Chemistry, PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry is granted for high scholarly achievement in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical or biochemistry. Students with either a baccalaureate or master’s degree may be admitted to the program. They must satisfy the following requirements to receive the degree:
- Complete a course of study designed in consultation with an advisor or advisory committee. This consists of the completion of at least 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree, including 24 credits of appropriate coursework.
- Complete monthly cumulative exam requirement.
- Complete oral exam requirement.
- Complete seminar requirement.
- Defend dissertation in an oral examination.
- Complete all general requirements for the doctor of philosophy degree.
Admission Requirements
In addition to submission of the graduate application and official transcripts applicants must submit official GRE score report, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume.
Review of applicants for fall enrollment begins February 1 and October 1 for spring enrollment. The application package must be complete for review to occur.
Degree Requirements
The applicable degree requirements for the Chemical Physics option are those of the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, as stated in the Graduate Bulletin. These degree requirements consist of the following:
- Complete a course of study designed in consultation with an advisor or advisory committee, consisting of at least 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree, including 24 credits of appropriate chemistry coursework and approved physics electives;
- Complete the requirements of the monthly cumulative exams, the oral exam, and the seminar;
- Defend the dissertation in an oral examination;
- Complete all general requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Students entering with the endorsement of the Department of Physics must choose an advisor in the Department of Physics holding a joint appointment in Chemistry. Other students must select as research advisor a participating faculty member in the Department of Chemistry. Students entering the program with principle preparation in physics may be required to audit certain undergraduate prerequisites for chemistry graduate courses, and visa versa for students whose principle preparation is in chemistry.