About us
Graduate curricula leading to the Ph.D. in Chemistry are offered in the following areas:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Biology/Biochemistry
- Chemical Education
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry (including Theoretical Chemistry)
It is also possible to create customized multidisciplinary track curricula. Aside from the divisional areas above, faculty are conducting research in a variety of interdisciplinary areas, such as:
- Bioinorganic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Energy & Batteries
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials
- Molecular Biophysics/Structural Biology
- Nanoscience/Nanotechnology
- Photochemistry
- Surface Chemistry
The first semester is devoted mainly to core coursework, with elective coursework being completed in the second semester and second year. Students join a lab in the spring of the first year. During the second and subsequent years, the major emphasis is on research. Ph.D. students typically advance to candidacy by the end of the second year of study. Opportunities for professional and career development are structured throughout the candidacy period.
All research is carried out under the direct supervision of a faculty adviser who serves as the student's preceptor. Many research groups are enriched by the presence of undergraduate researchers, postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and visiting professors.
For more information, go to Chemistry graduate studies.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International graduates of this major are approved by the Department of Homeland Security for three (3) years of work permission in the United States after graduation. Visit the Office of International Affairs website for more information.