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The 10 Best Doctor of Chemistry (D.Chem.) Degree Programs

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Doctor of Chemistry (D.Chem.) Degree Programs provide advanced-level education in Chemistry for students wishing to pursue careers as research scientists, professors, and/or industry professionals.

Students enrolled in D.Chem. programs explore research topics such as green chemistry, advanced biochemistry, and physical chemistry through advanced lab techniques and case studies.

The challenging path to earning a Doctorate of Chemistry degree demands hours of laboratory work and classroom lectures–and all these render distance learning unfeasible. The traditional educational setup ensures quality education for future research scientists.

If the fees related to accommodation and living expenses make you rethink pursuing this career, worry not because almost all institutions offer scholarships to worthy applicants.

The Doctor of Chemistry (D. Chem) is a rare title awarded by some universities. The most popular degree is “Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (Ph.D. Chem.)”. The academic degree “Doctor of Science in Chemistry (D.Sci. Chem.)” is also another equivalent title.

10 Best Doctor of Chemistry (D.Chem.) Degree Programs

University of oregon.

DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY

School Highlights:

The University of Oregon allows Doctor of Chemistry students to engage in research, not just in chemistry but across a diverse breadth of disciplines.

The doctoral program encourages collaboration with researchers from other fields that’s why it offers various interdepartmental opportunities to work on.

Choose from a selection of concentrations that outline the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s commitment to the discipline. Throughout your program, you’ll be exposed to research rotations, teaching opportunities, and lab work.  Chemistry tutors can provide personalized guidance and support to help you excel in your studies and achieve your academic goals.

The University of Oregon maintains a state-of-the-art science complex with high-tech laboratory equipment, which are available to doctoral students and their independent pursuits. The entire school provides a collaborative and supportive atmosphere that nurtures skills in leadership and innovation.

Additionally, the curriculum offers internships to expose its Ph.D. students in different industries environments and private sectors. Graduates go on to pursue successful careers in various institutions including government agencies, research facilities, and academic institutions. 

Concentration Options:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology and Biophysical Chemistry
• Organic-Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Campus Location: Eugene, OR

Accreditation:

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 200 Redmond, Washington 98052 www.nwccu.org, (205) 525-9848

Did You Know? The University of Oregon is situated in Eugene, Oregon, which is surrounded by a view of the mountains and the coast. This allows the students to participate in different outdoor programs like biking, adventure trips, and river rafting. You’ll also get the chance to join environmental activities like trail restorations and clean-ups. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON’S DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

CHEMISTRY, PH.D.

School Highlights: Michigan State University houses a well-funded Department of Chemistry that offers one of the most dynamic Chemistry Ph.D. programs in the country.

The curriculum includes a wide range of topics in Chemistry, imparting foundational knowledge while introducing new scientific concepts and research applications.

You’ll be dealing with courses in analytical, organic, and physical chemistry. Plus, work on interdisciplinary topics such as spectroscopy, polymers, and material science. 

The Chemistry Building is home to an incredibly impressive array of research equipment and laboratories, such as the Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and the Shard Laser Facility. The university grants over $9 million for research funding which makes this program even more attractive.

Financial opportunities at MSU are also abundant, offering different grants, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. Doctoral students work closely with their expert faculty members and produce outstanding research findings that are often printed in major scientific publications.

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biological Chemistry
• Chemical Physics
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

Campus Location: East Lansing, MI

• Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604 www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Did You Know? Michigan State University has garnered a lot of recognition since its establishment in 1855. Throughout the years, the university has perfected its graduate programs which have landed on top of different academic rankings. MSU currently ranks number one for graduate programs in Nuclear Physics, Secondary Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling according to the U.S. News and World Report. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY’S CHEMISTRY, PH.D.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

At the University of Houston, students taking up a doctoral degree in chemistry will get the chance to explore different areas of chemistry while improving their research and analytical skills.

Be mentored by competent and internationally recognized faculty members who encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration. You’ll also get the chance to assist them during intensive research projects, which offer an astoundingly rich academic experience.

Located in a hub for scientific and entrepreneurial opportunities, the campus provides opportunities to connect to global corporations and national laboratories throughout Houston.

During admission, students must choose a division that best aligns with their academic standing and career goals. Division options include Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Each division comprises 18 credit hours but differs in core courses and electives.

Additionally, you’ll be required to participate in seminars and finish a Ph.D. dissertation to earn your degree. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to hold high-level positions of employment in government and industry labs and even pursue a teaching career in prestigious universities.

Coursework Sample:

• Thermodynamics and Kinetics
• Physical Inorganic Chemistry
• Quantum Chemistry
• Molecular Spectroscopy
• Organometallic Chemistry

Campus Location: Houston, TX

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Did You Know? The University of Houston offers different on-campus facilities to make your student life more interesting. If you’re into sports, the Fertitta Center and TDECU Stadium are great venues to watch a match and support the Houston Cougars. Aside from a selection of restaurants, enjoy a stroll in the Lynn Eusan Park or enrich your creative side in the Blaffer Art Museum. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S CHEMISTRY, PH.D.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

CHEMISTRY PH.D. PROGRAM

School Highlights: The Chemistry Ph.D. program at UC Berkeley emphasizes on improving its enrollees’ research skills, driving them to explore creative and innovative means. The curriculum comprises of minimal course requirements since the program is geared towards research and independent study.

You’ll have three concentration options:

• Physical Chemistry,
• Chemical Biology,
• and Synthetic Chemistry.

Although each one has a specific set of degree requirements, you’ll be able to create your own innovative and far-reaching chemistry projects. For example, those in the Physical Chemistry concentration may explore areas in analytical, biochemical, and nuclear chemistry.

The independent research project is the most essential part of the entire degree, aside from the teaching component. The Department of Chemistry requires all doctoral students to assist in an instructional program during the first three years of their residency. A

dditionally, stay updated with the latest research on chemistry and other areas in the scientific community by attending weekly seminars. You may also join small group discussions that encourage peer review and collaboration, The cumulative experiences at Berkeley are invaluable and will surely prepare you for high-level employment in the industry.

• Quantum Mechanics
• Interactions of Radiation with Matter
• Statistical Mechanics
• Group Theory

Campus Location: Berkeley, CA

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges 533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200 Burlingame, CA 94010 www.acswasc.org, (650) 696-1060

Did You Know? University Of California, Berkeley ensures that its students receive the best career options by providing different career services. Its Career Center offers different events and workshops to guide graduating individuals towards the professional world. Some activities include Career Fairs, Coaching, and Information Sessions. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY’S CHEMISTRY PH.D. PROGRAM

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CHEMISTRY

The University of Mississippi’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers some of the most sought-after programs in the field, including the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Chemistry. This 54-credit degree comprises of courses from the available concentrations including:

• Biochemistry,
• and Physical Chemistry.

It provides an in-depth learning experience and is designed to enhance your understanding of all of the traditional areas of the profession. To graduate, you’ll need to take four cumulative examinations, an oral examination, and a dissertation presentation and defense. 

The University of Mississippi has strong ties to national agencies and labs such as NASA, the American Chemical Society, and the National Institute of Justice. Students often complete research projects in collaboration with these industries and expand their network in the process.

The program is perfect for Chemists seeking a career in education, working as an instructor or school labs, or government agencies that handle research and development. You may also pursue a career in the industrial industry and specialize in different chemistry vocations.

• Advanced Instrumental Analysis
• Physical Biochemistry 
• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Applications of Group Theory
• Chemical Thermodynamics

Campus Location: Oxford, MS

Did You Know? The University of Mississippi is part of the R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity list, which comprises of research universities classified through the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Being part of this tier means that the institution produces many research resources and conducts the most research activities. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI’S DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CHEMISTRY

FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

PH.D. IN CHEMISTRY

School Highlights: The Florida Institute of Technology prides itself on an incredibly diverse chemistry education environment. The Chemistry Ph.D. program is a combination of one-on-one mentorship, internships, and assistantships to maximize your learning potential.

Learn from some of the country’s most seasoned instructors and gain insights into different fields like Biotechnology, Disease Pathology, and Nanomaterials. Plus, work with other Chemists and expand your network through collaborative research projects and fieldwork.

Past projects have spanned a vast array of topics, such as degenerative disease approaches, DNA analysis, and chromosome replication. 

Another reason to choose Floride Tech is its modern research facilities and laboratories. The F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center is a 70,000 square foot research center that comprises different facilities that deal with research, microscopy, and photochemistry.

Additionally, Florida Tech has strong ties with the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Kennedy Space Center, which provides incredible opportunities for doctoral students.

Graduates will enter the industry with the needed skills and expertise to effect massive change in different industries including manufacturing, health, and alternative energy. 

• Interpretation of Chemical Spectra
• Organic Synthesis
• Natural Products

Campus Location: Melbourne, FL

Did You Know? Florida Institute of Technology prides itself in having a 92% employment rate after graduation. This shows the school produces capable graduates who are qualified to take on different roles and positions. Plus, most of the graduates receive a good paycheck, with some earning an average of $56,000 years after graduation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA TECH’S PH.D. IN CHEMISTRY

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

PH.D. DEGREE IN CHEMISTRY

School Highlights: The Chemistry Ph. D. degree program at Johns Hopkins University aims to align with its student’s academic backgrounds and professional goals. That’s why the program is comprised of different courses that will give you a broad understanding of different scientific concepts and research studies.

With this program, you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone as It allows you to earn both a master’s and Ph.D. in one curriculum. On top of the core courses, you’ll also be able to participate in a series of departmental seminars to further your technical expertise. 

Towards the end of your program, you’ll also be required to do a thesis dissertation that aims to challenge you to think critically and independently. As a future frontrunner in the discipline, get the needed hands-on experience participating in a one-year teaching assistantship.

Additionally, the Department of Chemistry has different student organizations to help you expand your network and improve your extra-curricular experience. Ultimately, John Hopkins is a known institution for providing high-caliber graduates, so you can definitely look forward to a great career ahead of you!

• Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds
• Spectroscopy
• Chemical Biology

Campus Location: Baltimore, MD

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education 3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West Philadelphia, PA 19104 www.msche.org, (267) 284-5000

Did You Know? John Hopkins University’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with over 60 majors and minors. The majority of its students participate in research, contributing to over 50 laboratories and institutes. Plus it has been receiving one of the largest research funding budgets for over four decades.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY’S PH.D. DEGREE IN CHEMISTRY

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

School Highlights:  Stanford University is a well-respected academic institution offering a variety of programs ranging from undergraduate to doctorate ones. Its Ph.D. program in Chemistry is one to look out for. Stanford’s curriculum dives deep, going beyond the basic topics in chemistry.

You’ll be covering sub-disciplines like human health, biotechnology, and catalysis. You can choose from different majors including:

• chemical physics,
• inorganic chemistry,
• and biophysical chemistry.

Aside from the prescribed graduate-level courses, you may take units from related fields such as chemical engineering and materials science. 

You’ll also be exposed to a lot of data gathering and research work through a dissertation. Get the chance to work on testing new theories and developing new models on a molecular level. You’ll be mentored by top-notch instructors in the industry.

What’s more, you’ll receive academic advising so you’ll be properly guided during your research studies and dissertation. Get the guidance you need toward a successful career path in Chemistry. By developing a better understanding of the industry, you may pursue positions in both private and public institutions.

Coursework Sample: Stanford, CA

• Advanced Physical Chemistry
• Research and Special Advanced Work
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Chemical Principles
• Bio-inorganic Chemistry

Campus Location:  

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Did You Know? Stanford University’s Department of Chemistry was one of the first few departments opened during its establishment in 1891. The department has since then been offering quality programs and has recently opened an interdisciplinary institute where Chemistry majors can collaborate with Engineering and Medical students. Chem-H hopes to spark advancement through research and forward-thinking.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STANDFORD UNIVERSITY’S  PH.D. PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY

UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Students attending the University of Akron’s Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry degree will be exposed to interdisciplinary education, covering different approaches in Chemistry and even touching topics in Biology and Physics. You’ll also get the chance to further improve your research and communication skills, which are vital in succeeding in the industry.

Learn from tenured faculty and conduct experiments in high-quality facilities such as the Mass Spectrometry Center and the Center for Laster & Optical Spectroscopy. Learn from excellent instructors and gain access to a selection of academic resources.

In terms of admissions, UA accepts students with a Master’s in Chemistry or any related field. On top of that, you’ll also need to submit recommendation letters and a statement of purpose to be admitted successfully. Students with good academic standing may have the chance to receive financial assistance.

The school also offers free tuition by participating in teaching or research assistantships for the academic year and summer. Well-seasoned graduates of Akron refine their skills as researchers, laboratory managers, and educators in chemistry.

• Thermodynamics & Statistical Thermodynamics
• X-Ray Crystallography
• Enzymatic Reactions

Campus Location: Akron, OH

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association

Did You Know? The University of Akron got its name from the hilltop area which means the “highest point”. This name fits the university since it offers high-quality academic programs which attract over 10,000 enrollees every year. Some popular programs include Nursing, Marketing Management, and Psychology.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON’S PH.D. IN CHEMISTRY.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

School Highlights:  The Massachusetts Institute of Technology aims to produce outstanding leaders from different fields like science, engineering, and mathematics. In the same manner, MIT’s Chemistry Department aims to produce excellent graduates that can positively contribute to the industry.

The Ph.D. program offers both flexibility by letting you choose courses that you’re interested to take, and hands-on experience through a two-semester teaching assistant opportunity. In your first year, you’ll be given the chance to handle laboratory classes. 

Aside from taking graduate-level courses, you’ll also be taking oral and written examinations, as well as working on postdoctoral research. Throughout your program, you’ll be guided by a thesis adviser to help you progress with your research. Additionally, the program involves desk rotations so you can connect with senior Ph.D. students while working on your coursework.

The department values networking and embracing advocacies. That’s why it’s home to several student organizations such as Women+ in Chemistry and Chemistry Alliance for Diversity and inclusion.   

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Principles of Organometallic Chemistry
• Laboratory Chemistry
• Heterocyclic Chemistry
• Introductory Quantum Mechanics

Campus Location:  Cambridge, MA

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) 

Did You Know? Massachusetts Institute of Technology was incorporated in 1861 and has been following a Latin motto, “mens et manus” which translates to “mind and hand”. This is a reflection of MIT’s educational style that involves practical applications, going beyond theoretical knowledge.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S PH.D. IN CHEMISTRY.

What does a Chemist do?

A chemist is a scientist who studies the properties of matter at a molecular level. They observe and measure chemical reactions of compounds through experiments in laboratories.

Chemists also engage in fieldwork to collect data samples to be analyzed using sophisticated scientific instruments. In the modern world, chemists work in teams with scientists and professionals from other disciplines. 

Advanced knowledge of chemistry may benefit different industries like manufacturing, waste management, and food production. Certain advancements in the health sector, like understanding hormones and the production of different medical drugs, may be attributed to the research work of chemists.

Chemists also work with engineers to develop new construction additives, materials testing and even help in environmental initiatives.

It is also important to note that chemists and chemical engineers are different. While both professions deal with chemicals, the latter focuses more on the application of principles of math and physics to produce new material that may benefit different industries, while chemists focus more on the organic, inorganic, and analytical aspects of the discipline. Additionally, chemists emphasize research and testing, while chemical engineers deal with design and production. 

What sort of accreditation should I look for in a school?

If you’re looking for a chemistry program, one of the things that you should be looking at is its accreditation. Accreditation shows if the institution has met the academic standards set by the accrediting body. While these standards may differ, it’s a good gauge of the quality of education that the school provides.

In the United States, some accrediting agencies include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Higher Learning Commission. 

Chemistry doctorate programs are usually accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) while the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may also provide accreditation to interdisciplinary programs.

Ultimately, accreditation is just one of the many factors that you should consider when choosing an academic institution. It’s also important to check on the school’s facilities, learning setup, and employment rate. 

How do I earn my D.Chem. Degree?

One of the major requisites for earning a doctorate in Chemistry is a master’s degree in the scientific field. Taking up a bachelor’s will create a solid foundation for your field, while a master’s will expose you to different complex processes and higher learning that may be applied to your Ph.D. pursuit.

Upon application, you may also need to undergo different examinations to assess your scientific knowledge and skills.

The graduate school committee might test you further, like requiring you to conduct sample research, before considering you for admission. Other documentation may include your statement of intent, recommendation letters, and official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS if you are a non-native English speaker.

Graduate students attending doctorate programs in Chemistry revolve around classroom lectures, laboratory activities, and even fieldwork. Most programs offer specializations to focus more on a subfield and learn specific skillsets. You can choose from a selection of specializations including:

• Thermochemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry

Enrollees may also need to take prerequisite subjects in the coursework. In many cases, a graduate student may assist professors in their research work or teach in lower-level classes to further expose them to the field.

Like many Ph.D. programs, the dissertation is also necessary to complete the doctoral program. Most programs focus on independent research to encourage independent thinking, while some programs push for team research to enhance collaboration skills.

Earning a Chemistry doctorate degree program may take three years to finish, eight years at most. Bachelor’s degree holders may pursue a straight D.Chem. program to earn both a master’s and doctorate degree for a shorter period of time. 

What type of degree do I need to pursue a teaching career in Chemistry?

Graduating with a Ph.D., D.Sci., or D.Chem degree may give you a huge advantage, especially when pursuing a teaching position. Some institutions require a doctoral degree, while some schools place Ph.D. holders on courses that deal with more complex theories and higher learning.

Pursuing higher education is also beneficial, especially when you’re looking into advancing in your teaching career. This also helps in tenure security and may give you an advantage when negotiating your salary. To put it simply, a doctoral degree may put you in a better position where you can help mold young learners while enjoying more work benefits.

Additionally, your doctoral research may help jumpstart your pathway to the academe since this may expose you to different academic conferences wherein you may build ties with academic leaders that may take interest in your capabilities for academic employment.

Why take a bridge program before pursuing a doctoral degree?

Undergraduate students in the field of Chemistry who are looking into pursuing higher education may take advantage of a bridge program. This program introduces a mix of foundational and graduate courses and usually takes a year to finish. With this, students may acquire fundamental knowledge and relevant skills to successfully earn graduate degrees like a Ph.D. or D.Chem.

Transitional programs also help students get the needed mentorship to properly assess their academic pathway. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of what’s in store for you if you pursue graduate studies.

Aside from theoretical courses, you may also be exposed to a lot of lab work and research to prepare you for dissertation and doctoral projects. You can shop now at Certified Scale for lab instruments like Sartorius scales.

What kind of career and salary can I expect with my D.Chem. Degree?

Chemists with doctorate-level degrees may work either in the academic or industrial setting, across different job positions. In the academic setting, D.Chem. holders may work as instructors and researchers. Professors and lab instructors may earn an average of  $80,670 per year .

Chemists working in manufacturing and production companies may earn anywhere from $78,000 to $107,000 annually, while those involved in research agencies and private laboratories may take home $116,000 yearly. D.Chem graduates may also pursue a career in health, biochemistry, and forensic chemistry. 

Do I need a license to be a Chemist?

A licensure exam is not required in the United States for those who want to work as chemists or chemical technicians. Chemists may use their diplomas as permits when procuring and transporting chemicals for experimental purposes. With this, chemists may still work on a research project or developmental work.

Furthermore, several US government agencies like the  Food and Drug Authority (FDA)  and the  Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  oversee the rules in transporting hazardous chemicals, keeping a close eye on those conducting research and handling chemicals.

However, chemists may apply for the certification program under the National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering to be duly recognized by the agency while expanding their network of co-practitioners.

You may register as a Certifees-in-Training (CIT) for undergrad chemists, while graduate students may opt to become Annual Enrollees (AE).  

What are some of the school services in store for doctoral degree students?

Most university’s PhD chemistry programs offer a range of student services that cater to both undergraduate and graduate students. Most institutions have academic support services through coaching or advising to fully guide you in your career path. Graduate students may benefit from this the most since they’ll need help in juggling both your professional work and academic pursuit.

Student organizations and social events are almost always present in schools as this helps in expanding your connections and improves your interpersonal skills. Being subjected to the stress of your job and schoolwork, you may turn to school counselors and mental health programs to improve your mental state. 

Lastly, most academic institutions offer scholarship grants to applicants with good academic standing. Some schools offering grants include the University of Akron  in Akron, OH; the  University of Oregon  in Eugene, OR; and  Michigan State University  in East Lansing MI. Other universities offer bridge programs to help maximize your learning potential.

The following schools bridge programs –  John Hopkins University  in Baltimore, MD; the  University of Houston  in Houston, TX;  University of California Berkeley  in Berkeley, CA; The  University of Mississippi  in Oxford, MS; and  Florida Institute of Technology  in Melbourne, FL.

Be the next Marie Curie or Alfred Nobel. Pursue a doctorate degree in Chemistry and be deployed to the frontline of this ambitiously experimental and solution-finding era of human civilization.

Is it hard to earn a Doctor of Chemistry (D.Chem.) Degree?

It depends on the individual. Generally, it is a very challenging degree to attain, requiring a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. There may also be other requirements, such as research projects, dissertation requirements, additional coursework, internships, and specialized examinations. Earning a D.Chem. can take several years to complete.

The Bottom Line

Earning a Doctor of Chemistry graduate degree enables graduates the opportunity to participate in a graduate seminar and conduct independent research themselves, therefore providing awesome options for helping mankind in a wide variety of industries.

What are your career aspirations? With a D.Chem. degree, you can focus on physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, intensive research, and much more.

A chemistry degree graduate program is a great way to get that job promotion in research that you deserve.

Additional Information:

• The Best Doctor of Anesthesia Practice (Dr.AP) Degree Programs
• The Best Doctor of Applied Science (D.A.S.) Degree Programs: Salary and Information
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PhD Program

Professor Wender discusses chemistry with his graduate students.

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental sciences.

The Department of Chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study spanning contemporary subfields, including theoretical, organic, inorganic, physical, biophysical and biomedical chemistry and more. Much of the research defies easy classification along traditional divisions; cross-disciplinary collaborations with Stanford's many vibrant research departments and institutes is among factors distinguishing this world-class graduate program.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development.  This advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement with mutual respect by both the adviser and advisee.

• The adviser is expected to meet at least monthly with the graduate student to discuss on-going research.
• There should be a yearly independent development plan (IDP) meeting between the graduate student and adviser. Topics include research progress, expectations for completion of PhD, areas for both the student and adviser to improve in their joint research effort.
• A research adviser should provide timely feedback on manuscripts and thesis chapters.
• Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.
• If there is a significant issue concerning the graduate student’s progress in research, the adviser must communicate this to the student and to the Graduate Studies Committee in writing.  This feedback should include the issues, what needs to be done to overcome these issues and by when.

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students' education and additional resources can be found in the  Policies and Best Practices for Advising Relationships at Stanford  and the  Guidelines for Faculty-Student Advising at Stanford .

Learn more about the program through the links below, and by exploring the research interests of the  Chemistry Faculty  and  Courtesy Faculty .

Best Chemistry Programs

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With a graduate degree in chemistry, scientists may find

With a graduate degree in chemistry, scientists may find jobs in laboratories, government agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, colleges and universities, and more. These are the best chemistry schools. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Student Perspectives of Online Biochemistry Degree

SMS Professors recognized for increasing access to education

Online students at ASU take the same courses as campus immersion students and are taught by the same faculty. Many faculty who have taught online chemistry and biochemistry courses are recognized by the University as being among the best, with numerous teaching awards and recognition. ASU faculty are working hard to develop new ways of delivering meaningful learning for online students.

Ara Austin Organic Chemistry

Chemistry professor receives outstanding educator award   

Ian Gould Organic Chemistry

Chemistry professor named Professor of the Year   

Anne Jones General Chemistry

Chemistry professor receives distinguished teaching award   

Darcy Kimball General Chemistry

Chemistry instructor receives outstanding instructor award

Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Online students take the same hands-on chemistry and biochemistry laboratory courses as on-campus students. There are no “virtual” or fully online labs because it is just not possible to do laboratory chemistry virtually, and it is critical to ASU that our online students take courses and earn degrees that have legitimacy and earn respect. At ASU we have worked hard to design online degree programs that are as rigorous and legitimate as our on-campus degrees, we are proud of the degree programs and the experiences they offer online students.

To take the lab courses, students travel to the ASU Tempe Campus in Arizona and complete the organic chemistry lab courses (CHM 237 and 238) in just seven days, and the biochemistry lab (BCH 467) in five days. Students spend a full eight hours each day in the lab for a truly immersive and excellent learning experience.

Innovative in-person lab provides unique opportunity for ASU Online students

First in-person accelerated laboratory for online students

Summer lab- what is it like.

Just like campus immersion students, ASU online students can work with ASU research faculty to take part in authentic research experiences, which are vital for admission into competitive graduate programs.

Students can find individual faculty members to work with, or they can participate in a program unique to ASU, the Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program, a multi-pronged initiative designed to create meaningful experiential learning and research experiences for ASU Online learners studying the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

Video: Research opportunities for ASU online students: Devils in the Details Arizona State University (ASU)

ASU Online student1st Author on dynamic water-protein interactions research article

Connect with other online students.

Online students can connect with other online students many different ways. There are a wide range of student clubs and organizations that students can be a part of. The IDEAS student society was started by a group of online biochemistry students at ASU, with the support of ASU faculty member Dr. Ara Austin, and has now grown to be the largest student group at ASU!

Students in ASU’s online general chemistry and organic chemistry courses can get help from other online students tutors/mentors via special Slack TM channels.

IDEAS Group-2019

IDEAS Group-2022

Successful career outcomes.

ASU online chemistry and biochemistry students have found success after graduation, earning admission into competitive graduate, medical, dental and other pre-health programs

Cade Duckworth

ASU Online student accepted into PhD program to pursue computational molecular dynamics

Leonardo Alaniz

First online biochemistry student headed to medical school   

From ASU Online to medical school   

Ellen Streitwieser

Online biochemistry student is Pursuing a PhD  

David Jacobson

Paramedic credits ASU Online for success   

Kyle McKelvey

Air Force officer achieves dental school goal

Anthony Pacheco

Navy veteran pursue lifelong dream- Law School   

Michael Kinzler

Navy corpsman en route to medical school   

ASU respects and promotes its online students

ASU chemistry and biochemistry online students are fully integrated into the School of Molecular Sciences community. They are treated equally and enjoy the same opportunities for recognition, awards and scholarships as on-campus students. The School of Molecular Sciences is proud of its online students and promotes their skills and assets.

Online student scholarship and award winners

• Wayne W. Luchsinger Chemistry Scholarship Ryan Korinek (2021)  
• Theodore M. Brown Memorial Scholarship Sam Bakotich (2019), Hilary Simpson (2020), Odino Keese Amedjrovi(2021)  
• AZ Society for Coatings Technology Scholarship Ethan Kelly Padilla (2021)  
• School of Molecular Sciences Scholarship David Reed (2020)  
• SMS Women in Science Scholarship Ellen Streitweiser (2020), Kirsten Krip(2021)
• SMS First Generation Scholarship Aleaha Evans(2022)
• SMS Veterans Scholarship Anthony Pacheco(2020), Cory Smith (2021), Michael Steiger (2022)
• ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Award Ellen Streitwieser(2020)
• Distinguished Biochemistry Merit Award Paul Turack(2020)
• Dean's Medal Ellen Streitwieser(2021)

The School of Molecular Sciences respects it’s online students

The School of Molecular Sciences respects it’s online students, and acknowledges and promotes their assets, their skills, and their important contributions to society.

Watch Video

Online student highlights

Kristen Krip

ASU Online graduate has sights set on research career

Lakeisha Ramona Brown

ASU graduate sets sights on cancer research   

Carrie Holmes

OURS Program Scholar   

Online student receives SMS Veterans Scholarship

Paul Turack

Online student receives Biochemistry Merit Award

Kristofer Gonzalez

ASU Online student graduates while in the military

Nicola Osgood

ASU Online alum persevered to find her path in grad school

Kassandra Herndon

Online biochemistry student finds home at ASU

Future Students

Online degree programs.

• Biochemistry , BA
• Biochemistry , BS
• Chemistry, BA
• Medicinal Chemistry , BS 

How do I apply?

Apply through  ASU Online admissions . You can also speak with an enrollment advisor to assist you in completing your application.

How much does it cost?

How long does it take, how does my degree work, how do online courses work, what is it like , what jobs do graduates get, who to contact.

For questions regarding to SMS online degree programs, please email:  [email protected] .

Current Students

How do i get advising , where do i go for help , online student community.

Embrace the diversity and traditions of Arizona State University as an online student. Connect with the ASU Online student community and celebrate Sun Devil pride.  Learn more...

How do the In-Person Lab Courses work?

How to connect with faculty, how to get research experience.

Chemistry, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences.

Johns Hopkins University was the first American institution to emphasize graduate education and to establish a PhD program in chemistry. Founding Chair Ira Remsen initiated a tradition of excellence in research and education that has continued until this day. The Hopkins graduate program is designed for students who desire a PhD in chemistry while advancing scientific knowledge for humankind.

The graduate program provides students with the background and technical expertise required to be leaders in their field and to pursue independent research.

Graduate students’ advancement is marked by entrance exams, coursework, teaching, seminars, oral examinations, and an individual research project that culminates in a thesis dissertation. The thesis research project represents an opportunity for graduate students to make a mark on the world. Working in conjunction with a faculty member or team, individually tailored thesis projects enable students to think independently about cutting-edge research areas that are of critical importance. Thesis research is the most important step toward becoming a PhD scientist, and our program provides an outstanding base with a proven track record of success.

Graduate students make up the heart of the Chemistry Department, and the department strives to support students’ individual needs. Each student is carefully advised and classes are traditionally quite small. Multidisciplinary research and course offerings that increase scientific breadth and innovation are hallmarks of the program.  In addition to academic and technical development, our department also offers several outlets for professional and social development.

Admission Requirements

Application materials include:

• Academic transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• The GRE General Test is required.  However, this requirement can be waived for individuals for whom personal circumstances make it difficult or impossible to access the GRE General Test at this present time.  If so, please let the Academic Affairs Administrator (information below) be aware of these circumstances, and the application will be given full consideration.
• The GRE Chemistry Subject is Test is recommended, but not required.
• The application fee is $75. However, fee waivers may be requested for applicants that have documentation showing they are a part of SACNAS, MARCC, oSTEM and many other organizations. To access the full list to see if you qualify, go to the  Krieger Graduate Admission and Enrollment  page.

Assistance with the application process is available. Candidates with questions about the application process, or requests for a GRE General Test waiver (or on other matters related to the application) should contact the Admissions Committee’s Academic Affairs Administrator ( [email protected] ).

There are no fixed requirements for admission. Undergraduate majors in chemistry, biology, earth sciences, mathematics, or physics may apply as well as all well-qualified individuals who will have received a BA degree before matriculation. A select number of applicants will be invited to visit campus to tour our facilities and interact with our faculty members and their lab members over a weekend in March.

For further information about graduate study in chemistry visit the Chemistry Department website . 

Program Requirements

Normally, the minimum course requirement for both the M.A. and the Ph.D. degrees is six one-semester graduate courses in chemistry and related sciences. Exceptionally well-prepared students may ask for a reduction of these requirements.

Requirements for the Ph.D. degree include a research dissertation worthy of publication, and a knowledge of chemistry and related material as demonstrated in an oral examination. Each student must teach for at least one year.

Below is a list of the core Chemistry courses for graduate level students.

About the Chemistry Ph.D. Program

Ph.d. in chemistry faq's.

The Chemistry PhD program is designed towards developing within each student the ability to do creative scientific research. Accordingly, the single most important facet of the curriculum for an individual is their own research project. In keeping with the goal of fostering an atmosphere of scholarly, independent study, formal course requirements are minimal and vary among disciplines; advisor's tailor course requirements to best prepare the student for the chosen research field.

The Doctoral program includes the following concentrations, each of which has specific degree requirements:

• Physical Chemistry : In general, the Physical Chemistry Graduate Program encompasses analytical, nuclear, biophysical, and theoretical chemistry.
• Synthetic Chemistry : The Synthetic Chemistry Graduate Program includes emphases in either organic or inorganic chemistry
• Chemical Biology : The Chemical Biology Graduate Program covers a range of research areas at the interface of Chemistry and Biology.

Research. A graduate student spends a good deal of time during the first week of the first semester at Berkeley talking to various faculty members about possible research projects, studying pertinent literature references, and choosing an individual project. New graduate students meet shortly after their arrival with a faculty adviser. From the faculty adviser the student obtains a list of faculty members whose research may interest the student. After visiting these and additional faculty, if necessary, the student chooses a research director, with the consent of the faculty member and the graduate adviser. By the end of the first semester most students have made a choice and are full-fledged members of research group. Students in the Chemical Biology Graduate Program will select their thesis advisor after completion of three-ten week rotations. Thereafter, all students become involved in library research on their projects and many begin actual experimental or theoretical work.

Independent Study. A student who chooses to specialize in physical chemistry is normally expected to take two courses per semester during the first year and one or two additional semesters of coursework sometimes during the second year. These may include topics such Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Group Theory, Interactions of Radiation with Matter, and many more. At the other extreme, a student specializing in inorganic chemistry will concentrate more heavily on special topics seminars and take fewer courses. The course offerings in the University are varied so that individual students have the opportunity to take other courses which serve their own needs. Such as, a student working on nuclear chemistry will probably elect additional graduate physics courses, while a student working on biophysical or bio-organic problems may take courses offered by the Biochemistry Department. Students in the Chemical Biology program will take courses from both Chemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology departments.

Seminars. Because of the size and diversity of the Berkeley faculty, there are many seminars on a variety of topics which students may choose to attend. There are regular weekly seminars in several major areas, including biophysical, physical, nuclear, organic, theoretical, solid state, and inorganic chemistry. These seminars are presented by members of the Berkeley faculty, as well as distinguished visitors to the campus. These seminars allow the students to become aware of the most important current research going on in the field. In addition to these regular seminars, there are several regular department seminars devoted to presentations by graduate students. One of the doctoral program requirements is that each student delivers a departmental seminar known as a graduate research conference during the second year. Individual research groups also hold regular research seminars. The format of these small, informal seminars varies. In some cases, graduate students discuss their own current research before the other members of the research group. On other occasions, the group seminars may be devoted to group discussions of recent papers which are of interest to the particular research group. In any event, small group seminars are one of the most important ways in which students learn by organizing and interpreting their own results before their peers.

Qualifying Exam. Sometime during the second year of graduate work at Berkeley, each student takes a qualifying examination. The examining board, a committee of four faculty members, is appointed to examine the student for general competence in the area of interest. The qualifying examination is centered around the defense of the individual research project. Upon satisfactory completion of the oral qualifying examination, the student is advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. After advancement, the student completes an original, scholarly contribution to science and writes a dissertation on the subject. Most students complete their work and received their degree within five years.

Teaching. An integral part of the graduate education at Berkeley is teaching. The department requires that each doctoral candidate assist in the instructional program of the department as a teaching assistant for two semesters during their graduate careers. The faculty regard the teaching experience as highly valuable for all graduate students, especially those who plan to teach as a career.

Financial Aid. All students admitted to our graduate program receive a stipend for the duration of study in the form of teaching and research assistantships as long as they are in residence and demonstrate good progress toward the degree. Students also receive full tution, health, dental and vision insurance. Most funds for this support derive from research contracts and grants.

For more information see the Berkeley Bulletin

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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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Home » Chemistry (Ph.D.)

Chemistry (Ph.D.)

The Department of Chemistry has an international reputation for excellence in research across a broad array of disciplines, including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, materials and physical chemistry. Graduate education at Colorado State aims to train creative and competent scientists through the pursuit of scientifically important research problems. Students are encouraged to cross disciplines and fields.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry

Areas of study.

• Analytical (biological laser spectroscopy and microscopy, chemical sensors, electrochemistry, microfabrication, nanostructured materials/polymer synthesis and characterization, photoelectrochemistry scanning probe microscopies, plasma chemistry, surface analysis)
• Chemical Biology (biopolymer engineering and evolution, biopolymer catalysis, macromolecular assembly, drug delivery, biopolymeric materials for sensing, analysis of biochemical and biophysical processes)
• Chemistry Education (metacognition, conceptual change, and ability to solve transfer problems, design and assessment of learning environments, low cost undergraduate laboratories)
• Inorganic (bioinorganic chemistry and chemical catalysis, coordination chemistry, kinetics and inorganic mechanisms, nanostructured materials chemistry, organometallic chemistry, solid-state chemistry, synthesis, theory, X-ray crystallography)
• Materials (biomaterials, electronic materials, nanomaterials, polymers, scanning probe microscopies, solid state chemistry, surface science, synthesis, thin films)
• Organic (asymmetric catalysis, bioconjugate chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, biosynthesis, reaction mechanisms, natural products chemistry, organometallic chemistry, organic synthesis)
• Physical (laser spectroscopy, liquids, molecular clusters, polymers, quantum theory of molecular electronic structure, reaction dynamics, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, statistical mechanics, ultra fast spectroscopy)
• Contact your department representative or request more program information .
• Check out department requirements and resources from your department’s website.
• When you’re ready to take the leap, start your application .

Requirements

Coursework, credit requirements, and more information is available in the Colorado State University general catalog . Please contact your department representative with program-related questions.

Student Employment

Graduate students interested in employment positions (GTA, GRA, GSA appointments and hourly positions) should contact their advisor and their departmental graduate coordinator for the process to apply.

Financial Aid

• Financial aid resources available through the Office of Financial Aid website.
• Your department may have financial aid options available and please check our financial resource section for additional opportunities.

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Ph.D. in Chemistry

Graduate students earn a Ph.D. through independent research in collaboration with one or more faculty members . A modest amount of graded coursework ensures a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of the chosen field, as well as breadth of knowledge in the chemical sciences. The median time to complete all requirements for the Ph.D. is about five years. Students are required to pass oral examinations in their area of specialization. There are no pre-entrance or qualifying exams.

For complete details about our doctoral program, see the pages below:

• First Year of Study
• Ph.D. Degree Requirements
• Ph.D. Degree Timeline
• 2nd Year Exam Guidelines (pdf)
• General Exam Instructions (pdf)
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Chemistry

Graduate studies in Chemistry at KU are intended to prepare graduate students for any of the multitude of career pathways available to individuals who hold a doctorate in the Chemical Sciences. Graduate studies differ from the undergraduate experience in that each activity and requirement of the graduate program is designed to prepare students to become independent, creative practitioners of Chemistry.

The full list of courses required for a Chemistry Ph.D. at KU can be viewed on the KU Academic Catalog website .

Chemists at KU still make new materials and find new and exciting applications for these compounds, and study how chemical reactions occur. We apply this knowledge to developing compounds that fight disease, to creating cleaner and more efficient chemical processes for industry and to applying chemistry in other manners that benefit society. Striving for a Ph.D. or M.S. degree is about creating and completing an independent, original research project in the chemical sciences. For KU students, this experience becomes the foundation for their future careers in the increasingly diverse scientific enterprise.

Research in Chemistry graduate programs used to take place exclusively in the laboratory. At KU, students apply a broader definition of the term laboratory to include many other types of research environments:

• Medical facilities where researchers study the efficacy of therapeutic agents and analyze the results of clinical trials,
• Computer laboratories where the modeling of molecular structure, chemical reactions and phase changes are contributing enormously to our understanding of the complex systems around us,
• Fields and streams where environmental chemists strive to understand how chemicals derived from natural processes and human activity impact the quality and diversity of life, and
• Classrooms where individuals study strategies for improving student learning of scientific concepts.

KU Chemistry: A Multidisciplinary Experience

Chemistry is an incredibly multidisciplinary science at KU. As the tools we have developed to study molecular processes have become ever more powerful, chemists have been able to study more and more complicated systems. In our department, graduate students participate in projects including the location and function of neurotransmitters in the brain, how supercritical fluids can enhance the activity and selectivity of catalysts for chemical transformations, the details of what happens at the solid/liquid interface as materials begin to melt, how nuclear pore membrane proteins open to allow access to the genetic material in the nucleus of the cell, and how the HIV virus does such an effective job of evading detection by the human immune system. Chemical Sciences research at KU is an extremely exciting collaborative experience.

Chemistry Degrees

• Chemistry Undergraduate BA
• Chemistry Undergraduate BS
• Chemistry Undergraduate Minor
• Chemistry Graduate MS
• Chemistry Graduate PhD
• Chemistry Non-Degree
• How to Apply
• Program Overview
• Prospective Student FAQ

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

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Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Financial Support (Teaching Assistantships)
• Graduate Courses & Resources
• Program Mission and Learning Objectives

Program code: PH3311

Program Overview

The department’s mission is to provide a quality education to graduate students while they pursue state-of-the-art research in chemistry. The objective of the graduate program is to educate and train students to become highly effective scientists by providing them with the interdisciplinary tools, research skills and ethical and service sensibilities needed to succeed in their future career. This includes offering a variety of rigorous graduate level courses, maintaining cutting-edge research programs within individual laboratories and compliance with the Code for Professional Ethical Conduct espoused by the American Chemical Society.

Candidates for a Ph. D. degree in Chemistry must demonstrate the ability to plan, execute, evaluate, and communicate original chemical research. The graduate program spans all five traditional disciplines of chemistry (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic and Physical). Within these five areas the department boasts particular research strengths in chemometrics, forensic chemistry, mass spectrometry, medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, nanoscience and nanomedicine, nucleic acid research, protein and glycoprotein engineering, and spectroscopy.

This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is five academic years, in line with national average as reported by the American Chemical Society.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Ph.D. in chemistry typically pursue academic careers (typically following post-doctoral appointments) and R&D positions in chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

Graduation Requirements

• See Chemistry Graduate Requirements for details .

Brief Overview

The requirements for a Ph.D. in chemistry consist of a combination of coursework, seminars, research proposals, and original research. Each student will be required to pass three classes (12 credits) in three different chemistry divisions (organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and biochemistry), and pass two classes (8 credits) within their major area of research. A grade of B or better must be obtained in each course attempted. Courses are selected with the assistance of a faculty adviser. Ph.D. candidates must submit and orally defend a dissertation research proposal to their dissertation committee no later than the first semester of their third year of study.

Students select a research adviser at the end of their first semester of study after rotations in several laboratories. Intensive research generally begins in the spring of the first year. The Ph.D. program culminates in the preparation of a research dissertation and a final oral examination.

• A minimum of 90 semester hours in chemistry and approved electives.
• Attendance at a seminar course each semester.
• A qualifying exam must be passed for candidacy. This consists of a written research proposal and an oral defense of the proposal.
• A written dissertation describing the results of the student's research.
• Students must present their dissertation orally at a public meeting followed by an oral defense held before the student's dissertation committee.
• The average period of study is five years.

Graduation Requirements  

The following minimum requirements must be satisfied to graduate.

• Complete 90 semester hours in Chemistry and approved electives.
• Demonstrate breadth of knowledge competency by passing at a level of B or higher one 5000-level course in three of these five areas of chemistry: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical and Biochemistry. One of the three courses must be in the student’s major area, and the other two must be in the other areas. Breadth of knowledge competency must be met during the first year of graduate studies.
• Demonstrate depth of knowledge competency by passing two classes at the 7000-level in the student’s major area of research. A grade of B or better must be obtained in each course attempted.
• Attend each semester the weekly departmental colloquium series.
• Take the graduate seminar course each semester (CHEM 8960, 8970, 8980 or 8990 depending on the student’s research area).
• Participate in the Advanced Seminar in Research Development and Leadership course each semester (CHEM 8900 or equivalent).
• Register to the Doctoral Research and Dissertation course (CHEM 8950) any semester during which research facilities and/or resources are being used. There is no limit on the number of dissertation hours that can be counted toward the 90-hour requirement.
• Take the Chemistry Teaching Assistant Training class (CHEM 5100) during the first semester of graduate studies.
• Take the Graduate Chemistry Research Training class (CHEM 5710) during the first semester of graduate studies.
• Submit and orally defend a dissertation research proposal to a dissertation committee no later than during the fifth semester of study, excluding summers.
• Submit and orally defend a written dissertation to a dissertation committee. The defense is open to the public.
• The student’s graduate advisor and dissertation committee determine the specific requirements for each student within the above framework.

Culminating Experience: All students will write a dissertation that presents the student’s research.

Competency is demonstrated by passing at a level of B or better one 5000 level course in three of the five areas (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical). One of the three courses can be in the student's major area, but the other two must be outside of the student's major area and must be in the other areas of chemistry and biochemistry. General/review courses will be offered each fall at the 5000 level in each research area of chemistry and biochemistry. Students failing to meet the competency requirement during their first year of graduate study may lose their financial support until competency is demonstrated or may be removed from the program at the discretion of the Graduate Committee.

Program Mission

The department's mission is to provide a quality education to graduate students while they pursue state-of-the-art research in chemistry. The objective of the graduate program is to educate and train students to become highly effective scientists by providing them with the interdisciplinary tools, research skills and ethical and service sensibilities needed to succeed in their future careers. This includes offering a variety of rigorous graduate level courses, maintaining cutting-edge research programs within individual laboratories, and compliance with the Code for Professional Ethical Conduct espoused by the American Chemical Society.

Program Learning Objectives

• To demonstrate a broad understanding of chemical concepts and an in-depth understanding of a selected topic in chemistry.
• To demonstrate competence in identifying a significant scientific problem and solving that problem through creative scientific experimentation, data analysis, and evaluation.
• To effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, scientific concepts and outcomes.
• To work effectively both as an individual and as a collaborative team member.

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Chemistry PhD

Thank you for your interest in the UC San Diego Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Program. We have over 300 bright and talented graduate students with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. We offer programs for the Doctoral, Masters, and Joint Doctoral degrees. Below you will find information on the needed application materials and criteria.

Application Deadline

PhD Admissions Deadline for Fall 2024 is December 6, 2023 (to be confirmed)

General Application Information

To begin your online application or to check the status on your application, please visit  connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply . Information you enter may be saved at any time.

The Admissions & Recruitment Committee recommends submitting your application as soon as you complete it, even if we have not yet received all your letters of recommendation. We also highly recommend that you answer some/all of our additional questions about your educational experiences.

We review PhD files continuously beginning in late November and try to get the good news out to those we are recruiting to our program as soon as possible. If you have yet to hear from us, your file is still pending a final decision.

Please note that submitting your application requires an associated   application fee   although under many circumstances you may request that this fee be waived. Please read the application fee link above and inquire with  [email protected]  if you have any questions or would like more information on the waiver options.

Transcripts

Statement of purpose.

We recommend that you structure your Statement of Purpose to address the following four prompts:

• Describe your personal and professional motivations for pursuing research in the field of chemistry and/or biochemistry.
• the overall context and importance of the work,
• the specific goal of the work you were doing, (c) the methods by which you worked to achieve those goals
• what you learned and what your new understanding means for the future of the project. Include a short discussion of how your research experience has shaped your decision to apply to our graduate program.
• Specify one or more faculty members in our department whose current research aligns with your interests. Provide some insight into why you made the choice(s) you did.
• Describe any obstacles that you have overcome to achieve your academic and personal achievements as well as any contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion you have made.

We do not have a word limit, but we do recommend keeping your statement of purpose clear and concise.

Letters of Recommendation

We  require three letters of recommendation. Letter writers that are able to provide context and clarity with respect to your ability and potential to excel in a graduate program are the most helpful in evaluating your application (e.g. a research advisor or a professors from a course that knows you well). UC San Diego students applying for the MS program need to submit at least two letters – at least one from a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

If your letter writer needs a new link to submit their letter, please follow the instructions below:

• Log into  online application
• Click “Update Application”
• Go to “Letters of Recommendation” page
• Click “Resend” next to the name of your letter writer

GRE (not required)

Research experience, additional educational experiences, fee waiver programs.

There are a couple of fee waiver programs offered by the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

• Please fill out the application as much as you can  ( https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/ )
• Do not submit the application nor enter any payment information
• Take note of your application's reference number (you'll need that for the next step)
• Fill out our Fee Waiver Request Form
• The deadline to be considered for one of the department's application fee waivers is December 4, 2023.
• If selected for an application fee waiver, we will contact you with further instructions by December 5, 2023.

English Proficiency Exams (International Applicants Only)

Applicants that have recently studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country in which English is a dominant language, are exempt from language testing requirements.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) is required for all other international applicants whose native language is not English. Requirements for demonstrating proficiency are listed below.

International applicants must include an official report of their TOEFL iBT or TSE scores from  ETS . The university-wide minimum TOEFL score for graduate admission is  550 for the paper based test (PBT), and 85 for the internet based test (iBT) . The minimum for the   IELTS Academic Training exam is a score of 7   and a score of   65 for the PTE Academic.

At minimum, international applicants must also have a   TOEFL iBT Speaking subscore of 23 , an   IELTS Speaking subscore of 7 , or a   PTE Speaking subscores of 65 .

Commitment to Diversity

The  Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry welcomes all applicants. The university and department have a long-standing commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within STEM fields from. Our commitment to diversifying the scientific workforce also includes people who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.

Outreach Conferences 2023

National organization for the professional advancement of black chemists and engineers (nobcche).

September 11 - 14 | New Orleans, LA

American Chemistry Society National Meeting

August 13 - 17 | San Francisco, CA

California Diversity Forum

October 14 | San Francisco, CA

Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

October 26 - 28 | Portland, OR

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)

November 16 - 18 | Phoenix, AZ

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Interdisciplinary programs.

Chemistry PhD

The Chemistry PhD program is designed towards developing the ability to do creative scientific research. Accordingly, the single most important facet of the curriculum for an individual is his or her own research project. In keeping with the goal of fostering an atmosphere of scholarly, independent study, formal course requirements are minimal and vary among disciplines. Advisers tailor course requirements to best prepare the student for the chosen research field.

The doctoral program includes the following concentrations, each of which has specific degree requirements:

• Physical Chemistry: In general, the Physical Chemistry Graduate Program encompasses experimental physical, analytical, nuclear, biophysical, and theoretical chemistry.
• Synthetic Chemistry: The Synthetic Chemistry Graduate Program includes emphases in preparation of organic or inorganic compounds, development of methods for their synthesis, and their characterization and use.
• Chemical Biology: The Chemical Biology Graduate Program covers research areas at the interface of chemistry and biology, ranging from the synthesis of bioactive materials to the characterization of living systems.

Contact Info

[email protected]

419 Latimer Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Division
• College of Liberal and Professional Studies

• PhD Program of Study

The PhD program requirements consist of a minimum of six credit units of lecture courses  of which are usually completed in the first academic year. In addition to the six required courses, students must also take the Chemical Information Course worth 0.5 credits. Frequently, students having interdisciplinary interests will take some courses in other departments in their second semester. Twenty units of combined course and research credit are required for the Ph.D. degree, after which students enter "dissertation" status until they graduate. Graduate Chemistry Courses are listed here : 400 level and above.

The supervisor selection process occurs during the first semester of study. The process is three stages: faculty interviews, faculty seminars, and rank-ordered choices.

Faculty Interviews

First year students must conduct a series of meetings with at least 6 faculty members as potential supervisors.  Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the professors’ research and the work of their groups.  Every student must conduct these “interviews” with faculty and turn in a form  to the Graduate Office.

Faculty Seminars

A weekly seminar series featuring current faculty members interested in recruiting students for their groups.  These are generally held every Wednesday evening from mid‐September through mid-November (5-6:30pm).  Attendance at these seminars is required and recorded for all first-year students, regardless of division interest.

Rank-Ordered Choices

Towards the end of the fall semester, all first‐year students must submit a rank-ordered list of top choices for research group assignments. Students are then matched with supervisors.

We require students to serve as Teaching Assistants for at least two semesters, usually during the first year. Teaching Assistants are responsible for supervising laboratory sections or conducting recitation classes under the guidance of a faculty member. New Teaching Assistants in Chemistry are prepared for their teaching responsibility through a special training program held for one week before the start of the fall semester.

A regular program of seminars, in which distinguished scientists visit the Chemistry Department, is an essential part of the curriculum. At Penn, there are weekly departmental research seminars in biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are strongly encouraged to participate. Additional interdisciplinary seminar series (Biochemistry/ Biophysics Minisymposium; Interface of Chemistry and Biology) and special sponsored lectures (Aldrich, Axalta Coatings, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Edgar Fahs Smith, ACS Philadelphia Section Award, Philadelphia Organic Chemists' Club, etc.) also offer opportunities to hear from premier scientists.

A major portion of the work towards a Ph.D. degree is a research project leading to the thesis. This usually involves several years of research under the supervision of a particular faculty member. Increasingly, chemistry-based students are becoming involved in interdisciplinary areas of research involving collaborations with faculty, students and postdoctoral fellows from other departments or institutions.

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Visit the online course catalog for more specific degree requirements

Ph.D. Requirements

Credit Hours A minimum total 30 semester hours with at least 15 semester hours in chemistry courses. An overall GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

Courses Students must pass at least 6 graduate lecture courses from at least 3 of 6 divisions with a minimum grade of 'C' in any one course during the first 4 semesters (excluding summers). Up to 2 courses may be waived for students entering with a M.S. degree in chemistry (or a closely related field with consent of the Chemistry Director of Graduate Studies).

Mentor The research mentor should be selected during the first semester. Students are required to interview a minimum of 5 chemistry faculty, including members of at least 2 divisions.

Committee The student will select his/her Dissertation Committee in consultation with the research mentor during the first 4 semesters of study. The committee consists of the mentor, a chemistry faculty in the same division, a chemistry faculty in a different division, an additional chemistry faculty, and a faculty member from a different department.

Cumulative Exams Students must complete a series of written cumulative examinations designed to show in-depth knowledge in the chosen area of concentration. Cumulative exams begin in the second semester and are given the third Saturday of January, March, May, September, and November.

Literature Seminar Students must enroll in seminar (Chem 695) each of their first 4 semesters (excluding summers) and attend departmental seminars. Students must make a presentation based on a topic under active discussion in the recent literature during their second or third semester. The remaining seminar attendance requirement may be waived after all other Master's candidacy requirements have been achieved.

Research Proposal Students must develop, explain, and defend a research proposal prior to the beginning of the 7th semester (excluding summers). The proposal may include preliminary results from the student's research and describe possible future directions.

Publications It is expected that prior to the Research Seminar, at least one manuscript based on the student's research would have been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Before completion of the Ph.D. program, at least one published article and at least one additional manuscript submitted to peer-reviewed journals is expected.

Research Seminar A one-hour seminar on the student's dissertation research project is to be given before the end of the 8th semester (excluding summers). This seminar must be completed at least 9 months prior to graduation. The MS degree will be awarded upon successful completion of the research seminar.

Dissertation A written dissertation describing the research program is submitted a minimum of 14 days before the defense. The defense consists of a one-hour seminar followed by an oral examination with the Faculty Reading committee.

Ph.D. Milestones

First Year Coursework Attend Seminars Select a Mentor Begin Research Begin Cumulative Exams (2nd semester) Literature Seminar (early)

Second Year Continue/Finish Coursework Continue/Finish Cumulative Exams Literature Seminar (deadline 3rd semester) Attend Seminars Research Organize Dissertation Committee

Third Year Research Finish Cumulative Exams Research Proposal

Fourth Year Research Research Seminar* *M.S. degree awarded

Fifth Year Finish Research Write and defend Dissertation* *Ph.D. awarded

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2023-2024 Dorothy Gibson Memorial Fellowship and Arno Spatola Endowment Fellowship Nominations are now being accepted Feb 17, 2023

2019 Nobel Laureate Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham to speak at UofL Mar 16, 2022

Dr. Frederick Luzzio receives College of Arts and Sciences 2022 Distinguished Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity - Career Achievement Mar 01, 2022

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Apply to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Ph.D Program

Application Instructions

Graduate Admissions Coordinator Nick Rodgers will be holding Zoom Office Hours every Thursday from 3-5 PM EDT to answer any questions about the program/application process. Please email [email protected] for the Zoom link.

Before beginning the application process, please note the following:

• The program only admits one time per year for the Autumn semester.
• The minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA requirement for applying is 3.0/4.0. The same requirement applies to the cumulative graduate GPA, if graduate-level courses have been completed.
• Students must have at least a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or a 5-year combined BS/MS degree in order to apply.
• The minimum total TOEFL score required in order to be eligible to apply is 79 on the Internet-based test and 550 on the paper-based test. Applicants who achieve a total score of 100 and a 20 or higher on the speaking section of the Internet-Based TOEFL will be most competitive. The minimum allowable score on the IELTS is a 7.0.
• The GRE is NOT required to be eligible to apply to the Graduate School or the Chemistry PhD Program.
• Without exception, TOEFL or scores must be officially reported to OSU by ETS. If you are submitting scores for the IELTS, those scores must be reported to OSU directly by IELTS.
• The application fee is $60 for Domestic applicants and $70 for International applicants. Application fee waivers may be granted to applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria as indicated on this web page:  http://gpadmissions.osu.edu/apply/waiver.html
• Answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found here .

December 1, 2024 is the deadline for submitting the online application and all required supplemental materials for Autumn 2025 admission. Before or on this date, all required application materials MUST be submitted ( submitted  is defined as available for committee review and not on order for or en route to OSU). Please SUBMIT the online application well in advance of the deadline so that your referees will receive their links in plenty of time to submit their letters before the December 1st deadline. Recommendation letter upload links do not get sent to referees until the application is submitted and the fee is paid. Please be certain to take the TOEFL early enough to ensure that your scores are reported to OSU by ETS before or on December 1st. Please follow the instructions below to complete your application and consult our timeline to help you navigate our application process.

You may upload scans of your transcripts on the "Academic Data" tab of the online application. Scans of original transcripts from every college or university you have ever attended are required to be submitted before your application can be reviewed. Transfer credit indicated on a transcript does not satisfy the transcript requirement for the school at which the credits were originally earned. Scans of original, official transcripts are required to be uploaded while completing the online application or submitted via the document uploader by or on the application deadline. Online advising reports or degree audits cannot be used to satisfy the transcript requirement for the application. 

The program requires submissions of your resume and personal statement on the "Final Steps/Submit" tab of the online application. If you would like to submit an updated personal statement or resume before the application deadline, please email that updated version to: [email protected]

You should address the following in your personal statement:

• Describe your research experience in some detail.  Describe research products, like oral presentations and papers related to your research experience.
• We are interested in learning about your independence, strengths and weaknesses, goals, and community involvement.  Tell us examples of times you have overcome challenges and where you got support to work through them.  Give us some examples of how you learn outside the classroom.
• Tell us about what you want to study and about your research interests.  Identify some faculty with whom you would like to work.
• Be sure to explain things in your history, academic career, or resume that might raise questions about your suitability for graduate study and research.  If you had some weaker grades or less successful terms, explain what was happening.  If you didn't have access to extensive research experiences at your institution, explain that, and what you've done to know that graduate school is right for you.

Our aim is to admit students who will be successful in our Ph.D. program.  We are obviously interested in admitting students with high academic ability and research aptitude. But it also takes self-motivation, perseverance, and teamwork to be successful in graduate school.  Don't worry about having a perfect record.  Show us how you know this is the right path for you, and why you are going to succeed.

We require the submission of three letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation must be submitted through the online system. Applicants will enter their referees' contact information within the online application. It is only after the application is submitted that each referee will receive a link by e-mail indicating where they can submit their letter of recommendation for the applicant. For this reason, please submit the online application well in advance of the deadline so that your referees will receive their links and have ample time to submit their letters before the deadline.

The most useful letters of recommendation come from Ph.D. chemists and biochemists who can comment on your research and intellectual ability and potential. We typically want to hear from all your research advisors (such as, from capstone/thesis projects or summer/REU experiences).  Chemistry, biochemistry, or other science professors who can comment on your academic ability and potential are the next best choice.  Letters from professors in other areas, employers (unless they are for a science research position), coaches, graduate students, family, friends or peers are of more limited value to us, in general.  Be sure that at least one reference can specifically comment on your research potential, and we suggest that at least two references be scientists.

The most useful letters of recommendation will tell us about your research and academic ability and potential, as well as your independence, strengths and weaknesses, goals, community involvement, perseverance, and how you learn outside the classroom.  Your references can also help us understand anything in your record that could raise questions about your potential in graduate school.

You may check on the status of your letters and send reminders to your letter writers at: go.osu.edu/lor

If you are not an United States citizen, the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department requires the submission of official  TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to The Ohio State University before your application may be reviewed. The institution code for submission is: 1592 Only applicants who are citizens of, or who have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from, one of the following countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement: Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States and Wales.

• Please make sure that you input your name on the online application exactly how it appears on your TOEFL score report. Doing so will ensure that your official scores can be electronically matched to your application. 
• If you are submitting scores for the IELTS, those scores must also be directly reported to OSU by IELTS.
• The Admissions Committee for the PhD Program in Chemistry does not offer conditional admission to students who either have not taken the TOEFL or IELTS or whose TOEFL or IELTS score does not meet the minimum requirement.
• If the Admissions Committee deems it necessary to further evaluate an applicant's spoken English proficiency, the applicant might be asked to participate in an oral proficiency assessment administered via Skype by a trained staff member from OSU's ESL program.

Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring the completion of their application before or on the December 1st deadline. Each applicant should review their  application status page  to ensure the receipt of required materials. Please allow several business days for submitted items to appear as completed on the application status page. If submitted items do not appear within 3 business days, please e-mail Nick Rodgers  at [email protected]. 

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The M.S. program provides students with the opportunity to develop a high degree of proficiency in a specialized research area. The program serves as a stepping stone to jobs in industry, graduate school, professional school, teaching careers, or for those who would like to strengthen their Chemistry knowledge. All students take coursework,carry out original research with a faculty mentor, and submit a thesis. The program has a focus on developing strong writing and oral communication skills. Financial support is typically available through a teaching assistantship.

The M.S. program

The Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in science as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of chemistry while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. Graduates are well placed for careers as professional chemists in industry, academia, government, and related areas. All students take coursework, carry out original research with a faculty mentor, and submit a dissertation. The program has a focus on developing strong writing and oral communication skills. Financial support is typically available through a teaching assistantship.

The Ph.D. program

The Ph. D  program with an option in chemistry education is designed for students who plan a career at the interface of Science and Education (e.g. discipline-based education research, educational program assessment, STEM curricular design, chemistry teaching, etc.). The rigorous program involves coursework in Chemistry, Psychology and Education andoriginal research in Chemistry Education, leading to the submission of a dissertation. Students with a research-based MS (or equivalent) will be admitted directly to the program. Students with a BS (or equivalent) will first obtain an MS degree, carrying out original laboratory-based research with a faculty mentor, and submitting a thesis. The program has a focus on developing strong writing and oral communication skills. Financial support is typically available through a teaching assistantship.

The Ph.D. (Option in Chemistry Education)

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Graduate School

Biochemistry (ph.d.), biochemistry (ph.d.) | graduate.

Our Biochemistry doctoral students are at the forefront of biochemical research and molecular medicine, examining biological mechanisms underlying human disease; they are finding new ways to detect and attack diseases and immunological disorders like cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Biochemistry program at Howard's Graduate School are prepared for careers at top research universities and senior-level research positions in biomedical and related industries. The program's key strengths in molecular microbiology, proteomics and genetics, bioinformatics, and drug design and discovery make us a nexus for collaborative investigations between biochemistry researchers and clinicians. You'll learn to apply biochemical techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, crystallography, and single-molecule methods as well as contemporary approaches to cell culture and genetic analysis to answer key questions about the pathogenesis of specific diseases and the development of effective drug therapies. You'll also enjoy the close mentorship of faculty who are committed to your professional development. Our faculty are experts in several areas of biochemistry, including analysis of molecular structure, proteomics and genetics, tumor biology, structural biology, enzymology, RNA catalysis, stress response, and RNA modification. As you advance in the program, you'll become increasingly involved in laboratory research and the critical analysis of biochemical literature. Our graduate seminar series offers a venue to present your early-stage research. Students may pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours        ❱  Full-time       ❱  On-campus format       ❱  Degree: Ph.D.       ❱  Dual degree: M.D./Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry:         ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2024 entry:         ❱  Dec. 1, 2023 (early deadline)       ❱  Feb. 15, 2024 (priority deadline)       ❱  Apr. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Dr. Zaki Sherif

Dr. matthew george, jr., angela wilson, program details.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: M.D. / Ph.D., Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission.

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest ( 500-1,000 words )
• GRE scores  not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement ( 500-750 words )

GRE Required?

Gre preferred minimums.

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses

The following course prerequisites are required. Applicants are required to have at least a B average in these prerequisites.   No expiration date for recommended prerequisites.

• Biology (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• General Chemistry (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Organic Chemistry (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Elementary Physical Chemistry (college-level course and lab, 4 semester credit hrs)
• Physics (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Calculus  (college-level course, 3 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Other 

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Family Member

Program Coordinator/Contact

Matthew Miller, Professor Melody Jewell, Senior Lecturer Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics Avera Health and Science Center 247, Box 2202 605-688-5151

Program Information

In addition to a traditional thesis-based M.S. degree, the department also offers a predominantly online Chemistry M.S. with chemistry education specialization. This is a non-thesis degree that focuses on the content necessary for practicing high school teachers to achieve highly qualified status. Admission in this program is limited to in-service high school/college science teachers. Students interested in thesis-based M.S. degree in the sub-disciplinary area of chemical education should select the Chemistry (M.S.) program in their application for admission.

Course Delivery Format

The M.S. in Chemistry - Chemistry Education Specialization is a largely online program for course offerings.  As such, the content coursework is delivered via online format.  In this format, individualized coursework and discussion methods are used to encourage discourse on content as it relates to teaching high school science.  In summer, students participate in laboratory development exercises with research active faculty in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, providing practical skills development. Additionally, students learn about research skills for the classroom to engage in a year-long action research project.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain atomic theory.
• Students will be able to describe bonding and intermolecular forces.
• Students will be able to explain phases of matter.
• Students will be able to explain thermodynamics and equilibria.
• Students will be able to describe kinetics.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic and biochemistry.
• Apply content knowledge toward teaching: Students will apply content knowledge toward teaching and critique their approaches toward teaching various chemistry topics.
• Action research project: Students will investigate the learning environment in their classroom via an action research project.
• Make discipline accessible and meaningful: Students will use the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he/she teaches and create learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
• Prepare plans of instruction to support all students: Students will prepare plans of instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Core requirements.

• CHEM 770 - Atomic Theory & Bonding Credits: 3
• CHEM 771 - Intermolecular Interactions & Phases of Matter Credits: 3
• CHEM 772 - Thermodynamics Credits: 3
• CHEM 773 - Equilibria & Acid-Base Chemistry Credits: 3
• CHEM 774 - Kinetics, Nuclear, & Electrochemistry Credits: 3
• CHEM 775 - Organic & Biochemistry Credits: 3
• CHEM 776 - Laboratory Development Credits: 3 (6 credits required) (Must be taken twice for 3 credits each session.)
• CHEM 777 - Action Research in the Secondary Classroom Credits: 1 (2 credits required)
• CHEM 778 - Chemistry Teaching Strategies Credits: 3
• CHEM 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-6 (3 credits required, taken over at least two semesters)

Total Required Credits: 32 (Non-Thesis)

Additional admission requirements.

GRE: Not required TOEFL: 71 Internet-based TOEFL Essentials: 7.5 IELTS: 6.0 Duolingo: 100

Applications are accepted for admission to the M.S. program in fall only. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications for admission no later than January 15. Initial offers of admission will be made no later than the first week of February.

In addition to the materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics requires the following application materials:

• A one- to two-page personal statement which includes a description of work experience, or other factors demonstrating a propensity toward graduate studies. The personal statement should also include a statement of the applicant’s career goals. The applicant may upload this statement while completing the Graduate School’s online application.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements   .

A-Z of courses

Use this A-Z and search tool to explore all of Oxford's graduate courses. 

Non-standard application processes

The instructions in our Application Guide are relevant to applications for all graduate courses at Oxford, except for :

• Biochemistry (Skaggs-Oxford Prog.) , DPhil
• Biomedical Sciences (NIH OxCam) , DPhil
• Clinical Psychology , DClinPsych
• EcoWild , NERC CDT
• Medicine (Graduate Entry)  eg BMBCh
• Saïd Business School courses

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