At Oklahoma State University, an advanced degree in chemistry is primarily a research degree and our graduate education program is aimed at the development of a pronounced ability to perform independent creative scientific research. Through carefully selected course work, we provide a firm foundation of skills and knowledge that will enable the student to not only succeed in their graduate research project but also to excel in their subsequent careers. In order to commence research as early as possible, entering graduate students are encouraged to discuss possible thesis research projects with individual faculty members whose research interests them. Students usually start research on their thesis topic within the first year after choosing a research advisor and a thesis research topic of interest. We maintain an excellent faculty to student ratio so that students can a selection of faculty advisors and research topics. There is no need to settle for "second best" that sometimes occurs at other universities. The smaller number of graduate students is also far more conducive to faculty/student interaction, collaboration between research groups, and undelayed access to instrumentation. Although most students enter immediately into a Ph.D. degree program, a Master of Science degree program is also available.