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Ph.D. Requirements

Credit Hours A minimum total 30 semester hours with at least 15 semester hours in chemistry courses. An overall GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

Courses Students must pass at least 6 graduate lecture courses from at least 3 of 6 divisions with a minimum grade of 'C' in any one course during the first 4 semesters (excluding summers). Up to 2 courses may be waived for students entering with a M.S. degree in chemistry (or a closely related field with consent of the Chemistry Director of Graduate Studies).

Mentor The research mentor should be selected during the first semester. Students are required to interview a minimum of 5 chemistry faculty, including members of at least 2 divisions.

Committee The student will select his/her Dissertation Committee in consultation with the research mentor during the first 4 semesters of study. The committee consists of the mentor, a chemistry faculty in the same division, a chemistry faculty in a different division, an additional chemistry faculty, and a faculty member from a different department.

Cumulative Exams Students must complete a series of written cumulative examinations designed to show in-depth knowledge in the chosen area of concentration. Cumulative exams begin in the second semester and are given the third Saturday of January, March, May, September, and November.

Literature Seminar Students must enroll in seminar (Chem 695) each of their first 4 semesters (excluding summers) and attend departmental seminars. Students must make a presentation based on a topic under active discussion in the recent literature during their second or third semester. The remaining seminar attendance requirement may be waived after all other Master's candidacy requirements have been achieved.

Research Proposal Students must develop, explain, and defend a research proposal prior to the beginning of the 7th semester (excluding summers). The proposal may include preliminary results from the student's research and describe possible future directions.

Publications It is expected that prior to the Research Seminar, at least one manuscript based on the student's research would have been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Before completion of the Ph.D. program, at least one published article and at least one additional manuscript submitted to peer-reviewed journals is expected.

Research Seminar A one-hour seminar on the student's dissertation research project is to be given before the end of the 8th semester (excluding summers). This seminar must be completed at least 9 months prior to graduation. The MS degree will be awarded upon successful completion of the research seminar.

Dissertation A written dissertation describing the research program is submitted a minimum of 14 days before the defense. The defense consists of a one-hour seminar followed by an oral examination with the Faculty Reading committee.

Ph.D. Milestones

First Year Coursework Attend Seminars Select a Mentor Begin Research Begin Cumulative Exams (2nd semester) Literature Seminar (early)

Second Year Continue/Finish Coursework Continue/Finish Cumulative Exams Literature Seminar (deadline 3rd semester) Attend Seminars Research Organize Dissertation Committee

Third Year Research Finish Cumulative Exams Research Proposal

Fourth Year Research Research Seminar* *M.S. degree awarded

Fifth Year Finish Research Write and defend Dissertation* *Ph.D. awarded

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Best Chemistry Programs

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With a graduate degree in chemistry, scientists may find

With a graduate degree in chemistry, scientists may find jobs in laboratories, government agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, colleges and universities, and more. These are the best chemistry schools. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Admission Requirements

Please refer to Applying to Princeton for the authoritative requirements for admission to all graduate programs at Princeton University, including the Department of Chemistry.

Specific requirements for application to the Department of Chemistry may be found on the Chemistry Field of Study page.

Ultimately, all prospective graduate student must apply through the university’s Online Graduate School Application .

Upon receiving applications from the Graduate School, the Department of Chemistry’s Admissions Review Committee reviews each application in a holistic fashion, considering all aspects of the application file including prior research and coursework, letters of recommendation and standardized test scores.

Further Details and Fine Print…

Standardized scores.

The submission of GRE general test scores is strongly recommended but not required. There are no minimum test score requirements for admission. If submitted, the standardized scores are reviewed as part of the applicant’s portfolio by the faculty review committee.

Please note that some November GRE test results might not be officially submitted by ETS until after the December 1 deadline. You may self-report the test results to our graduate program manager, Patti Wallack , by email as soon as you have them. The November results are usually received by the Graduate School by mid-December allowing sufficient time for the official report to be confirmed by the admissions committee.

The application fee is established and managed by the Graduate School. The department cannot grant a fee waiver.  More information on fee waivers.

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All students receive full financial support for the length of their course of study funded through fellowship, teaching and advisor support. This support is not a loan and does not require repayment. Students are provided tuition, health insurance and a stipend for housing and living expenses. More information about financial support, policies and rates.

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Admissions decisions are shared by February . Official campus visits for accepted students are held in February and March. An invitation to attend one of our Visiting Weekends will be sent to all accepted students.

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Contact Patti for all graduate program and admissions questions.

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Contact Sarah for all graduate program and admissions questions.

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Erik Sorensen Arthur Allan Patchett Professor in Organic Chemistry, Professor of Chemistry Director of Graduate Studies

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Ph.D. in Chemistry Application Instructions

Autumn 2023 application information for 2024-2025.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing doctoral studies in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington. Below you will find information regarding application deadlines and requirements. Please explore our website to learn more about our graduate program and areas of faculty research. We look forward to receiving your application!

Application Requirements

• Online Application Deadline: December 1, 2023.
• Applications must include all required documentation. As the Chemistry Graduate Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications, you are strongly encouraged to submit all required documentation by the application deadline.
• The Graduate School is transitioning to a new admissions system. If you have any questions about your application or encounter any issues, please email [email protected] before you submit your application.

Educational Background Requirements

Educational background should be equivalent to that of an undergraduate major in one of the natural sciences or engineering.

Applicants will automatically be considered for Teaching or Research Assistantships in the Department of Chemistry, and there is no separate application for these positions. English language proficiency is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency through one of the accepted methods outlined in Policy 3.2:  Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements . Policy 3.2 also includes the minimum accepted test scores for admission to the UW Chemistry Graduate Program:

TOEFL iBT: Minimum score 92* A minimum score of 26 on the speaking section is required in order to be exempt from further English testing. Applicants with a TOEFL iBT speak score in the range of 22 – 25 are also encouraged to apply if they have an exceptionally strong academic record.

Duolingo: Minimum score of 120* Applicants who use the Duolingo test will be required to undergo further testing to meet the spoken English requirement for Teaching Assistants who are not native speakers of English.

IELTS: Minimum score 7.0* Demonstrate spoken English proficiency with a minimum score of 7.0 on the speaking section of the IELTS.

GRE: GRE scores will not be accepted and will not be used as a factor for admission into the UW Chemistry Ph.D. program for the 2024-2025 academic year.

*Please note: TOEFL iBT, IELTS and Duolingo test scores are only valid for two years and must be valid on the date that your UW application is submitted.

Application Process & Fees

Apply online for admission to the Chemistry Ph.D. program. Upload all of the required materials via the application website as early as possible and prior to the application deadline. These materials should include all of the items listed below under Required Documentation. The non-refundable $85 application fee must be paid by credit card when you submit your application. Students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to  apply for a fee waiver . Fee waivers can be requested as part of the application process by selecting “I am eligible for a fee waiver” from the payment method drop-down menu and then answering the Waiver Eligibility Questionnaire.

International applicants expecting a J-1 or F-1 visa are not eligible for application fee waivers. Visit the UW Graduate School  admissions website  for information about the admissions process, including an  overview of the admissions process  and information specific to  international students .

Required Documentation

Submit all of the following application materials electronically via the Graduate School online application website prior to the December 1, 2023 deadline. No materials should be sent via postal mail, as the Department of Chemistry and the University of Washington Graduate School do not accept paper submissions for this program.

1. One unofficial transcript from each college and/or university attended for credit (uploaded via the online application website). NOTE: Students who accept admission must submit official transcripts, which will be compared to unofficial transcripts submitted during the application process.

2. Three letters of recommendation , coordinated through and uploaded by writers to the online application website. Hard copy letters are discouraged; if your recommender prefers to send a paper copy then they should include the recommendation cover form with the letter of recommendation.

3. Please provide a statement of purpose that includes the following elements:

(i) an introduction to yourself, your interests, and motivations related to pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry,

(ii) a summary of your undergraduate career and other academic training experiences,

(iii) a description of your laboratory experience, research experience, outreach, leadership activities, and/or scholarly engagement outside of coursework and their impact on your current motivations, aspirations, and scientific interests, and

(iv) an explanation of why you would like to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at UW. Please also include three faculty members in our department that are most aligned with your research interests and a brief explanation of your choices. All of these elements can be discussed in any order within your statement of purpose, and you are welcome to include additional information.

You will be evaluated for your potential to contribute to research at the UW (based on your research experience, relevant work experience, creativity in problem solving, aptitude for planning/organization, scholarly engagement outside of coursework) and your persistence in and commitment to educational success (based on indications of leadership, recognition of achievements, extracurricular activities, and educational/cultural/geographic background). The "Statement of Purpose" is also a good place to explain any items of concern that we may see in your application materials.  For example, if you received poor grades at some point during your academic studies due to extenuating circumstances, then providing an explanation here would be appropriate. The total length of the Statement of Purpose should be approximately 1 to 2 pages.

4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

5. Proof of English Proficiency  for applicants whose native language is not English. Your application will not be considered complete until items 1-5 listed above have been submitted.

All application materials should be submitted electronically. The Department of Chemistry and the UW Graduate School do not accept paper submissions for this program. You will be notified of the Chemistry Graduate Admissions Committee’s decision no later than the end of March.

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PhD in Chemistry

The PhD in chemistry is primarily a research degree. It is awarded to students who have displayed competence in planning and conducting original research in the field of chemistry, demonstrated a broad familiarity with the science of chemistry, understanding in the application of the scientific method, and gained a thorough knowledge of their field of specialization.

Students build a solid foundation in all four core areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical), and a thorough knowledge of their chosen field of specialization. In the first part of the PhD program, students take at least one formal classroom course in each the core areas of chemistry as outlined in the course requirements below. The courses must be completed successfully (B- or better) by the end of the third semester.

Since original research is the primary requirement for the PhD degree, a student selects a research supervisor and begins research before the end the first year. The student and research supervisor then select two faculty members to serve as the student's Doctoral Research Committee. The Committee, in conjunction with the student's research adviser, take over the advisory function from the graduate committee and guides the student's work to promote development as an independent investigator.

Thus, in addition to research each student must complete the following requirements:

• Service as a teaching assistant
• Regular progress updates with a faculty Research Committee
• A departmental seminar
• Defense of an original research proposal.
• Completion of a dissertation reporting significant work of publishable quality

Course Requirements

At least one of the following analytical chemistry courses:

• Chem 141: Instrumental Analysis
• Chem 142: Advanced Analytical Methods
• Chem 144: Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis
• Chem 145: Separation Science
• Chem 146: Electroanalytical Chemistry

At least one of the following inorganic chemistry courses: 

• Chem 161: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Chem 162: Chemistry of Transition Elements
• Chem 164: Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Chem 165: Physical Methods In Inorganic Chemistry

At least one of the following organic chemistry courses:

• Chem 150: Intermediate Organic Chemistry
• Chem 151: Physical Organic Chemistry
• Chem 152: Advanced Organic Synthesis

At least one of the following physical chemistry courses: 

• Chem 131: Statistical Thermodynamics
• Chem 132: Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics
• Chem 133: Quantum Mechanics
• Chem 134: Biophysical Chemistry
• Chem 136: Spectroscopy and Molecular Structure
• Chem 138: Atomic Scale Structure and Properties of Surfaces  
• Two additional classroom courses, exclusive of research, must be completed satisfactorily by the end of the fourth semester

PhD Program

Professor Wender discusses chemistry with his graduate students.

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental sciences.

The Department of Chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study spanning contemporary subfields, including theoretical, organic, inorganic, physical, biophysical and biomedical chemistry and more. Much of the research defies easy classification along traditional divisions; cross-disciplinary collaborations with Stanford's many vibrant research departments and institutes is among factors distinguishing this world-class graduate program.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development.  This advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement with mutual respect by both the adviser and advisee.

• The adviser is expected to meet at least monthly with the graduate student to discuss on-going research.
• There should be a yearly independent development plan (IDP) meeting between the graduate student and adviser. Topics include research progress, expectations for completion of PhD, areas for both the student and adviser to improve in their joint research effort.
• A research adviser should provide timely feedback on manuscripts and thesis chapters.
• Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.
• If there is a significant issue concerning the graduate student’s progress in research, the adviser must communicate this to the student and to the Graduate Studies Committee in writing.  This feedback should include the issues, what needs to be done to overcome these issues and by when.

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students' education and additional resources can be found in the  Policies and Best Practices for Advising Relationships at Stanford  and the  Guidelines for Faculty-Student Advising at Stanford .

Learn more about the program through the links below, and by exploring the research interests of the  Chemistry Faculty  and  Courtesy Faculty .

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10 Top PhD Programs in Chemistry in 2024

A PhD program in Chemistry can equip you with a range of professional skills and advanced knowledge in the field. With a doctorate in chemistry on your resume, you’ll be able to find prestigious jobs in research labs, industry, academia, or government.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of chemists and material scientists is $79,760 , and jobs are estimated to grow by 6%  over the next decade, in line with growth prospects for all professions.

Which of the best PhD programs in Chemistry is right for you?

Read on to learn about the best programs, including essential information like tuition, acceptance rates, and whether you can get a degree online or not.

Table of Contents

Top PhD Programs in Chemistry

1. massachusetts institute of technology.

PhD in Chemistry

Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been ranked first in the nation  for Chemistry, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the best PhD in Chemistry programs. The program is flexible because students can choose courses based on their long-term research goals.

• Courses include: Principles of inorganic chemistry, crystal structure refinement, and heterocyclic chemistry.
• Credits: 48
• Duration: 4 years +
• Tuition:  Full funding
• Financial aid: Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
• Delivery: On-campus
• Acceptance rate: 7.3%
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

2. Stanford University, School of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford University is one of the world’s leading research institutions with innovative and flexible programs. This chemistry PhD program is world-class with a cross-disciplinary approach, collaborating with various other departments and institutes.

• Courses include: Advanced inorganic chemistry, organic polyfunctional compounds, and chemical principles.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition: Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Research assistantship, teaching assistantship, fellowships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5.2%
• Location: Stanford, California

3. California Institute of Technology, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Caltech’s Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is renowned for its large number of faculty members conducting leading research in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. This chemistry doctoral program aims to develop students’ creative and original research abilities.

• Courses include: Bioinorganic chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms, and advanced quantum chemistry.
• Duration: 5.5 years average
• Tuition : $56,364
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, fellowships, assistantships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 6.7%
• Location: Pasadena, California

4. Harvard University, The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Harvard University’s faculty in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology division includes several Nobel and Welch Award laureates conducting research in various areas of interest in chemistry. In this PhD program for chemistry, students can pursue interdisciplinary research in various institutes and research centers in the Boston area.

• Courses include: Advanced organic chemistry, materials chemistry, and advanced inorganic chemistry.
• Duration: 5-6 years
• Tuition: Full funding
• Financial aid: Scholarships, research assistantships, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 5%

5. Northwestern University, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking that is adaptive, flexible, and practical in the context of the modern world. This chemistry PhD program aims to provide students with a strong foundation in chemistry and valuable exposure to research projects important to wider society.

• Courses include: Organic chemistry, physical/analytical chemistry, and biological chemistry.
• Financial aid: Fellowships, graduate assistantships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 9.3%
• Location: Evanston, Illinois

6. Yale University, Department of Chemistry

Yale is one of the most acclaimed universities in the world, with a diverse student population, including 22%  international students from a total of 115 different nations . This flexible PhD chemistry program allows students to choose their areas of study based on their research subjects rather than maintaining a rigid course list.

• Courses include: Fundamentals of transition metal chemistry, bioinorganic spectroscopy, and organic structures & energetics.
• Financial aid: Stipends, fellowships, and grants.
• Acceptance rate: 6.5%
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

7. The University of Chicago, Department of Chemistry

The chemistry department was one of the University of Chicago’s first departments to be inaugurated and currently has a strong faculty in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as interdisciplinary studies. This is also one of the most flexible Chemistry PhD programs in the country, allowing you to study from different departments as well as giving you the freedom to choose your areas of study.

• Courses include: Complex chemical systems, chemical biology, and chemical dynamics.
• Tuition : $63,936
• Financial aid: Fellowships, research assistantships, health insurance, grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

8. Princeton University, Department of Chemistry

Princeton University’s prestigious Frick Chemistry Laboratory encourages faculty and students to conduct collaborative and interdisciplinary research in the field. This doctorate degree in chemistry encourages students to pursue individualized studies and conduct original research in specific areas of chemistry.

• Courses include: Advanced quantum chemistry, biophysical chemistry, and synthetic organic chemistry.
• Tuition : $57,410
• Financial aid: Assistantships, fellowships, work-study, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5.6%
• Location: Princeton, New Jersey

9. The University of California, Berkeley, College of Chemistry

The University of California was founded with a vision for a better future and is well-known as a pioneer in various areas, including diversity and free speech. This graduate program offers three concentrations: physical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and chemical biology.

• Courses include: Chemical kinetics, coordination chemistry, and organic reactions.
• Tuition : $14,476
• Financial aid: Fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 17.5%
• Location: Berkeley, California

10. Cornell University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Cornell’s Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology has a history of discovery and innovation and boasts Nobel laureates as well as National Academy Members among its faculty. The TATP (Teaching Assistant Training Program) is an integral part of this PhD program, and a satisfactory performance in this program is a mandatory part of the doctorate.

• Courses include: Engineering general chemistry, principles of organic chemistry, and physical chemistry of proteins.
• Financial aid: Teaching assistantship, research assistantship, fellowships, grants, stipend, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 10.7%
• Location: Ithaca, New York

What Do You Need To Get a PhD in Chemistry?

To be admitted as a PhD candidate , you’ll generally need a master’s in chemistry or a related field. As part of the application process, you’ll typically need to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a personal statement or research proposal.

Other documentation may be required depending on the program you want to apply for, so check the requirements with the admissions office.

Most PhD in chemistry programs involve a mix of coursework, which may cover chemistry courses and related sciences, and a research thesis or dissertation.

To earn your doctorate in chemistry, you typically also need to participate in seminars, pass oral and written exams, and complete a teaching assistantship.

Preparing for a Chemistry Doctorate Program

A PhD in chemistry is a technical, relatively-difficult advanced degree, so it’s important to prepare well to get the best results. Ahead of commencing, or even applying for the program, familiarize yourself with the latest developments and research in the field.

It can be a good idea to join professional associations, take advantage of other networking opportunities, and seek out extra-curricular activities in the field. Practical experience can also be very valuable, so try to work in a lab if possible.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Chemistry PhD Program

There are a range of chemistry doctorate programs offered by different institutions and covering several different concentrations. Before choosing the right program for you, it’s important to carefully consider your interests, passions, and career goals in order to decide on your preferred area of study.

From there, look for strong programs in this discipline with renowned faculty specializing in your area of interest.

Other key factors to consider include the following:

• Mode of delivery: on-campus, online, or hybrid
• School location, accessibility, and affordability to live in the area if you’re planning on studying on campus
• Program costs, including not only tuition but also fees and other expenses
• Financial aid options

Why Get a Doctorate in Chemistry?

A PhD in chemistry is one of the most in-demand and highest-paying PhDs . Graduates with a PhD chemistry are highly employable, with most finding roles in private industry. According to Duke University , from their 242 candidates, 118 were employed in business/industry, and Boston University  also tells us that most PhD Chemistry holders are employed in the private sector.

The benefits of studying for a doctorate in chemistry include:

• High level of prestige
• Many chemistry PhD programs are fully-funded or offer access significant to financial aid
• Wide range of job prospects in academia, research, and management
• Access to senior leadership positions and opportunities to manage research projects

Jobs you can land with a PhD in Chemistry include:

• Post-doctoral Research Assistant ( $52,672 )
• Chemical Materials Scientist ( $130,008 )
• Professor of Chemistry ( $94,914 )
• Development Chemist ( $59,802 )
• Director of Research ( $107,150 )

The tuition for a PhD in chemistry can range from $10,000 to $70,000 based on various factors, with public schools being much more affordable than private schools. On top of tuition, you also need to consider other expenses, such as fees, study materials, and living expenses. However, many chemistry doctorates offer scholarships, grants, and even full funding.

For most programs, you’ll take around five years to complete a chemistry PhD when studying full-time. However, it can take up to seven years or even longer in some cases.

What Skills Do You Gain When Doing a Ph.D. in Chemistry?

You’ll build a range of advanced skills as part of a PhD in Chemistry program, most notably:

• Research skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Mentoring and teaching skills
• Leadership skills
• Organizational skills

PhD in Chemistry FAQs

How long does a phd in chemistry take.

A PhD in Chemistry takes five years to complete on average, though the duration can typically be anywhere between three and seven years.

Which Field of Chemistry Is Best for a PhD?

There is no single field that is best for a PhD in Chemistry. The best option for you will depend on your preferences, interests, and career ambitions. Common specializations include organic,         inorganic, physical, analytical, and computational chemistry.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Chemistry?

A PhD in chemistry is typically considered the most advanced degree in this scientific field and opens up a range of positions in academia, research, and the private sector. Positions for graduates with PhD doctorates include lecturers, professors, research leaders, environmental scientists, and materials scientists.

Is It Hard To Get a PhD in Chemistry?

Given that chemistry is a highly technical field and a PhD is an advanced degree, it’s not surprising that a PhD in chemistry is an in-depth, involved, and relatively-challenging degree. There’s no denying that you’ll need a background in the field and a certain degree of dedication to earn your doctorate in chemistry, but it’s certainly not impossible with some hard work and a little passion!

Key Takeaways

A PhD in chemistry is a valuable, advanced degree that opens up a wide range of career prospects, including senior-level positions in research, industry, and academia. There are a number of high-quality PhD programs in chemistry offered by renowned institutions across the country, covering a range of disciplines and including both on-campus and online programs .

Be clear on your areas of interest and career objectives, do your research to choose the best program for you, and you can’t go wrong!

For more options, look at our guide to the best online PhD programs , or if you’re ready to start preparing your application, check out our ultimate grad school test guide .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Chemistry PhD

Thank you for your interest in the UC San Diego Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Program. We have over 300 bright and talented graduate students with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. We offer programs for the Doctoral, Masters, and Joint Doctoral degrees. Below you will find information on the needed application materials and criteria.

Application Deadline

PhD Admissions Deadline for Fall 2024 is December 6, 2023 (to be confirmed)

General Application Information

To begin your online application or to check the status on your application, please visit  connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply . Information you enter may be saved at any time.

The Admissions & Recruitment Committee recommends submitting your application as soon as you complete it, even if we have not yet received all your letters of recommendation. We also highly recommend that you answer some/all of our additional questions about your educational experiences.

We review PhD files continuously beginning in late November and try to get the good news out to those we are recruiting to our program as soon as possible. If you have yet to hear from us, your file is still pending a final decision.

Please note that submitting your application requires an associated   application fee   although under many circumstances you may request that this fee be waived. Please read the application fee link above and inquire with  [email protected]  if you have any questions or would like more information on the waiver options.

Transcripts

Statement of purpose.

We recommend that you structure your Statement of Purpose to address the following four prompts:

• Describe your personal and professional motivations for pursuing research in the field of chemistry and/or biochemistry.
• the overall context and importance of the work,
• the specific goal of the work you were doing, (c) the methods by which you worked to achieve those goals
• what you learned and what your new understanding means for the future of the project. Include a short discussion of how your research experience has shaped your decision to apply to our graduate program.
• Specify one or more faculty members in our department whose current research aligns with your interests. Provide some insight into why you made the choice(s) you did.
• Describe any obstacles that you have overcome to achieve your academic and personal achievements as well as any contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion you have made.

We do not have a word limit, but we do recommend keeping your statement of purpose clear and concise.

Letters of Recommendation

We  require three letters of recommendation. Letter writers that are able to provide context and clarity with respect to your ability and potential to excel in a graduate program are the most helpful in evaluating your application (e.g. a research advisor or a professors from a course that knows you well). UC San Diego students applying for the MS program need to submit at least two letters – at least one from a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

If your letter writer needs a new link to submit their letter, please follow the instructions below:

• Log into  online application
• Click “Update Application”
• Go to “Letters of Recommendation” page
• Click “Resend” next to the name of your letter writer

GRE (not required)

Research experience, additional educational experiences, fee waiver programs.

There are a couple of fee waiver programs offered by the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

• Please fill out the application as much as you can  ( https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/ )
• Do not submit the application nor enter any payment information
• Take note of your application's reference number (you'll need that for the next step)
• Fill out our Fee Waiver Request Form
• The deadline to be considered for one of the department's application fee waivers is December 4, 2023.
• If selected for an application fee waiver, we will contact you with further instructions by December 5, 2023.

English Proficiency Exams (International Applicants Only)

Applicants that have recently studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country in which English is a dominant language, are exempt from language testing requirements.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) is required for all other international applicants whose native language is not English. Requirements for demonstrating proficiency are listed below.

International applicants must include an official report of their TOEFL iBT or TSE scores from  ETS . The university-wide minimum TOEFL score for graduate admission is  550 for the paper based test (PBT), and 85 for the internet based test (iBT) . The minimum for the   IELTS Academic Training exam is a score of 7   and a score of   65 for the PTE Academic.

At minimum, international applicants must also have a   TOEFL iBT Speaking subscore of 23 , an   IELTS Speaking subscore of 7 , or a   PTE Speaking subscores of 65 .

Commitment to Diversity

The  Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry welcomes all applicants. The university and department have a long-standing commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within STEM fields from. Our commitment to diversifying the scientific workforce also includes people who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.

Outreach Conferences 2023

National organization for the professional advancement of black chemists and engineers (nobcche).

September 11 - 14 | New Orleans, LA

American Chemistry Society National Meeting

August 13 - 17 | San Francisco, CA

California Diversity Forum

October 14 | San Francisco, CA

Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

October 26 - 28 | Portland, OR

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)

November 16 - 18 | Phoenix, AZ

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Fall 2024 PhD Deadline:

Dec 6, 2023

Department of Chemistry

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Application materials include:

• Academic transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• We encourage (but do not require) applicants to report scores for the GRE general and GRE chemistry subject tests. Applicants who feel that GRE scores support their case are welcome to include them. Our application review process is holistic, and the Graduate Admissions Committee believes that standardized test scores represent only one piece of a candidate’s profile. Applicants for whom taking the GRE presents a burden or who feel it does not represent their skills are free to not include them.
• The application fee is  $75 . However, fee waivers may be requested for applicants that have documentation showing they are a part of SACNAS, MARCC, oSTEM and many other organizations. To access the full list to see if you qualify, go to the Krieger Graduate Admission and Enrollment page

Please submit all application materials (including letters of recommendation) by December 15, 2023 to receive full consideration. Those applying to the Vivien Thomas Scholars program must apply by December 1, 2023. Although additional materials submitted past this date will still be considered, the graduate admissions committee will commence reviewing applications on December 15th, 2023.

Assistance with the application process is available. Candidates with questions about the application process, or requests for a GRE General Test waiver (or on other matters related to the application) should contact the Admissions Committee’s Academic Affairs Administrator:

Academic Affairs Administrator Johns Hopkins University Department of Chemistry 3400 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218 410-516-7427 Fax: 410-516-8420 [email protected]

There are no fixed requirements for admission. Undergraduate majors in chemistry, biology, earth sciences, mathematics, or physics may apply as well as all well-qualified individuals who will have received a BA degree before matriculation.

A select number of applicants will be invited to visit campus (virtually for international candidates and in-person for domestic candidates) to tour our facilities and interact with our faculty members and their lab members. The virtual tour is tentatively scheduled for February 23, 2024 while the in-person tour will take place on March 8-9, 2024.

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Admissions Statistics

The Chemistry program is committed to transparency in admissions. To access the latest published data, please visit  the OIR statistics page , select ‘Division-Natural Sciences’, ‘Program-Chemistry’.

Visiting Campus

The JHU Department of Chemistry is located in Remsen Hall and the New Chemistry Building, located on the Homewood Campus in Baltimore, Maryland.  Plan a visit.

Financial Aid and Admissions

About 80 fellowships, research appointments, and teaching assistantships are available for graduate students.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI ) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for STEM PhD students. It provides full tuition, stipend, benefits, targeted mentoring, and professional development. Students who have attended a historically black college and university or other minority serving institution for undergraduate study are eligible.

There is no additional application. To be considered for the VTSI, all components of the PhD application, including supplemental components, special VSTI questions, and letters of recommendation must be completed by December 1, 2023 , even if the program deadline is later.

Nathaniel Boggs Memorial Fellowship

The Nathaniel Boggs, Jr. Ph.D., Memorial Fellowship was established in 1999 by university trustee Paula Boggs, A&S ’81. It’s in memory of her father, who received Howard University’s first Ph.D. in biology. The fellowship provides a substantial stipend to the awardee.

Candidates for a fellowship must have an undergraduate degree from a historically black college or university, and pursue graduate work in select fields within the natural or physical sciences. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their academic performance, including GPA. 

Fields of study include biology, biophysics, chemistry, earth and planetary sciences, mathematics, and physics and astronomy. Interested candidates should contact their prospective department to inquire about the fellowship.

Kelly Miller Fellowship

Kelly Miller was the first African-American student to enroll at Johns Hopkins in 1887. He left the university before he completed his graduate degree, but later became a longtime professor of mathematics at Howard University, and a dean of arts and sciences. Students who have attended a historically black college and university or other minority serving institution for undergraduate study are eligible.

The fellowship provides a stipend for the first two years of the student’s program, and a research fund to be used in the course of the fellow’s graduate career. There are currently 10 fellowships available per year.

Relocation Funds for Incoming Graduate Students

We recognize that it can be financially burdensome to relocate to a new city to attend a Ph.D. program. Students who are accepted to Ph.D. programs at JHU can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to JHU.

These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their Ph.D. program.

This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.

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A world class education.

Video 3 of 3. Graduate students and faculty discuss how Northwestern Chemistry promotes interdisciplinary research.   Watch video .  

Video 2 of 3 . Graduate students discuss how Northwestern promotes collaboration that leads to scientific discovery and application.  Watch video.

Video 1 of 3 . Chemistry faculty members discuss what makes Northwestern a unique place to study chemistry.  Watch video .

Graduate Admissions Timeline

September, 2023.

The application process for the Graduate Program in Chemistry for Fall 2024 is currently CLOSED.  

December 1, 2023

Chemistry and Graduate School application deadline for applicants who wish to enter the Graduate Program of Chemistry in Fall 2024. All materials must be received by this date.

January - February, 2024

Department of Chemistry admission decisions are made.

Visit Weekends, March 2024

Department of Chemistry visit weekends for those offered admission.

April 15, 2024

Deadline for students to accept or decline offers of admission

What you need to apply

Application for admission, recommendation letters.

Three separate letters of recommendation are required. All letters of recommendation can be uploaded by the NU (Northwestern University) application software. The NU application software will ask you for the names and email addresses of three references. As you submit your application, an email will be sent to your references providing them with instructions for submitting their letters of recommendation. The NU application software will send you a confirmation email once your references have uploaded their letters of recommendation. If your references are uncomfortable using the web, you may wish to consider sending hard copies.

Official Transcript(s)

While completing your online application, you must submit one scanned copy of your transcript from each school you have attended. Scanned transcripts should be exact duplicates of the transcripts issued by your institution (bearing the institution’s seal). Please do not upload foreign language transcripts unless English language transcripts are impossible to obtain. If you only have access to foreign language transcripts, your foreign language transcripts must be accompanied by an official English translation bearing the original ink signature and seal of the issuing university.

Please make sure your scanned transcripts are legible before uploading them. Illegible transcripts will not be reviewed.

If you are recommended for admission and decide to enroll, you are required to mail one official copy of each of your transcripts to The Graduate School Admission Office as soon the transcripts are available. Your transcripts should be sent in sealed, unopened envelopes, directly from the issuing institution. Please be sure that your official transcripts list all the degrees that you have earned prior to enrolling at Northwestern University. Failure to submit all your transcripts (including degree awarding transcripts) by the end of your first quarter of study will result in registration holds.

Please do not mail copies of your transcripts to The Graduate School before you have been admitted AND submitted your enrollment decision. Any transcript submitted prior to that point will not be kept, and you must submit those transcripts again. The Graduate School’s address is listed below:

Northwestern University The Graduate School Rebecca Crown Center 633 Clark Street Evanston, IL, 60208

Any fraudulent activity or discrepancies found between uploaded and official transcript[s] will result in the immediate revocation of admission and/or dismissal from Northwestern University.

Transcript requirements of the Graduate School

Gre scores .

The Northwestern Chemistry Ph.D. program no longer requires the general GRE on graduate applications.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores 

Much of your success in graduate study will rely on your ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. If your native language is not English, you must certify your proficiency in the English language in one of the following three ways.

Providing official scores for either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The test must be taken no more than two years before the intended quarter of entry. (If you are applying for fall 2023 entry, test scores must be no older than September 2020.) For the TOEFL, you must score 600 or higher on the paper-based test, 250 or higher on the computer-based test, 100 or higher on the internet-based test. For the IELTS, you must receive a score of 7.0 or higher.

Providing official transcripts verifying an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution or equivalent, where the language of instruction is English.

Providing official transcripts verifying a graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English.

TOEFL requirements of the Graduate School

Supplemental materials .

All material, such as publications or awards can be uploaded electronically.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Northwestern equitable application resource (near) program.

NEAR is a graduate student-run mentorship program that provides application assistance to prospective chemistry students. Mentors can give feedback on written statements as well as general guidance through the admissions process. The NEAR program is intended to assist but is not limited to. applicants from historically underrepresented groups in chemistry. If you are planning to apply to Northwestern’s chemistry program for Fall 2023 admission and would like to be part of the NEAR program, please fill out the following form:

https://forms.gle/SGk2Bf9Na1Rud8Bz5 .

• Applications are due by September 25th.
• Decisions and mentor-mentee pairings will be sent out by October 3rd.
• Participation in NEAR does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
• Any other questions can be answered by either visiting the FAQ page or sending them to [email protected] .

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Graduate Studies in the Department of Chemistry

Learn about graduate studies (MSc and PhD) at U of T's Department of Chemistry. Includes admissions, funding, courses and more.

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Graduates receive Convocation awards for outstanding achievement

Each year during the Department of Chemistry's May Convocation ceremony, several awards are presented to graduating undergraduate and graduate students. All of the awards were established by a gift to the department, and some are in memory of an individual. All of the awards include a $1,000 monetary gift to the recipients and recognize specific student achievements, including scholarship, research, teaching and more. This year, six undergraduate students and two graduate students were honored during the May 12, 2024, Convocation ceremony.  

Undergraduate awards  

John C. Bailar Award for excellence in undergraduate research

Zachary Burke was a double major in chemistry and astrophysics, whose undergraduate research in chemistry Prof. Mikael Backlund's lab was on a quantum-inspired approach to super-resolution microscopy based on image inversion interferometry. Burke will be a coauthor of a forthcoming manuscript, and he was accepted at all of the graduate schools to which he applied. In the fall, he will attend MIT for his PhD studies in chemistry.

Carl S. Marvel Award for excellence in undergraduate research

Zipeng Shen worked on two projects as an undergraduate researcher in the lab of Prof. Walter Klemperer. His first project was on the isolation of salts of carbocations and Keggen anions, which he then characterized by X-ray crystallography. His second project was computational and experimental analysis of phase transitions in hydrated crystalline Keggin polyoxometalate salts. In the fall, Zipeng will attend MIT to earn a PhD degree in chemistry.

Dr. Eugene Kent Borchart Memorial Award in Chemistry for an outstanding graduating senior in chemistry

Ananya Singh was nominated by Prof. Jordan Axelson for being an outstanding student with a GPA above 3.9. She was an attentive, upbeat, and selfless student instructor in CHEM 232 Elementary Organic Chemistry, according to Dr. Axelson, and she served as a teaching assistant for freshman chemistry majors in CHEM 150 First Semester Success in Chemistry. She will be attending medical school in the fall.

Worth H. Rodebush Award for academic merit

Joel Ryan was nominated by Prof. Jordan Axelson. Ryan is a double major in Chemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology with a GPA of 3.98. He served as a student instructor in CHEM 232 Elementary Organic Chemistry with Dr. Axelson as well as a teaching assistant in both CHEM 101 Introductory Chemistry and CHEM 104 General Chemistry II Laboratory. He submitted a senior thesis for his research in MCB, and he will be attending medical school in the fall.

John David Barnwell Memorial Award

This award is presented to a student who exemplifies academic achievement along with a high personal standard of ethics and scholarship, a passion for teaching, and fluency in the arts. Ethan Ramirez was nominated by Dr. Elise McCarren and Prof. Jeff Moore. With a GPA over 3.9, Ramirez was integral to teaching in three different chemistry courses, and played the viola in the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra. In his teaching contribution to CHEM 332 Elementary Organic Chemistry II with Prof. Moore, Ramirez was integral to implementing a nontraditional approach that used project-based assignments, encouraging peer collaboration and application of organic chemistry to real-world problems, rather than exams. Dr. McCarren said that with his thoughtful advice and suggestions, Ramirez was an asset to the entire Merit TA team for CHEM 332 and also for the two other courses he taught as a Merit TA, CHEM 101 and CHEM 104. In the fall, Ramirez will continue his education at the University of Illinois as he worked toward his Masters of Science in the Teaching of Chemistry degree.  

Reynold C. Fuson Award for excellence in undergraduate research

Zikang Xu  did his undergraduate research in the lab of Prof. Greg Girolami on the synthesis of new polymer-transition metal hybrids as catalysts for hydrosilylation reactions. Prof. Girolami praises Xu for, among other things, coming up with new ideas when the initial plan for his project did not succeed. Xu is continuing his research in the Girolami lab as he plans to continue his education in a graduate school program.

Graduate Student Awards  

American Chemical Society Presidential P3 Medal for Graduate Research Excellence

In her PhD studies in Prof. Lisa Olshansky's lab, Dr. Saman Fatima  developed conformationally switchable artificial metalloenzymes and characterized them using a wide range of techniques. She collaborated with staff in the Materials Research Laboratory, with members of Satish Nair’s laboratory in Biochemistry, and with members of the Bridwell-Rabb lab at University of Michigan. She has also collaborated with the Thielges lab at Indiana University and with the Sutton lab at Beckman Institute on the Illinois campus. In her postdoctoral research, Dr. Fatima will continue to pursue her interest in protein design, now incorporating computational approaches into her methodology toolbox.

In his PhD research, Dr. Zane Thornburg led efforts in Prof. Zan Luthey-Schulten's lab to develop a 4D, space plus time, whole-cell model of a minimal bacterial cell. His wide-ranging collaborations included scientists at the J. Craig Venter Institute for Synthetic Biology in California, Harvard Medical School, UC San Diego, University of Groningen in the Netherlands, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and NVIDIA Corporation. Dr. Thornburg is currently a Cancer Center at Illinois–Beckman Institute Postdoctoral Fellow, where he is working to image and model cancer cells.

More Department News

• Frank Alcorn receives 2023 Klemperer Award for Outstanding Dissertation Alcorn is now a postdoctoral researcher in the Materials Physics Division of Sandia National Labs and recently returned to the Illinois campus to receive the Klemperer Award and present his dissertation research. Read full story
• Chemistry labs divert more than one ton of PPE from waste stream Through the Kimberly-Clark Right Cycle Program, teaching labs and some research labs in the Department of Chemistry diverted 1.03 tons or 2,278 pounds of PPE waste in 2023, earning the department a 2024 Greenovation Award. Read full story
• Christy F. Landes elected 2023 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science The AAAS selected Prof. Landes “for the development of next-generation tools and models to image and understand dynamics governing separations at soft interfaces at the single analyte limit.” Read full story