Graduate

Certificate Program in Forensic Chemistry  

The certificate program is geared towards preparing the student for work in most sections of the forensic laboratory, including trace, drugs, arson, and toxicology. Recently, there has been a significant increase in interest in the forensic science profession. While not all of the portrayals of forensic scientists on television accurately show the actual work of the forensic scientists, a lot of interest was generated among the public, providing us with a great opportunity to attract more students into chemistry.

The Master of Science Program

The Master of Science degree in chemistry is designed for both full-time and part-time students. It provides advanced training for those who wish to further their careers in industry, laboratory medicine, or teaching, as well as students who feel the need for more study before pursuing a Ph.D. or MD. The MS program in chemistry offers both thesis and non-thesis options

The Ph.D. program in Clinical/Bioanalytical Chemistry Program jointly offered with the Cleveland Clinic

The Ph.D. program in Clinical/Bioanalytical Chemistry is offered jointly by Cleveland State University and the Lerner Research Institute of The Cleveland Clinic. The program is also affiliated with the Rammelkamp Center for Education and Research of the MetroHealth Medical Center of Cleveland.

This unique program attracts students from all over the world. Clinical/Bioanalytical Chemistry applies the knowledge of chemistry and, in particular, chemical analysis to the study of the origins and diagnoses of diseases. Graduates of this Ph.D. program are employed in many clinical- bioanalytical settings. They become directors of clinical laboratories and research scientists in biomedical and biotechnology fields, in invitro diagnostics, in reference and analytical laboratories, in academic institutions, and in many other settings.

This world-renowned Ph.D. program was established in 1973 and has granted doctoral degrees to over 100 students. Currently, 15 faculty from CSU and 305 faculty from LRI are participating in the training of 52 doctoral students.

Visit the Faculty and Research page for a list of CSU, LRI, and other adjunct faculty; plus links to their profiles and research interests.

The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Chemistry 

The doctoral program in Clinical Chemistry is a specialized track in the Clinical-Bioanalytical Chemistry Ph.D. degree program, which is a joint degree program of Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Clinic. The doctoral program track in Clinical Chemistry is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Clinical Chemistry (ComACC) and is presently the only accredited doctoral program in Clinical Chemistry, both nationally and internationally. The doctoral program in Clinical Chemistry is a dynamically integrated program merging the fields of biomedicine, clinical diagnosis and analytical chemistry. The instructional and training components are carried out by clinical chemistry, analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical science faculty in the Department of Chemistry at Cleveland State, with active involvement of clinical chemists and clinical scientists at the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the MetroHealth System, Akron Children's Hospital and other area medical institutions.

The mission of the doctoral program in Clinical Chemistry is to give Ph.D. graduate students intensive didactic instruction in the field of clinical laboratory science and to give them appropriate biomedical research experience in their dissertation work, in order to prepare students for one of the following paths upon graduation:

1) to obtain further practical training in the field through clinical chemistry post-doctoral fellowships, in order to prepare them for careers as directors of clinical laboratories;

2) to directly assume other scientific positions in clinical laboratories, either at medical institutions or reference laboratories;

3) to assume positions in the in-vitro diagnostics, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, which are increasingly seeking scientists with knowledge of clinical chemistry.

Knowledge of both clinical aspects disease and interpretation of test results, as well knowledge of analytical techniques and various aspects of quality operation in the clinical laboratory, are central to the program's goals and mission. The curriculum rigorously covers the field of medicine, comparable to medical school, with its focus on disease diagnosis. Additionally, the program mentors students to become independent researchers, educating and mentoring the student in dissertation research projects involving cutting-edge analytical methodologies and novel clinical/biomedical research, under the direction of faculty from Cleveland State and the Cleveland Clinic. Graduates from this track receive a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Chemistry upon meeting standards of performance in the curriculum. There have been over 100 Ph.D. graduates from this program who hold significant leadership positions in clinical labs of major medical facilities, in reference laboratories, in the pharmaceutical and in-vitro diagnostics industries and in academia.

Graduate Assistantships covering tuition and a competitive stipend are available.