Discover Chemistry @ Â鶹¹ú²úAV
Â鶹¹ú²úAV's Department of Chemistry offers graduate students an immersive and exceptional teaching experience combined with excellent research opportunities. Â鶹¹ú²úAV graduate students are prepared to solve problems and make a difference in their field of study. With dedicated faculty in the Department ofÌýChemistry and Biochemistry, our students expand their knowledge and skills. Students also have the opportunity to engage with the community to promote STEM education.
Doctoral students in the Department of Chemistry perform cutting-edge interdisciplinary research to solve real-world problems alongside Â鶹¹ú²úAV’s 28 distinguished and award-winning faculty. Our students develop the critical skills necessary to excel in industry, academic, private and government positions throughout the world.Ìý
About Our Doctoral Program in the Department of Chemistry
Students in Â鶹¹ú²úAV’s doctoral program can choose to work with a faculty mentor in any of the divisions of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, environmental, inorganic, organic, and physical/computational). Our goal is for the average student to complete their Ph.D. in five years. First year graduate students typically teach undergraduate laboratory and recitation courses, enroll in classes specific to their interests, and choose a research mentor. Research usually begins during the Spring of the first year.
With a commitment to service and helping those locally and nationally, our career-ready graduates as well as our world-class faculty ensure interactive learning and discovery is a continuous and welcoming environment at Â鶹¹ú²úAV’s Department of Chemistry.
Ph.D. Program Requirements
For the doctoral degree program, completion of a minimum of 78 credit hours is required, unless the student holds a prior master’s degree in chemistry, in which case a minimum of 48 hours is required.
Selection of first-semester courses will be made by the student in consultation with the graduate program director (GPD). After the first semester, students will develop course plans in consultation with their research advisers. No coursework registration changes are permitted without the GPD or research advisor’s approval. The minimum course requirements for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry are:
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- Formal Coursework. The Department of Chemistry requires 18 credit hours of 700/800-level coursework in chemistry or other relevant disciplines for the Ph.D. Specifically, 9 (elective) credits can be taken in the students’ designated field with 9 (core) credits in courses core chemistry courses. Additional courses can be taken as needed and are encouraged when beneficial to research progress and development.Ìý
- Chemistry Seminar. Beginning in the first semester, research graduate students are required to register each semester for seminar (CHEM 890) and attend departmental seminar. Students in their second and fourth years will give a research seminar presenting their research. During these semesters the students are required to sign up for doctoral seminar (CHEM891) and attend departmental seminar. Students are required to be registered in CHEM 890 until they reach ABD status
- Graduate Orientation. All graduate students entering for the fall semester are required to register for CHEM 670 (Graduate Orientation). Each research-active faculty member will have the opportunity to present an overview of his or her research program. These discussions will assist the students in choosing a research adviser and an Advisory Committee. Students will also go through responsible conduct of research (RCR) training. Attendance at all sessions is required to receive a grade of Satisfactory.
- Research Hours. Doctoral students will register for Doctoral Research (CHEM 898) under their unique section number for their advisor and credit requirements.Ìý
- Candidacy Examination. Prior to the students fifth semester of enrollment, they must complete a written and oral candidacy examination.Ìý
- Dissertation Prospectus. All graduate students must complete a dissertation prospectus within one year of completing their candidacy examination.
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