Graduate Program Information

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.


Students in a chemistry lab measuring a liquid in a beaker

Chemistry Accelerated Master's—BS-MS

This accelerated plan allows students to combine a Master's degree in chemistry with any Bachelor’s degree offered by the Department of Chemistry. Students enrolled in the Chemistry Accelerated Master’s (BS-MS) program begin graduate course work during the fourth year and complete the requirements for both their Bachelor's and Master's degrees in five years of full-time study. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to succeed in industry or in a chemistry doctoral program.


Areas of Interest

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Atmospheric Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical/Computational Chemistry

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

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

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

PhD Degree Requirements

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

  • A minimum of 60 credits:
    • 20 Course Credits
  • Qualifying Examination (Research Update)
  • Original research proposal
  • PhD Dissertation
  • Oral Defense of PhD Research
  • Proof of mastery of chemistry concepts through passing Placement Exams or Department Courses

Learn More About Chemistry PhD Requirements

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: