The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Individual research programs offer training in a variety of interdisciplinary research topics such as bioinorganic, chemical biology, forensic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, molecular recognition and nanoscience. All degree programs include teaching and research experience.

Although an undergraduate degree in chemistry accredited by the American Chemical Society provides the strongest foundation for graduate work, many successful students have held either a B.A. or B.S. in a physical or biological science or in engineering.

Entering students take standardized examinations in all areas of chemistry analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. The results determine the level at which students will begin graduate study. Acceptable performance on the standardized examination can lead to an exemption for one or more of these courses in the M.S./Ph.D program. The program of study is flexible to take advantage of previous training and to meet particular needs of the student’s area of study.

The Ph.D. program has no fixed number of required graduate credits but requires a minimum of 3 Ph.D.-level courses in the major area. The student, the advisor, and the advisory committee will determine coursework that the student should complete. The student’s major advisor will determine the amount of research required for the dissertation. A seminar course is required each quarter and each student must present a satisfactory seminar each year beyond the first year of study. A qualifier examination is given after approximately 5 quarters of study to determine if the student should continue in the program. A failure of this examination may lead to a decision that the student be placed into the M.S. degree program or terminated from the graduate program.

A student must defend their dissertation orally at a public meeting of their advisory committee. Before the dissertation is approved, a portion must have been accepted for publication in an approved journal. There is no foreign language requirement for the Ph.D. The average period of study for the Ph.D. is four and one-half years.

The M.S. program has no fixed number of required graduate credits but requires a minimum of 3 M.S.- or Ph.D.-level courses in the major area. A seminar course is required each quarter, and students must present one satisfactory seminar each year beyond the first year of study. Students must defend their thesis orally at a public meeting of their advisory committee. In lieu of a thesis, a student may submit a paper that has been accepted for publication in an approved journal and the student is a primary author. There is no foreign language requirement for the M.S. The average period of study is two and one-fourth years.

You must apply at least six weeks prior to the quarter for which you seek admission. Most students enter the chemistry program in the fall quarter. Entry during the academic year other than fall quarter is possible, but usually discouraged. Although there is no formal deadline for applications for financial aid, early application (by February 15 for fall quarter) is strongly recommended.