Chemistry

Graduate Programs

The Chemistry Department offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These programs train the student broadly in chemistry and require original investigation in a specialized area. The PhD degree places major emphasis on training in depth, with the expectation of a significant scholarly contribution in the specialized area. Practical experience in teaching chemistry and an understanding of the ethical conduct of research and scholarship are also recognized objectives both in the MA/MS programs and in the PhD program.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree programs in chemistry adolescence education, grades 7-12, are available in conjunction with the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership in the College of Community and Public Affairs. 

A certificate of completion in college/university teaching is awarded to students who satisfy certificate requirements as defined by the Chemistry Department, in conjunction with the Graduate School.

Interdisciplinary Programs

In addition to the four traditional areas of chemistry — analytical, inorganic, organic and physical — the department also offers MS and PhD degrees with specializations in the interdisciplinary areas of biological chemistry and materials chemistry.

Admission

All applicants should submit scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test and the GRE advanced test in chemistry.

Placement Examinations

On entering the graduate programs, students are expected to demonstrate a general competence equivalent to the baccalaureate degree with a major in chemistry or to be prepared to make up deficiencies by taking appropriate courses. Proficiency is determined by placement examinations in the major subject areas of the field. In the week preceding registration for each semester, a written comprehensive examination is given in each of the areas of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry.

A student in the biological chemistry program must demonstrate proficiency in any two traditional subdisciplines of chemistry (organic, analytical, inorganic, physical) and a placement examination in biochemistry. A student in the materials chemistry program must demonstrate proficiency in inorganic and physical chemistry and in solid state and materials sciences. (The last topic may be replaced by taking placement examinations in both analytical and organic chemistry.)

Students who perform satisfactorily are admitted to graduate courses numbered 500 and above. Students showing deficiencies in specific areas are required to correct these deficiencies, normally by taking appropriate courses at lower levels or by passing subsequent examinations. Undergraduate deficiencies may be removed by audit (without credit), wherein all the requirements, including examinations, must be completed; the instructor provides a grade used by the departmental graduate committee in evaluating the student’s progress. To remain in the program, students are expected either to pass all placement examinations or otherwise remove deficiencies prior to the beginning of the second calendar year of study.

Master of Arts Program

The MA program in chemistry satisfies the needs of students who desire a master’s degree based primarily on coursework.

The departmental graduate committee recommends, for the degree of MA in chemistry, students who complete the following requirements:

  • An acceptable research project (at least four credits of CHEM 597)
  • Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
  • Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
  • Six graduate courses, at least four of which are in chemistry, the balance to be related courses approved by the departmental graduate committee
  • Public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the research project
  • A total of at least 32 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements 

Master of Science Program

A candidate for the degree of MS in chemistry is expected to demonstrate a general knowledge in the field and the ability to do original work in a specialized area of the field of chemistry, leading to an acceptable thesis. The program is guided by an advisor and the departmental graduate committee until certification and approval of a research subject and advisor. The research problem is started as early as possible in the student’s graduate education, consistent with the attainment of an acceptable general proficiency as determined by the satisfactory completion of appropriate courses and examinations.

The departmental graduate committee recommends, for the degree of MS in Chemistry, students who complete the following requirements:

  • An acceptable research project and thesis (CHEM 599)
  • Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
  • Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
  • Four graduate courses, at least three of which ordinarily are in chemistry, the balance in related courses approved by the departmental graduate committee. A student in the biological chemistry program must complete at least two courses in chemistry and the remainder from the fields of biological sciences and other sciences (physics, computer science, geology, mathematics or engineering) approved by the faculty advisor. A student in the materials chemistry program must complete at least two courses in chemistry, including CHEM 544, and at least two courses from the fields of materials science and engineering, geology, physics or engineering approved by the faculty advisor.
  • Passing an oral examination on the subject of the research thesis
  • A total of at least 30 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements

The examining committee for each candidate consists of at least three faculty members appointed by the departmental graduate committee. In interdisciplinary programs, one member may be from another department.

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The PhD degree is awarded for original investigation leading to a significant advance of knowledge in a specialized area. Courses and seminars provide necessary background in the knowledge, basic principles, methods and theories of chemistry. Under the guidance of the departmental graduate committee, students complete those courses that best serve their particular needs. In the course of their training, they are expected to demonstrate by appropriate examinations, a breadth of knowledge in chemistry, a perspective of the relation of chemistry to other fields of knowledge — particularly the fields of mathematics, physics and biology — and competence in-depth in a specialized area of chemistry. At the earliest date consistent with their general progress, students select a research topic and begin research. See the section below under Research and Dissertation for more details.

Courses

A student is normally expected to take six to eight courses, two of which may be from the fields of physics, mathematics, biology and materials science. A student in the biological chemistry program must complete at least three courses in chemistry and the remainder from the fields of biological sciences and other sciences (physics, computer science, geology, mathematics or engineering) approved by the faculty advisor, for a total of six to eight courses. A student in the materials chemistry program must complete at least three courses in chemistry, including CHEM 544, and at least two courses from the fields of materials science and engineering, geology, physics or engineering approved by the faculty advisor, for a total of six to eight courses. Most of the basic graduate courses in a student’s program should be taken during the first year of residence.

Comprehensive Examinations

Proficiency in a specialized area (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, biological or materials chemistry) is established by passing a comprehensive literature review examination (oral and written parts) and an oral examination in the area of specialization. Students are required to complete both examinations and obtain ABD (all-but-dissertation) status before the beginning of the fifth semester.

Normally, students are expected to pass the comprehensive literature review examination in the selected area of specialization before the beginning of the fourth semester. Failure to pass the comprehensive literature review examination in two attempts is normally considered sufficient reason for dismissal from the PhD program. 

Following the satisfactory completion of the comprehensive literature review, students are required to pass an oral examination in the area of specialization. Failure to pass the oral examination after the second attempt is also considered sufficient reason for dismissal from the PhD program.

For those students pursuing research in an alternative interdisciplinary area, an alternative examination option is available under the guidance of an interdisciplinary examining committee.

Seminars

All graduate students in chemistry attend and participate in seminars based on lectures presented by fellow students, faculty and visiting scientists. Appropriate questions from such seminars are normally incorporated in the cumulative examinations.

Research and Dissertation

Since the PhD is earned primarily on the basis of original investigative work, students begin research early in their training. The departmental graduate committee reviews each student’s progress at frequent intervals, at least after each semester of residence. The selection of an advisor and a research problem is made with the advice and approval of the committee, at the earliest date consistent with the student’s progress in satisfying the general requirements of the program and normally, not later than the end of the second semester. Thereafter, the advisor serves as the student’s advisor. The investigation is described in a written dissertation, prepared and submitted in accordance with the prescribed regulations of the graduate committee. The student is required to pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Summary Requirements

  • Normally, at least six courses, two of which may be from the fields of physics, mathematics or biology. For students in the biological chemistry program, at least three courses must be in chemistry. For students in the materials chemistry program, at least three courses must be in chemistry and at least two courses must be in other fields.
  • Passing of a comprehensive literature review examination in two attempts, followed by passing of an oral examination in the area of specialization
  • One semester of graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
  • Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
  • Completion of an original investigation in a specialized area of chemistry
  • Submission of a written dissertation and oral defense of dissertation

List of Faculty