the guidelines for submitting your foreign degree credentials, and related information, on the Graduate School website: http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/prospective/intlapps.php
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all students whose native language is not English and whose degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language. TOEFL is administered worldwide by Educational Testing Service (ETS) . Contact ETS to request their latest bulletin. Montclair State University's institutional code for test reporting is 2520.
English as a Second Language proficiency test
In addition to the TOEFL, Montclair State University requires such international students to complete an English language proficiency test, upon arrival in the U.S., before registering for any MBA courses. Upon review of the English language proficiency test score, students may be required to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at Montclair State University. Please click here to see the test schedule - no appointments are necessary.
Please click here for information about international student services available at Montclair State University.
Prerequisites for the MS in Chemistry/MBA
A college-level (undergraduate) calculus course is an MS in Chemistry/MBA Program prerequisite. If your prior studies did not include this prerequisite, you may be accepted to the MBA program on a deferred or conditional matriculation basis.
Such a special matriculation status, may require you to take the calculus course prior to starting your MBA Program - or, in certain cases, to take certain MBA courses while you are completing the prerequisite.
You must complete the calculus course (with a minimum grade of B, or 3.0) before you enroll in INFO 501 or ECON 501 , or in any Advanced MBA courses (Categories III-V) , and within 3 semesters of admission (excluding Summer session, which is voluntary for students and faculty).
If taken at another institution (see a list of authorized equivalents to MATH 114 - Calculus for Business), this must be in the form of an official transcript sent to the MBA Office.
Advanced Academic Standing
It is not necessary to have completed any prior coursework in business to apply for the MS in Chemistry/MBA program; however, applicants with undergraduate degrees in business may be eligible for advanced standing. Please click here for a detailed explanation of our advanced standing policies.
Through such prior academic experience, graduate transfer credits, and/or challenge examinations, the MBA degree requirements may be reduced by up to 15 credits (SH) of Core courses (categories I & II).
Waiver assessments are made after candidates are accepted to the MBA Program.
In general, for the waiver of an MBA core course, the following is required:
- Completion of at least 3 credit hours of graduate coursework in the same topic area (e.g., financial accounting) at an AACSB accredited college or university, with a grade of B or better; or
- Completion of at least 6 credit hours, or two (2) undergraduate courses in the same topic area, at a regionally accredited college or university, with a grade of B or better in each course.
Please note that coursework more than 10 years old cannot be counted for waiver purposes, except in satisfying the calculus pre-requisite.
We cannot give life experience credit, although work experience is a significant factor in assessing an applicant's portfolio for admission.
The remaining 33 semester hours, and all advanced courses (categories III – V) must be completed at Montclair State University.
In some cases, students with undergraduate degrees that included significant advanced coursework in the relevant topics may be eligible to substitute electives for one or more of the courses in category III, Managing the Business Environment.
These substitutions do not further lower the credit hour requirements for the MBA, but offer students an opportunity for greater flexibility in their advanced MBA coursework.