On April 1, the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) at Penn officially opened applications for its newest master’s degree: the Master of Chemical Sciences. The program, the first of its kind in the Ivy League, offers current and aspiring professionals in the chemical sciences a path to build their expertise in a compact time frame.

Vice Dean for Professional and Liberal Education Nora Lewis says the program has been in demand for some time.

Most students will be able to complete the 10-course program in 18 months, and will have full access to Penn’s chemistry faculty and research facilities. The degree will culminate in a capstone project, a large-scale project that students design themselves to gain a deeper understanding in an area of particular interest.

“I’m excited about adding yet another highly motivated, intellectually outstanding group of students into the mix, who will be pursuing careers in a new field for LPS,” Lewis says.