Graduate Admissions Criteria
Applications for admission to the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry are reviewed by the School's Graduate Admissions Committee. The committee is appointed by the School Chair. The committee is chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies and includes faculty members from each of the divisions in the School. Admission decisions are based on the review of the applicant’s undergraduate transcript, GRE scores, personal statement describing experiences and interests, and letters of recommendation.
While there are no formal minimum requirements for the GPA, or GRE score, it is expected that the application materials demonstrate that the applicant has a broad training in core areas of chemistry and is equipped to succeed in graduate coursework, other academic requirements, and research. Core areas of chemistry include analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students interested in the study of biochemistry should have completed organic chemistry and some undergraduate biochemistry or biology classes. Similarly, students interested in the study of polymer chemistry may have taken courses in polymer science in lieu of classes in some of the core areas.
In addition to students who have completed a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry, the School also accepts students with training in biology, chemical engineering, physics, and other disciplines, who may not have completed study in all of these core areas, but who have completed a rigorous program in an allied discipline and have sufficiently strong training in chemistry. Prior research experience, relevant work experience, and participation in scientific organizations and/or meetings are considered favorably in the admissions process. Students are encouraged to submit complete applications for review during the period from November to mid-March.