Chemistry

Graduate Chemistry Programs

The Department of Chemistry Graduate Program offers students opportunities in cutting-edge research that span various fields in chemistry, biochemistry and interdisciplinary areas. Research-intensive programs lead to MS and PhD degrees in Chemistry, giving talented, motivated students an opportunity to participate in discovery-based and applied research. Our programs allows for a personalized graduate experience, where students become the primary expert in their research field and contribute to a targeted original project.

Our Department offers MS and PhD degree programs, in addition to an accelerated master's (BS-MS) degree program. The PhD program is meant for students who aim to become an expert in a field of research and contribute to that field through research and independent contributions. PhD students must demonstrate mastery of subject matter in a field of study and demonstrate competence through individual research investigation that represents a significant contribution to the field. The MS program provides an advanced research-based experience with coursework and a tailored thesis project. Learn more about our programs below:

Graduate students working in a lab with safety glasses, lab coats, and gloves.

Chemistry—MS, PhD

Join our research-intensive graduate program, and contribute to discoveries in chemical science, biochemistry, or a cognate discipline. Our faculty and graduate students have advanced research in areas including:

  • Nanomaterials for detection in nanomedicine
  • Surface science and interface chemistry of heterogeneous materials
  • Biochemistry of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases
  • Chemical toxicology and cancer research
  • Glycobiology
  • Gene recognition
  • Applied quantum chemistry
  • Atmospheric chemistry
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Fluorescent probes and biomedical sensors
  • Polymer chemistry, materials, and nanomaterials
  • Synthetic DNA

Our program will prepare you for your future challenges in education, industry, and beyond.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

The department is associated with some dynamic interdisciplinary degree programs, giving our students additional opportunities for graduate study:

A man pouring chemicals in a lab coat and goggles

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—PhD

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at Michigan Tech is where pioneering PhD students and expert faculty come together and seek answers to some of the world's most pressing problems. This interdisciplinary program—built on the strength of preexisting graduate programs in biological sciences, chemistry, and forest molecular genetics/biotechnology—provides students with the opportunity to focus on the study of biochemistry and molecular biology within a variety of subject areas.

Learn More About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Northern Lights

Atmospheric Sciences—PhD

The interdisciplinary PhD in Atmospheric Sciences provides students with an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting the atmosphere, as well as a foundation in the fundamentals of specific atmospheric systems. Students work with faculty spanning five departments, who incorporate expertise and research over multiple areas of emphasis, and contribute solutions to the most challenging atmospheric science questions of our day.

Learn More About the PhD in Atmospheric Sciences

esearcher in the field working with water

Environmental Engineering—PhD

The PhD in Engineering (Environmental) is designed for the pursuit of advanced, interdisciplinary studies in environmental engineering. The professional discipline of environmental engineering seeks to improve and maintain the environment for the protection of human health, for the protection of nature’s beneficial ecosystems, and for the environment-related enhancement of the quality of human life.

Learn More About the PhD in Environmental Engineering

Department Graduate Requirements

Chemistry Graduate Handbook

The following graduate degree requirements will help you stay on track:

This is a brief overview of the requirements for an MS degree from the Department of Chemistry:

  • A minimum of 30 credits. At least 20 of the 30 must be course credits, and at least 12 of the course credits must be at the 5000 level or higher. Also, a minimum of 6 research credits are required.
  • MS thesis
  • Presentation of research in a seminar followed by an oral defense
  • Proof of mastery of chemistry concepts through passing placement exams or department courses

ACS Bridge Program

The ACS Bridge Program (ACS-BP) is open to prospective Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students who meet the eligibility criteria, exhibit academic promise and plan to pursue a doctoral degree in the chemical sciences to broaden participation and diversity in graduate education. 
Successful applicants will receive financial support from the institution where they are accepted. Learn more about the Bridge Program and current year application deadlines.

Administrative Policies

The department's administrative policies for co-op/internship leaves of absence and travel funding follow:

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.