Graduate Curriculum
The Ph.D. program in Chemistry requires successful completion of a series of courses in a field of specialization, a series of seminar courses, a coursework minor, a Ph.D. candidacy examination, and defense of a thesis describing original research.
A student must complete five graduate-level classes at the A or B grade levels. A list of all classes offered is found here.
In the first three semesters, a student completes a series of seminars:
- Chem 8901-Faculty Seminar (research presentations by members of the faculty)
- Chem 8902-Research Tools (a discussion of ethics, careers, writing, proposals, and presentations)
- Chem 8903-Student Seminar (a seminar series presented by students)
In addition to courses and seminars, Ph.D. candidates must complete:
- a series of literature exams in their major area
- a Ph.D. candidacy exam at the end of their second year
- a data review 3-6 months prior to thesis defense
- a thesis defense describing original research
M.S. degree (thesis option)
- 12 credits (four 3-credit courses, L/G) in an area of specialization
- 6 credits (two 3-credit courses, L/G) in a second area of specialization
- 6 credits approved free elective, including any course from the listed areas of specialization program and seminar courses
- 6 credits of Master's Thesis (CHEM 7000)
- Completion of a thesis describing original research
M.S. degree (non-thesis option)
- 12 credits (four 3-credit courses, L/G) in an area of specialization
- 6 credits (two 3-credit courses, L/G) in a second area of specialization
- 3 credits (one 3-credit course, L/G) in any area of specialization
- 9 credits of approved free electives, which may include any course from the listed areas of specialization, Chem 7001, 8000, 8901 or 8903
For a complete list of graduate degree requirements: Download Chemistry Graduate Student Handbook. For a copy of the graduate brochure:: Chemistry Graduate Viewbook. Required academic forms can be downloaded.