boston university chemistry phd application

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Northeastern University College of Science

How to Apply

Prospective students for College of Science Master’s, Graduate Certificate, Doctorate or other Graduate level programs must apply online , where you can check the status of your application at any time.

Candidates must meet one of the following pre-requisites prior to being accepted into a program and must supply official confirmation:

• Have received a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
• Have received a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
• Have received a first professional degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
• Be an undergraduate enrolled in a PlusOne program at Northeastern University

Visit the  Admissions Support Center  or  contact admissions .

Application Materials Required for Graduate Programs

Master’s, phd, graduate certificates and special students.

An application for admission and all required application materials must be received by published deadlines.

1. Application

All programs require a completed online application.

2. Application Fee

Application Fee – $100

Graduate Certificates – not required

Special Student – not required

• Master’s Degree – required
• PhD – required

3. Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation for degree programs should be submitted via your online application .

• Master’s Degree – 2 Letters required
• MS Marine Biology – 3 letters required
• Graduate Certificates – 0 letters required
• PhD – 3 Letters required
• Special Student – 0 letters required

4. GRE Scores

GRE General Scores (Institution code is 3682, valid for 5 years).

• Master’s Degree – NOT required
• Graduate Certificates – NOT required
• Special Student – NOT required
• PhD Programs:
• Biology – GRE General Test NOT required
• Chemistry: GRE General Test NOT required
• Human Behavior and Sustainability Sciences: GRE General Test NOT required and NOT considered in the review process
• Marine and Environmental Sciences: GRE General Test NOT required and NOT considered in the review process
• Mathematics: GRE General Test NOT required, GRE Subject Test recommended but NOT required
• Physics: GRE general test NOT required, GRE Subject Test recommended but NOT required
• Psychology: GRE General Test NOT required

5. Personal Statement

You may be required to include a personal statement with your application.

• Graduate Certificates – required

6. Unofficial Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended should be uploaded as part of your online application for all programs. To upload unofficial transcripts to your application properly follow the below steps:

• Create scanned versions of your transcripts in PDF format (up to 500 KB in size)
• When prompted to do so in the application, upload and attach transcripts to the online application
• Scanned transcripts must be readable and include all courses, grades, (i.e. marks, scores, etc.) and credits completed to date.
• If a transcript(s) and/or degree certificate(s) are issued in a language other than English, an English translation must accompany the native language documents. An English translation only will not be deemed sufficient. For those who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree program, a minimum of six semesters of course, grade, and credit information must be present; for those who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree program, a minimum of four semesters must be present.
• Include the reverse side of the transcript when uploading to your application. Any additional grading scale information or transcript legends included on the transcript should also be included in the scanned copy. Typically such grading scale information is on the backside of the documents or is on a separate page.
• For applicants who have obtained credentials from China, the degree certificate and graduation certificate are required.
• For applicants who have obtained credentials from India, semester mark sheets and degree certificate(s)/provisional certificate(s) are required in addition to the consolidated transcript. If semester mark sheets are unavailable, an official communication on institutional letterhead must accompany the consolidated transcript indicating any retakes/backlogs associated with the program.
• For applicants who have completed credentials from Europe or Bologna Signatories, please upload the Diploma Supplement in addition to any other records issued by the institution. This shall include the program name, courses completed, length of study, etc. For those who have completed the program, no additional certificate is required if indicated as awarded on the supplement.
• For students whose degree program is currently in progress, if the degree program is not indicated on the transcript provided, please upload an official Enrollment Verification. This will be a letter issued from your institution on letterhead that will include the following: Name, degree program currently enrolled in, and expected graduation date.

Official transcripts are required of all enrolled students by the first day of the entry term and must be mailed directly from the institution in a sealed envelope to the address below. Alternatively, official transcripts can be emailed electronically directly from the institution to [email protected] . 

If the transcripts are from an institution outside of the United States, both official transcripts in the certified English translation and in original language are required.

Northeastern University – College of Science Graduate Application Processing Center P.O. Box 1490 Portsmouth, NH 03802, USA

If you are unable to have official transcripts mailed to a P.O. Box, you can have them mailed to 101 Belvidere St, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02115.

If you have official transcripts in a sealed envelope, they can be dropped off in person at the first-floor reception at 101 Belvidere St, Boston, MA 02115, and marked ‘3rd Floor’ on the envelope.  Please note that this is a drop-off location only, and documents can take 2-3 weeks to process. 

7. Proof of English Proficiency

Proof of English Proficiency is required for all applicants and for all programs (from one of the following):

Degree earned or in progress at an U.S. institution*

Degree earned or in progress at an institution where English is the only medium of instruction

Official exam scores from either the TOEFL iBT( (institution code is 3682), IELTS, PTE exam or Duolingo English Test. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Please refer to individual program requirements.

Note: We accept unofficial test scores for the application to be reviewed. Review of your application will not be delayed if your Verified English Language Proficiency scores have not been received.  Should you be accepted into the program, we require your Verified Test Scores are received by the first day of the entry term to finalize admission.

You may be required to include a resumé with your online application.

9. Additional Criteria

Applicants to the Master of Science in Cell and Gene Therapies, Master of Science in Biotechnology, and Biotechnology Graduate Certificates should complete the required pre-requisite form located in the College of Science Supplemental Section of the application.  Please note that if the subjects you have marked as completed do not appear in the course titles on your undergraduate transcript, you must provide: a detailed explanation as to how the subjects were covered and a course syllabus.

10. Deadlines

Master’s Degree Applicants:

• Fall Domestic:  August 1
• Spring Domestic: December 1
• Fall International: July 1
• Spring International: November 1
• Fall: July 15
• Spring: November 15
• **Fall intake only for MS Physics and MS Applied Physics and Engineering
• MS Marine Biology: Fall intake only – January 1
• MS Biotechnology
• MS Bioinformatics

Graduate Certificate Applicants:

• Spring International: November 1 (F1 compliant certificates only)
• Spring: November 15  (F1 compliant certificates only)

PhD Applicants:

• Fall admissions only
• Priority deadline for completed applications: December 1
• Rolling admissions until March 15. Check with department to see if there is availability

Special Student Applicants:

Fall: August 1

Spring: December 1

11. Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities

PhD Funding

• Information on graduate assistantships, stipend graduate assistantships, and fellowships
• PhD Network Website  
• Graduate Education Website
• Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees may be obtained on the Student Financial Services website . They are subject to revision by the University’s President and the Board of Trustees.

• Payment Plans

Financial Aid

• Domestic students taking 6 or more credits (or a full-time standalone course) may qualify to receive need-based federal financial aid. Visit the Student Financial Services website for more information about applying for financial aid.
• International students are not eligible for need-based financial assistance from the federal government. However, they can explore supplemental loans and on-campus employment.

Scholarships

Applicants with Previous Northeastern Affiliation:

• Double Husky Scholarship
• Parent and Family Scholarship

Northeastern-Sponsored Scholarships :

• Full Circle Scholarship
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Graduate Fellowship

Scholarships available outside of Northeastern  

• Yellow Ribbon Program

On-Campus Employment

• Domestic and eligible international students may work on-campus to help fund their education. Visit the Office of Student Employment, Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships website for more information.
• International students: More information about working on-campus can be found on the Office of Global Services website .
• NU Student Temps: Northeastern offers an on-campus temporary staffing service whose purpose is to connect employers with talented and ambitious students with an emphasis on hiring our international student population.

Application Materials Required for PlusOne Programs

Review plusone program.

First visit the  PlusOne page  to review the program(s) for which you are eligible.

Application Instructions

To submit your application please complete this inquiry form , which will create your initial application profile.  Once this is submitted, you will receive an email notification from the system to set up your account, and be directed to your PlusOne application to complete and submit.  Please note that you will be required to submit a signed copy of your Program Plan* from your Undergraduate Advisor, located in the Program Information section for you to download and complete.

*Please note that the Program Plan is required for submission and may take up to two weeks to obtain a signature from your Undergraduate Advisor.

Application Deadlines

MS Marine Biology (Three Seas) PlusOne Summer II Semester:  December 1

Additional Requirements (MS Chemistry, MS Biotechnology, MS Marine Biology)

MS Chemistry – Submit a letter of recommendation from thesis advisor confirming support of the thesis project

MS Biotechnology  – Complete the pre-requisite form located in the College of Science Supplemental Section

MS Biotechnology PlusOne (CPS) – If you have completed an Associate’s Degree prior to entering Northeastern University, upload the Associate Degree transcripts to the online application.

MS Marine Biology – 3 Letters of Recommendation are required.

All materials submitted for admission consideration become University property and will not be returned to the applicant.

The College of Science reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission at any time prior to or after enrollment if one or more of the following occur:

• There is a discrepancy between the unofficial or self-reported transcript and/or test scores submitted at the time of application and the official transcripts and/or test scores received by the College of Science.
• Applicant does not submit a final transcript showing conferral of a bachelor’s, master’s, first professional, or equivalent degree from an accredited institution within 30 days of matriculation.
• Applicant fails to meet the deadlines and/or other credential requirements of the degree program to which the applicant applied.

We can help you navigate the application process.

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Program in Pharmacology

Whether your interests lie in curing diseases of the mind or heart, or eradicating cancer for generations to come, training in pharmacology will give you the best foundation for advancing your research ideas from discovery to treatment. The Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Program in Pharmacology provides advanced training in the sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of drugs and medications.

Over the years, we have developed a highly interdisciplinary university-wide training program, that includes faculty in pharmacology, biophysics, physiology, structural biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering. Our faculty provide students with a strong foundation in molecular, cellular, and behavioral pharmacology through an advanced academic curriculum and cutting-edge laboratory research techniques. Faculty, students, and staff within the Program in Pharmacology are united by a central pharmacological goal: to advance science by gaining a thorough understanding of the etiology, progression, and treatment of human diseases.

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• Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry / Department of Chemistry is located in Boston, MA, in an urban setting.

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Department of chemistry and chemical biology.

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Graduate Program

Science in the 21st century is rich with opportunity and challenge. Our pillars for success in this complex world are all tied to interactions—between people and between disciplines. By building both strong interpersonal connections between our students and faculty, and effective bridges between disciplines, entering graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology can thrive at the frontiers of research in the chemical and life sciences.

Our graduate programs prioritize research and exploration. With many opportunities to interact with departments, research centers, and institutions across the Boston area, our students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that encourages curiosity and innovation. Students can choose from one of our following two graduate degree programs:

Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Our program in Chemistry offers research and training opportunities in many subdisciplines of chemistry, including chemical biology, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical.

Chemical Physics

Our interdepartmental Chemical Physics program is designed for students who wish to prepare themselves for the study of chemical problems by the methods and theories of modern physics.

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UMass Boston

• Chemistry PhD

Pursue the highest level of academic achievement in chemistry and become an accomplished scientist.

UMass Boston's Chemistry Department offers a comprehensive Doctor of Philosophy degree, dedicated to cultivating creative and conscientious scientists. The department offers educational opportunities in six doctoral tracks: Biological Chemistry, Chemistry Education Research, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical/Analytical Chemistry, with a special emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students immerse themselves in research labs early in the program and tailor their academic plan in accordance with their research interests.

Students are required to complete 60 credits of coursework, consisting of two core courses, three elective courses, a graduate seminar course and a dissertation research course. The set of core courses is dictated by the student’s track. In addition, the department’s emphasis on Green Chemistry permeates the curricula of all of its doctoral tracks. Our PhD program culminates in a public defense of the student’s research and the publication of the dissertation.

The specialty of the Department is in the field of Green Chemistry, and we are proud to be the first school in the country to offer a doctoral degree via the PhD in Chemistry/Green Chemistry Track. It focuses specifically on preparing chemistry doctoral students to direct, design, and implement chemical research using strategies that reduce or eliminate the impact on human health or the environment. It provides experiences, tools, and skills needed for conducting research in a more environmentally sustainable fashion. The strength of the green chemistry curriculum lies in its overlapping interdisciplinary themes of research. Our faculty is committed to research designed to benefit society, and this emphasis is reflected in our course selections at all levels of education.

Start Your Application

Chemistry PhD (Biological Track)

Students in the Biological Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core biological chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

View the Curriculum

Chemistry PhD (Chemistry Education Research Track)

Students in the Chemistry Education PhD track are required to take one core course, two core chemistry education track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Green Track)

The Green Chemistry Track in the Chemistry PhD Program is the first such program in the world. Students obtaining a degree from this program will be prepared for conventional chemistry jobs in industry, government, and academia. In addition to traditional training in the chemical sciences, required and elective courses in the Biology Department and School for the Environment provide graduates with the tools and experience to assess human impact on health and the environment.

Green chemistry involves an ecologically sustainable view of chemical research, development, and manufacture. Toxicological understanding and environmental fate are necessary components to understanding the entire "molecular life cycle" of any commercial endeavor.

Typically, universities and academic departments lack the appropriate personnel and facilities to pursue a program of this kind. The unique complement of Chemistry, the School for the Environment, and Biology Department faculty has allowed the University of Massachusetts Boston to create such a program.

Chemistry PhD (Inorganic Track)

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Organic Track)

Students in the Organic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core organic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Physical/Analytical Track)

Students in the Physical/Analytical Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core physical/analytical chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Test Scores: GRE recommended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: January 15 (priority deadline) or May 1 (final deadline, if space available) for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or November 1 (final deadline, if space available) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum - Biological Track

Coursework  (complete 60 credits.), core course in chemistry phd for all tracks (choose one.).

CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

CORE COURSES IN BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY TRACK (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry

ELECTIVE COURSES  (Choose three from list.)

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 696 – Independent Study CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

EXTRA-DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab) PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials

School for the Environment

EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

SEMINAR COURSES (Minimum of 6 credits)

CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall) CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

DISSERTATION RESEARCH (Complete 20 credits.)

CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

Curriculum - Chemistry Education Research Track

Coursework (complete 60 credits.), core course in chemistry phd for all tracks (choose one.), core courses in chemistry education research track (three courses.).

CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research

At least two courses selected from the following three options: * Quantitative Methods: EEOS 611 (Applied Statistics) or BIOL 607 (Computational Data Analysis for Biology) * Qualitative Methods: HIGHED 752 (Research Methods in Higher Education: Qualitative Analysis) or PSYCLN 775 (Qualitative Methods in Clinical Psychology) * Cognition: PSYDBS 762 (Knowledge Acquisition) or PSYDBS 620 (Cognitive Neuroscience)

ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 696 – Independent Study CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Education Departments

EDCG 606 – Sociocultural Foundations of Education HIGHED 612 – Impact of College on Students HIGHED 620 – Teaching, Learning and Curriculum in Urban Contexts HIGHED 636 – Sociological Perspectives on Higher Education EDCG 663 – Assessment in Teaching EDCG 665 – Secondary Science Teaching Methods

ENVSCI 611 – Applied Statistics ENVSCI 635 – Environmental Toxicology ENVSCI 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters ENVSCI 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry ENVSCI 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

SEMINAR COURSES (Enroll in seminar every semester.)

Curriculum - green track.

Students in the Green Chemistry PhD track are required to take two core courses, four elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the four elective courses, at least two must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to the two remaining courses can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

CORE COURSES (Both core courses are required.)

Elective courses (choose four from list.).

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and graduate program director.

SEMINAR COURSES (Minimum of 6 credits.)

Curriculum - inorganic track.

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee. For all courses see the university's Course Listings .

CORE COURSES IN THE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY TRACK (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose three from list.)

Curriculum - organic track, core courses in organic chemistry track (choose two from list.).

CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry

Curriculum - Physical/Analytical Track

Core courses in physical/analytical track (choose two from list.).

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry

Graduation Criteria

Complete a minimum of 60 credits from at least 15 courses including one core course, five track courses, six graduate seminars, and a minimum of 20 credits in dissertation courses.

Students must pass a literature seminar in the first year of study.

Track: Students must select a track from green chemistry, biological chemistry, chemistry education research, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or physical/analytical chemistry. Doctoral candidacy: Pass four written qualifying exams (at least two of which are in the track), and an oral qualifying exam. Dissertation: Candidates must complete and defend a dissertation based on original research.

Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Plan of Study

Graduate Program Director Wei Zhang (Green Chemistry) wei2.zhang [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6147

Graduate Program Director Neil Reilly (Physical/Analytical Chemistry) neil.reilly [at] umb.edu (617) 287-4065

Graduate Program Assistant Rita Lam graduate.chemistry [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6190

Learn more about UMass Boston's Chemistry department, our research, and our faculty.

College of Science & Mathematics

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our College of Science and Mathematics.

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Ph.D. Program

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Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD graduates should be able to:

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one or more subareas of chemistry.
• Formulate a research hypothesis based on relevant literature and use appropriate research methods to reach conclusions.
• Describe their research findings clearly in publications and presentations for both professional and lay audiences.
• Be competitive for appropriate positions in industry and academia (e.g., research scientist and post-doctoral fellows).
• Teach courses effectively in the field at the college level.

Chemistry Department Graduate Guidelines

There is no total credits requirement for the Ph.D. degree. First-year courses provide the student with a breadth of knowledge in the fields of organic and organometallic chemistry; chemical biology and biochemistry; inorganic; and physical and analytical chemistry. After the first year, each student will pursue a program of studies, with the approval of their advisor, that is consistent with individual educational goals. Every student must attain a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the end of his or her second semester in the department and maintain it thereafter.

Selection of a Research Advisor and an Original Research Project

During the first semester of graduate studies, students meet with faculty members and senior graduate students to explore the dissertation research opportunities available in different groups. The Graduate Research Symposium, held in October, showcases the research of our graduate students in a day-long event that consists of oral and poster presentations. The symposium is an excellent opportunity for new graduate students to learn more about research activities in the department. By the end of the first semester, most students have selected a research advisor and identified a potential dissertation project that they will begin investigating in the second semester.

Teaching Requirements

Some teaching or equivalent educational experience is required. This requirement may be satisfied by at least one year of service as a teaching assistant or by suitable teaching duties. Arrangements are made with each student for a teaching program best suited to their overall program of studies. Waivers of teaching requirements may be granted under special circumstances with the approval of the Chemistry Department.

Ph.D. Candidacy and Comprehensive Examinations

At the end of the second year, Ph.D. candidates must pass an oral exam that covers fundamental concepts in chemistry as well as advanced areas of chemistry critical to his/her research project. Members of the student’s dissertation committee comprise the exam committee. After passing the exam, and other minimum requirements, the student is recommended as a candidate for the Ph.D. degree.

Ph.D. Dissertation and Defense

The Ph.D. degree requires a dissertation based upon original research, either experimental or theoretical. For the Ph.D. candidate, a research project requiring three to four years of sustained effort will begin usually after the first year of study. An oral defense of the dissertation before a faculty thesis committee completes the degree requirements. A public presentation of the thesis is also required.

Chemistry Department Merkert Center

617-552-3605

Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry (PhD)

Research drug design and synthesis in some of the world’s most advanced laboratories, your doctoral journey, developing future leaders in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Dream Jobs That Help Humanity

Working at the Frontier of Therapeutics

Students Publish with Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor

Graduate degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, master of science in medicinal chemistry, master of science in pharmaceutics, master of science in clinical research, graduate certificate in clinical research, doctor of philosophy in pharmaceutics, download a program fact sheet, cookie notice.

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Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery (PhD)

YOU ARE BOUVÉ

Design and synthesize novel biologically active compounds to address a broad range of social needs.

The PhD Program in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery educates and trains students in the design and synthesis of novel, biologically active compounds and in delineating their mechanisms of action using biochemical, biophysical, and pharmacological approaches. 

Research specializations are available in synthetic, biochemical/pharmacological, and biophysical aspects of medicinal chemistry.

Faculty Research

Doctoral research in these specializations will relate to faculty areas of research, which currently include:

• Substance use disorders and addiction
• Neuropathic pain
• Obesity and metabolic disorders
• Neuropsychiatric disorders (psychoses, ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders)
• Neurodegenerative diseases

The main goal of the degree is to improve understanding of how the chemical and physical properties of drugs and their dosage forms affect therapeutic performance in healthy and diseased systems.

Students may elect to concentrate on courses focused on novel drug delivery systems; biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics; physical pharmacy and polymeric dosage form development; or drug metabolism.

With a strong focus on nanotechnology-based advanced delivery systems that address contemporary needs, these concentrations also give students the opportunity to study with some of the world’s top researchers.

Students have the option of performing summer industrial internships in some of the most prestigious Boston-area pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Graduates of the program will also be well prepared to enter related PhD programs at the university.

Degree type: – Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery (PhD) Study options: – On-ground (Boston Campus) – Fall semester admissions only – Full-tim e

Application deadlines: Dec 6

GRE: Required

F1 Eligible: Yes

Sample Curriculum

Pleas note that the curriculum is subject to change . For the most up-to-date and complete information, please refer to the university’s academic catalog .

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

• Core Courses
• Research and Dissertation

Complete the following repeatable course for six semesters:

PHSC 6300 Pharmaceutical Science Seminar

Required Core

PHSC 5100 Concepts in Pharmaceutical Science

PHSC 5102 Concepts in Pharmaceutical Science 2

PHSC 5212 Research Skills and Ethics

PHSC 5305 Professional Development for Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHSC 6213 Ethical Problems in Health Sciences Research

PHSC 6214 Experimental Design and Biostatistics

Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery

CHEM 5626 Organic Synthesis 1

CHEM 5628 Principles of Spectroscopy of Organic Compound

PHSC 5450 Contemporary Approaches to Drug Design

Prequalifying Exam Course

PHSC 7020 Scientific Writing: Thesis Proposal

Qualifying Exam

PHSC 8940 Doctoral Training and Research

Proposal Preparation

PHSC 9681 Doctoral Proposal

Dissertation

PHSC 9990 Dissertation Term 1

PHSC 9991 Dissertation Term 2

PHSC 6810 Pharmaceutical Science Colloquium

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have at least two semesters of undergraduate courses (or their equivalent) in each of the following:

• Mathematics (including calculus)
• Biochemistry
• Organic chemistry

Please send all required documents directly to the PharmGrad Application portal . Here is additional information on how to submit documents .​

Admissions Checklist

A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in biology, chemistry, medical technology, pharmacy, chemical engineering or a related field.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher

Three letters of recommendation  (academic and professional)

Personal statement of goals and expectations. Please see application for details.

TOEFL (International Students)

GRE scores are required

Official transcript from baccalaureate program  and all college coursework. Applicants who have degree coursework from institutions outside of the United States must submit a credential evaluation. We require the iCAP WES package ( World Education Services, Inc. ) that evaluates your transcripts course by course.

Got questions?

If you have any additional questions about the graduate program please contact:

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Undergraduate Admissions

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• Information for Prospective Students
• The CAS Advantage
• Plan Your Visit
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Graduate Admissions

Learn about requirements, deadlines, financial aid, and opportunities for professional preparation in our world-class programs.

MA & MS Applicants

• Requirements & Deadlines
• Tuition & Fees
• Visit Us Virtually
• MA & MS Apply

PhD & MFA Applicants

• Fellowship Aid
• Contact GRS PhD Admissions
• PhD & MFA Apply
• Dean’s Corner
• Arts & Sciences Magazine
• Research & Discovery

PhD & MFA: Application & Deadlines

The applications to our PhD programs, as well as the MFA in Creative Writing and MFA in Playwriting, are now closed.  Applications for Fall 2025 will open on September 1, 2024.

We welcome your application to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) for Fall 2025!  All applications and supporting documents must be submitted through our online application.

Please note:

• We strongly advise that you read our PhD & MFA: Frequently Asked Questions section.
• PhD & MFA applications for Fall 2025 open on September 1, 2024 and close at 11:59pm (23h59) Boston Time (Eastern Time Zone, UTC – 05:00) on the day listed as the program’s application deadline (refer to the list of programs at the bottom of this page). If you are located in a time zone west of Boston (i.e. UTC – 06:00 to UTC – 11:00), you must submit your application one to six hours before midnight your time.
• You cannot apply to more than one GRS program and you cannot apply to both a PhD and a Master’s degree.  We recommend that you contact the program directly if you are unsure about applying to the Master’s or the PhD degree.  PhD & MFA applicants can only apply to the fall semester.
• When creating your account, please be sure to use a permanent, non-school-related email address. You will be contacted through the email address you use to create the account, and correspondence may occur after your previous school disabled your school email account.
• All documents (transcripts, personal statement, CV/resume, writing sample, if applicable, etc.) have to be submitted through the online application.  Documents that are sent or emailed directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by you, your institution, or a third party (ex: Parchment) cannot be added to your application.  You cannot add or email updated transcripts showing fall grades after you submit your application.
• All documents, official electronic test scores, and recommendations letters must be received by the deadline; otherwise, they may not be considered by the program’s application review committee.  Please allow for 5-10 business days for electronic scores (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) to be matched to your application.
• All credentials, including transcripts and reference letters, submitted in support of an application become property of Boston University. Neither originals nor copies may be returned.
• After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the program’s admission committee.  The response time varies by program.  Most programs make admission decisions in late February to early March.  If you have questions about the timeline, please contact the program directly.  You do not need to sign back in to your application after you submit it; there is no additional information that can be found in the application, you cannot track the progress of the review in the application.  Once a decision has been made, you will receive an email informing you of the outcome.
• If you are a PhD or MFA applicant to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) and have a program-related question, please contact the program directly at the email address listed under each program (refer to the list of programs at the bottom of this page).

Online Application

    Admissions FAQs      International Applicants

PhD Fellowship Aid    MFA Fellowship Aid

GRS Statement on Holistic Admissions

The admissions committee of each of our graduate programs will be looking, as always, at the entire transcript and the cumulative GPA in their evaluation as well as test scores (if applicable), recommendations, and personal statements, as required by specific programs. We encourage applicants to include special circumstances as well as achievements that may not be apparent due to modified grading policies in their personal statements. This policy has been adopted to ensure that applicants are not evaluated differently by admissions committee due to the varied impact of COVID-19 on individuals and/or due to the specific grading policies of their colleges/universities.

PhD & MFA Programs No Longer Requiring the GRE

As part of our holistic approach to admissions, many of our PhD programs no longer require the GRE General Test, while others have suspended the requirement for applicants.  For those who continue to use it, they do so as part of their holistic review.  While GRE scores may be an essential component of the application for some programs, they are only one of many factors that contribute to your review as an applicant. Our programs consider the personal statement, letters of recommendation, GPA, and other supporting materials, when assessing an applicant’s academic potential and ability. Please see the list below for details on programs that do not require the GRE.

Our PhD & MFA Programs

American & new england studies.

Programs offered:

• PhD in American Studies

Application Requirements:

• Transcripts
• Three recommendations (at least two from faculty members)
• Scholarly writing sample
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement

Fall 2025 Application Deadline:

• December 15, 2024

Program Website

Program Email

Anthropology

• PhD in Anthropology
• Three recommendations
• Writing sample
• PhD in Astronomy
• Official GRE General Test score report (optional)
• Official GRE Physics Subject Test score report (optional)

Bioinformatics

Students who wish to apply for the PhD in Bioinformatics must apply through the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS) admissions portal .

For questions, please contact the Bioinformatics program directly at [email protected] or the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS) at [email protected] .

• PhD in Biology

Areas of Interest:

• Marine Biology
• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Behavior & Evolution
• Neurobiology
• December 8, 2024

Biostatistics

• PhD in Biostatistics
• December 1, 2024
• PhD in Chemistry
• Three recommendations (personal letter in addition to questionnaire is strongly recommended)

Classical Studies

• PhD in Classical Studies
• MA in Classical Studies dual with PhD in Philosophy
• January 15, 2025

Students who wish to apply to the MA in Classical Studies dual with PhD in Philosophy should visit the program website for information on how to apply.

Computer Science

• PhD in Computer Science
• Official GRE General Test score report (is not mandatory for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle)

Creative Writing

• MFA in Creative Writing
• Two recommendations
• Creative writing sample

Earth & Environment

• PhD in Earth & Environment
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• PhD in Economics
• Three academic recommendations (PhD)
• Official GRE General Test score report
• PhD in English & American Literature
• Three academic recommendations
• Scholarly writing sample (page limit of 15-25 pages)
• PhD in History
• Foreign language(s) proficiency (please list the languages in which you are fluent)

History of Art & Architecture

• PhD in History of Art & Architecture
• Writing Sample
• Personal Background Statement ( optional )
• Listing of related coursework and foreign language proficiency (For required background in coursework and for foreign language proficiency, please see the Graduate Program Handbook )
• January 10, 2025

Linguistics

• PhD in Linguistics

Literary Translation

• MFA in Literary Translation
• Personal statement (please describe your level of proficiency in the language you wish to translate from, your experience in literary translation and what you hope to gain from the MFA)
• Sample of critical writing in English (8-12 double-spaced pages)
• Translation sample (10-12 double-spaced pages) accompanied by the relevant passage of the original text
• Official GRE scores are not required

Fall 2024 Application Deadline:

• May 1, 2024

Mathematics & Statistics

• PhD in Mathematics
• PhD in Statistics

Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry
• Personal statement with detailed research interests included

The Division of Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) also offers PhD programs in Biochemistry as well as a PhD program in Cell and Molecular Biology. Please visit the GMS website for more information.

• PhD in Philosophy
• Scholarly writing sample (10-20 pages)
• PhD in Physics
• Official GRE General Test score report (optional for Fall 2024; it is strongly recommended that applicants interested in theoretical research and international applicants submit their GRE scores with their applications if circumstances allow)
• GRE Subject Test in Physics (optional for Fall 2024; it is strongly recommended that applicants interested in theoretical research and international applicants submit their GRE scores with their applications if circumstances allow)

Playwriting

• MFA in Playwriting
• Two academic recommendations
• Minimum of one original full-length play or two one-act plays
• Ability to read or speak a foreign language (requirement may be fulfilled while in the program; see Program Director for more information)

Please note the Playwriting program accepts applicants every two years only, on even years (2024, 2026, etc).

Political Science

• PhD in Political Science

Psychological and Brain Sciences

• Brain Behavior & Cognition (BBC)
• Developmental Science (DS)
• Clinical Psychology (CP)

Please remember to indicate the program of study to which you are applying by answering the relevant question in the application.

• Official GRE score report (optional for BBC & DS; applicants to CP should visit the program website for additional information)
• Official GRE Subject Test (optional)

Applicant Interviews:

• Applicants who are selected as final candidates will be invited by the Psychology department to a virtual or in-person interview in January 2024.
• For questions about the interview process, please contact the Psychology department directly at [email protected] .

Graduate Program in Religion

• PhD in Religion
• Academic writing sample

Romance Studies

• PhD in French Language & Literature
• PhD in Hispanic Language & Literatures
• Summary of related coursework
• PhD in Sociology

This PhD program in Chemistry is designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in chemistry or a related field who wish to develop as independent researchers by engaging in cutting-edge research while working closely with faculty who are renowned in their fields.

The program of study includes some course work, but the primary emphasis is on the completion of an original research project, its articulation in a well-written thesis, and its subsequent defense before the thesis (oral examination) committee. The PhD program is a full-time degree program that typically takes five years to complete. Financial support (teaching assistantships or research assistantships) is normally provided for students throughout their period of study if they are found to be making satisfactory progress toward their degree in accordance with departmental and university guidelines.

• Boston location ideally positioned in the heart of the Biotechnology Supercluster and Medical Hub
• Students eligible for financial support in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Research Assistantships (RAs)
• Use-inspired research projects in materials, energy, and drug discovery are closely linked with industry via partnerships and collaboration
• Departmental research funding is greater than $16 million, across multiple disciplinary foci
• Home to the Barnett Institute of Biological and Chemical Analysis, a premier analytical chemistry institute, and the Northeastern University Center for Renewable Energy Technology
• Bachelor’s and Advanced-degree entry are possible

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Paul scherrer Institute
• Merck Research Laboratories
• Bristol-Meyers Squibb
• BioAnalytix
• Lang Pharmaceutical Nutrition
• Empiroko Inc.
• Stanford University
• Corden Pharmaceuticals
• Warner-Babcock
• Los Alamos National Laboratory

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended (Official transcripts required upon acceptance of admission offer)
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE General – recommended, but not required
• Proof of English Proficiency for all applicants

Deadline for completed applications: December 1

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Chemistry

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