Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry prepares students to become independent scientists by providing an in depth research experience that includes gaining knowledge and skills in advanced topics of chemistry.
Environmental projects include examining biogeochemistry of environmentally and biomedically important trace elements, such as mercury and arsenic, hydrocarbon speciation in ancient sediments studied by SFC extraction, studies of molecules and airborne particulates of importance to the atmosphere, photocatalytic decomposition of organophosphates, and utilizing spin trapping agents to probe for the presence of free radicals in specimens subjected to adverse conditions.

Biomedical research includes synthesis of biologically important molecules in order to probe enzyme mechanisms, theoretical studies of active sites of protease enzymes and dietary influence on the makeup of the macular pigment.

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university approved by the Chemistry Department Graduate Committee. The minimum requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in a natural science with a least 7 semester courses (28 hours including labs) of chemistry courses including: physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Any deficiencies must be completed before being fully accepted to the Ph.D. program.

International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum required scores is 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or 6.5 overall on the IELTS.

Deadlines: Fall - February 15, Spring - August 1, Summer - December 1.