chemistry phd application reddit

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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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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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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

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants may take the general GRE exams in the autumn prior to applying, or earlier.  However, all GREs are optional. There is also a TOEFL requirement for foreign applicants who have not studied in an English speaking country for at least two years leading to a BS or MS degree.

Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Information on fee waivers is available on the Graduate Admissions website .

GRE scores are valid for approximately five years from the date taken. TOEFL scores submitted to Stanford must be from a test taken within the last 24 months. No scores are valid beyond the date ETS will send or resend them to schools. GRE exams are optional.

Stanford’s institution code is 4704. There is no department code.

Yes, you can use the career center or letter service from your university.

Scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. 

You may request a  waiver  in the online application if you (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom in which English was the language of instruction.

You will be asked to provide the following:

• Upload an official statement certifying that your program was taught exclusively in English
• You may also link to your institution’s official website stating the language of instruction

Your waiver request will be routed to Graduate Admissions  after you submit your application and pay the application fee . Allow up to 15 business days after submitting your application for a response. This will not delay the receipt of your application by your graduate program.

No, you can only apply to one degree program per academic year.

There are no minimum scores required for applying to the chemistry Ph.D. program; however, we do want to see a minimum of 108 on the TOEFL. The admissions committee evaluates each applicant’s potential for success based on all materials in the file, recommendation letters, test scores, transcripts, and personal statements. GRE exam is optional. It's best to get letters from referees who have observed your research promise.

The University minimum TOEFL score is 100, but the Chemistry Department is looking for a 108 or higher.

Your application status will be updated online periodically as we receive your application materials so please check the online application status for updates. If you have submitted your materials, but the status still remains unchanged, you can send an email to  chem.admissions [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Documents) (chem[dot]admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . 

Please allow two weeks processing time once your transcripts are sent for your status to be updated. 

All applicants with incomplete applications will receive an email about their missing documents by the end of the second week in January.

The Chemistry Department and the entire University will be closed between December 21st, 3 PM PST and January 3rd. During this time there will be no one available to answer questions regarding your application. We encourage you to apply well before the deadline should any questions arise regarding your application or supporting documents.

Yes, you must submit a complete application and pay the application fee. We do keep transcripts, recommendation letters and other application materials on file from the previous year. You can contact us if you want material from your previous application to be included when you reapply.

Describe your research projects/skills/experience and specifically your research interests at Stanford; provide details and research group names. Be direct. 

Yes, but only after receiving an offer of admission. We will review your application with your uploaded unofficial transcripts. 

Once you accept the offer of admission, you will need to have your official transcripts and degree documents sent to Graduate Admissions. Information can be found on their website , as well as on you application status page.

*We require official documents from all post-secondary institutions where you were enrolled in a degree program for at least one academic year.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. For detailed information, see the TOEFL information in  Required Exams .

Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned (or will earn, before enrolling at Stanford) a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provided in English. Therefore, applicants with degrees from the U.S., Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales) are exempt from taking the TOEFL and do not need to submit the TOEFL waiver request form. If you are offered admission, the official transcript must be received showing the conferral of the degree from the qualifying institution or TOEFL exam scores will be required to enroll.

Applicants with degrees from institutions in countries other than those listed above and in which English was the only language of instruction may be eligible for a waiver of the TOEFL requirement. Applicants may request a waiver in the online application, which will then be reviewed by Graduate Admissions once your application has been submitted and the application fee is paid.

To learn more about the application procedure please visit the  Office of Graduate Admissions

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

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Contact the chemistry department.

Learn more about the chemistry department .

Application Requirements

All application materials must be submitted directly through the online application system. We do not accept paper application materials. Official transcripts should not be sent to the Guarini School office during the application process.

Application Fee

English language proficiency .

• Language proficiency test scores are required for non-US citizens, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or whose primary language of instruction at their non-US institution was English.
• We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo 
• The ETS code for the Guarini School is 3351

Personal Statements

• 2 required personal statement prompts.

Recommendation Letters

• 3 required, up to 4 accepted. 

Transcripts

• Your most recent unofficial transcripts should be uploaded as part of your application. Official transcripts are not needed during the application process.

Program Supplement 

Designate your desired area of specialization:.

• Biological Chemistry (biochemical, biophysical, or bioinorganic chemistry; structural biology)
• Synthetic Chemistry (total synthesis; organic or organometallic methodology; catalysis; electrochemistry)
• Materials Chemistry (inorganic or organic materials synthesis; physical organic, reticular, or supramolecular chemistry; polymers; sensors and devices)
• Physical/Computational/Theoretical Chemistry (computational biophysics; computational soft matter; quantum or experimental physical chemistry)  

List faculty members that you are in contact with or are particularly interested in working with.      

Learn more about the chemistry department faculty.

Questions About the Admissions Process

Admissions information can be found here.

Chemistry Department Website

Application Deadline: December 1, 2024

Degrees Offered: 4+1 MS, PhD

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Survey of Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry

By Joel Shulman

How does your chemistry Ph.D. program compare to others in terms of department size and student demographics? Requirements for the degree? Graduate student progression and support? Developing skills that go beyond knowledge of chemistry? Answers to these questions and many others can be gleaned from the Survey of Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry recently reported by the ACS Committee on Professional Training (CPT) . Highlights of the survey are given here.

View the full report

The primary objective of the CPT is to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the quality of chemical education at the postsecondary level. Not only does the Committee develop and administer the guidelines that define high-quality undergraduate education, but it also produces resources such as the ACS Directory of Graduate Education and publishes data on undergraduate and graduate education. Approximately every ten years, CPT fields a survey of Ph.D. programs. The latest survey solicited data from all 196 Ph.D. programs in chemistry and received usable information (base year, 2007) from 139 of these programs.

Figure 1. Size Distribution of Ph.D. Programs

Program size and demographics of students

The 139 reporting Ph.D. programs are divided for purposes of comparison into three groups of approximately equal size according to the total number of graduate students in the program: 44 small (defined as 0 to 40 total graduate students), 46 medium (41 to 105 graduate students), and 49 large programs (106+ graduate students). The number of students in Ph.D. programs ranges from 0 to 394 (see Figure 1) with a total of 13,280 students. Eighteen departments have more than 200 students, accounting for more than one-third (4,460) of the total graduate students in chemistry. The 30 largest programs account for almost 50% of graduate students. The average program size is 96 students (and 23 faculty), while the median program size is 67 students.

Of the doctoral students in responding programs, 27.4% are women, 5.2% are underrepresented minorities, and 42.3% are international students (Table 1). Small programs tend to have a higher percentage of underrepresented minority students (averaging 7.8%), while large programs have a higher percentage of women (28.5%) and a lower percentage of international students (37.3%).

Table 1. Demographics of Graduate Students by Program Size

Requirements for degree (Table 2)

Of course, a doctoral dissertation is required by all Ph.D. programs. Most (71%) graduate programs require entering graduate students to take placement exams, although this requirement tends to be less prevalent as program size increases. The average program requires a minimum of 20 credits (semester hours, corrected for programs on the quarter system) of coursework, a number that does not vary significantly by program size. In addition to course work and dissertation, 96% of programs require at least one of the following: cumulative examinations (58%), an oral preliminary exam (54%), a comprehensive oral exam (50%), and/or a comprehensive written exam (31%). All four of these exams are required by 7% of programs; 17% of programs require three; 43% of programs require two; and 28% require only one. Large programs require cumulative exams less often and oral exams more often than small or medium programs. Only four programs (3%) require students to pass a language exam for the Ph.D.

Table 2. Requirement in Ph.D. Program

Graduate Student Progression and Support (Table 3)

The mean time to the Ph.D. is 5.1 years, a number that varies neither by program size nor by public vs. private institution (data not shown). Most programs place a limit on the amount of time allowed to achieve a Ph.D. (average of 7.8 years) as well as on the number of years of departmental support allowed a student (average of 5.9 years). More than 80% of students choose a research advisor within six months of entering graduate school. A significant number of programs either require or permit laboratory rotations before a final advisor is selected.

Monetary support for Ph.D. students comes from teaching assistantships more often than from research assistantships at small and medium programs, while the reverse is true in large programs. There is wide variation in TA stipends, depending on both program size and geographic location. Most programs have a range of stipends, which on average run from $18,000 to about $20,000 per year. Teaching assistants at larger programs are more likely to teach discussion (recitation) sections than those in small or medium programs.

Table 3. Student Progression and Support in Ph.D. Programs

Developing Student Skills

In addition to chemistry knowledge and laboratory skills, it is important that all Ph.D. chemists develop skills in areas such as critical thinking, oral and written communication, and teamwork. Toward this end, 74% of all programs require students to create and defend an original research proposal (Table 2). All but six programs require students to make presentations (exclusive of the thesis defense) to audiences other than their research group; the average number of required presentations is 2.4, with little variation by program size. When asked whether any graduate students receive student-skills training outside of formal course work, 67% responded that at least some students receive specific training in communications; 59% in ethics/scientific integrity; 43% in grant writing; 37% in mentoring; 37% in intellectual property/patents; and 18% in business/economics. Students in large programs are more likely to receive some training in these skill areas than are students in other programs.

The data from this CPT survey provide a snapshot of graduate student demographics, requirements for the degree, and progression and support in chemistry Ph.D. programs. Survey results highlight similarities and differences among small, medium, and large programs across the country.

Dr. Joel I. Shulman retired as The Procter & Gamble Company's Manager of Doctoral Recruiting and University Relations in 2001 and is now an adjunct professor of chemistry at the University of Cincinnati. He serves the ACS as a consultant for the Office of Graduate Education and the Department of Career Management and Development and as a member of the Committee on Professional Training.

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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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BU Team Wins Major National Science Foundation Grant to Help PhD Students Attack Climate Change

$3 million five-year award will encourage multidisciplinary approaches to converting and storing sustainable energy.

Intense flooding in Connecticut (left) and wildfires in Colorado (right) are recent examples of extreme weather events that researchers will use to explore solutions to climate change. Photos via AP/Daniel Brown/Sipa USA and via AP/Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

$3 million, five-year award will encourage multidisciplinary approaches to converting and storing sustainable energy

If recent weather patterns and disasters, like extreme heat and droughts, catastrophic flooding, and devastating wildfires, have proven anything, it’s that better solutions for sustainable energy are needed to help combat the lasting effects of climate change.

Culminating an up-and-down two-year journey, Malika Jeffries-EL, a Boston University College of Arts & Sciences professor of chemistry, along with a team of BU researchers, has been awarded a five-year, $3 million Research Traineeship grant (NRT) from the National Science Foundation to help PhD students collaborate across disciplines to develop new ideas to convert and store sustainable energy sources. The award will create a new training program that unifies resources in engineering, chemistry, computer science, and data sciences to provide participating students with a broad exposure to energy-related issues.

“I was just really proud,” says Jeffries-EL, who is also the associate dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. “I was proud of myself and my team for doing their part and working so hard to get things through at the last minute. My point of pride is that I fought for this proposal. This was a two-year struggle to get this approved. It’s a very large grant and I’m so excited about the work ahead.”

Along with Jeffries-EL, the project’s co–principal investigators are Emily Ryan , a College of Engineering associate professor of mechanical engineering and of materials science and engineering, James Chapman , an ENG assistant professor of mechanical engineering,  David Coker , a CAS professor of chemistry and of computing and data sciences, and Brian Kulis, an ENG associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.

The NRT Research Traineeship grant is a collaborative award between BU’s Institute for Global Sustainability and the Rafik B. Hariri Center for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering . (NRT grants are intended to assist graduate students in developing the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers.)

“Computation and data science are playing key roles in designing and discovering new materials to address society’s clean renewable energy needs,” says Coker, director of the Hariri Institute’s Center for Computational Science. “This NRT grant will fund the development of new graduate training programs that synergistically bring together data and computational scientists and materials fabrication, synthesis, and characterization experts to guide and educate a new generation of researchers capable of working at the intersections of these fields and pushing forward this critical frontier research.”

Jeffries-EL, who joined the CAS faculty in 2016, says that most scientists, herself included, begin their careers so focused on their own disciplines that they struggle to think and look outside their research silos. Climate change, she says, is simply too big, too broad, too daunting to continue approaching it in isolation. It is expected that over the NRT program’s five years, 100 to 125 BU PhD students will participate in the training.

“We are at a point where we need to be intentional with problems we are tackling,” Jeffries-EL says. “It’s all interconnected. These are complicated problems, and it requires an interdisciplinary approach and interdisciplinary science.”

And getting PhD students involved in the work is critical.

The grant, she says, is so important because it will allow PhD students, just starting out in their research, to immediately learn to think outside of their field. “We are going to catch them at the beginning. This is an intricate part of their training. If they make it all the way through graduate school [without doing interdisciplinary research], they won’t think they need to think this way. We will breed them to think about interdisciplinary research from the start.”

If chemists and data scientists and engineers and biologists all start approaching the problem of climate change and sustainable energy by thinking together, rather than as individuals, Jeffries-EL says, the possibilities are endless.

“We are teaching students to think bigger to take on bigger challenges,” she says. “We have to encourage students to be bold and think big, and that you might fail, but that’s OK, because you will learn as you go.”

We are teaching students to think bigger, to take on bigger challenges. We have to encourage students to be bold, and think big, and that you might fail, but that’s OK, because you will learn as you go. Malika Jeffries-EL

Ryan, an associate director of the Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS), says society needs cleaner energy storage and generation technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and overcome the challenges brought about by climate change. 

“The next generation of scientists and engineers will require a multidisciplinary background and perspective to develop the energy systems of tomorrow,” Ryan says. “We will partner with BU’s Institute for Global Sustainability to provide students a broader education in energy and climate change that includes not only the technical aspects, but also incorporates health, justice, policy, and more to positively impact society. The cutting-edge technology research at BU along with the diverse expertise of IGS will provide students a unique education that would not be possible elsewhere.”

As an example of how an interdisciplinary approach could work, she points to BU’s new Faculty for Computing & Data Sciences.

“Everybody is benefiting from data science,” Jeffries-EL says. “Some are more attentive to what it might do for them. If we can think about how we can leverage data science in many different fields, that will help people have the right mindset around this. It’s all about getting people to think differently from the start.”

The reason sustainable energy research is so important, Jeffries-EL says, is that with so much attention focused on creating and growing new energy sources, from wind to solar, there needs to be an equal amount of time spent on finding ways to harness those new sources of renewable energies.

“We need to be more mindful about how we use energy, and how we store energy. I was fortunate to find like-minded people with the same interest. We can create all the energy in the world, but if we can’t store it in batteries or in some other way, it’s useless. How do you harness the energy, and store and transport it?”

One lesson learned from the work of the BU Institute for Global Sustainability, Jeffries-EL says, “is that we can come up with the coolest technology in the world, but if no one trusts it, it will sit on the shelf.”

The new grant is the second time in two years that BU researchers have been awarded an NSF Research Traineeship grant. In 2023, a $3 million grant went to “A Convergent Training Program on Biological Control,” codirected by Elise Morgan , ENG dean ad interim, and Mary Dunlop , an ENG associate professor. Their work is aimed at training a diverse group of PhD students for the workforce in biotech, synthetic biology, manufacturing, robotics, sustainability, and other sectors.

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Chemistry - phd, admission requirements.

Terms and Deadlines

Degree and GPA Requirements

Prerequisites

Additional standards for non-native english speakers, additional standards for international applicants.

For the 2024-2025 academic year

See 2023-2024 requirements instead

Note: This program is not admitting students for the 2025-2026 academic year at this time

Fall 2024 quarter (beginning in September)

Priority deadline 1: December 15, 2023

Priority deadline 2: January 15, 2024

Final submission deadline: August 1, 2024

International submission deadline: June 4, 2024

Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Program GPA requirement: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

Applicants must earn and submit proof of earning the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field from a regionally accredited institution prior to beginning graduate coursework at DU.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

Additional Information:

Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Application Materials

Transcripts, letters of recommendation.

Required Essays and Statements

Other Required Materials

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.  It is recommended that these letters be submitted by individuals capable of assessing your ability to succeed in courses and research in graduate school, for example former chemistry professors and/or research advisors. Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Personal statement instructions.

A personal statement of at least 300 words is required. The statement should include information concerning your life, education, practical experience, special interests and specific purpose for applying to the University of Denver. Describe your goals for attending graduate school. What areas of chemistry or biochemistry are you most interested in? What do you hope to do after you complete your graduate studies? Why do you enjoy chemistry or biochemistry? Describe any research or teaching experience you have had. Have you been involved in an undergraduate research project during the academic year or in the summer? Have you had a summer job or internship in a commercial lab? Have you had experience in teaching as a grader, a lab teaching assistant or a lab preparatory assistant? Specifically mention research groups at DU that you would be most interested in joining, and why. Share anything in your personal statement that you believe will help evaluate your application.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Additional requirements for this program:

Applicants may be contacted to schedule an admissions interview.

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Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

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How to Apply for the PhD in Chemistry

The Chemistry Department welcomes and invites applications for admission to the Ph.D. program from all qualified candidates. We admit students who will begin their studies in the Fall term.

$90 Application Fee

Link to Application - CLICK HERE!

We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2024 entry. Our PhD application is open from October 1st to December 1st. A complete application is one that includes all required materials, application review begins as early as December 2nd.

Application Materials

In addition to the completed online application, all applicants must submit the following:

• GRE scores are not required, but they are strongly recommended if you are applying to the physical chemistry division (and *especially* the theory division). If you have GRE scores, you are welcome to send them to us, the school code for all exams is: 2926.   You will not be penalized if you apply without a GRE score . Please contact the Graduate Coordinator at   [email protected]   if you have questions regarding this matter.

• Uploaded UNOFFICIAL transcripts from all Universities and Colleges attended. Please note that you must upload your transcripts with your online application. Do not send any paper transcripts.

• 3-5 letters of recommendation. Please have your recommenders submit these letters online.

• A writing sample IS NOT REQUIRED however you may use this portion of the application to upload any optional written materials.

• A CV/resume.

• Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Proficiency in spoken English is a requirement of our program and is used as an admissions criterion. Admitted students in this category also have to attend a two-month English Language Program and Teaching Assistantship Workshop (sponsored by the department) beginning the first week in July and to pass a University-administered spoken English test in order to qualify for a Teaching Fellowship. The institution code for all exams is 2926, no department code is necessary.

• We require TOEFL scores regardless of undergraduate and graduate work already completed in the United States or another English speaking country. See FAQ section for information on using old/expired TOEFL scores for application.
• We will accept IELTS scores in place of the TOEFL. IELTS scores will be converted to TOEFL equivalents . You must submit an unofficial IELTS score report under the "writing sample" section of our application, as we cannot receive official IELTS scores.

• Personal Statement (3 parts- 1 document) PLEASE FOLLOW THIS FORMAT and label each part. Parts 1, 2, and 3 combined no more than 3 pages double-spaced. The application system only lists 2 parts in the prompt, please use the prompt below with 3 parts.

• Please describe how your background and academic experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree and led you to apply to Penn. Your essay should detail your specific research interests and intellectual goals within your chosen field. Please provide information about your educational trajectory, intellectual curiosity and academic ambitions. If you have overcome adversity and/or experienced limited access to resources or opportunities in your field of study, please feel free to share how that has affected the course of your education. We are interested in your lived experiences and how your particular perspective might contribute to the inclusive and dynamic learning community that Penn values and strives to create.
• In this section of your personal statement please describe your specific interest in Chemistry Research Groups at the University of Pennsylvania. Please indicate and BOLD the names of 3-5 of our faculty whose research is of particular interest to you. Describe, succinctly, any relevant research experience that you have had. If you wish to provide additional information about your academic record, etc. please do so. *Keep this concise, less than a half page double spaced is ideal.
• Encouraged (but not required) to describe your passion for chemistry graduate study and research, outlining career background and development, and any further insight that you think may help the reviewers understand your academic and scientific development.

  For more information please contact the Graduate Coordinator at [email protected] .

Department of Chemistry

Graduate program.

Yale is recognized as having one of the best chemistry programs in the U.S.  We are proud of our history, faculty, laboratories, instrumentation, libraries, and relations with industry. Most of all, we are proud of our students and their research. Graduates of the department occupy leading positions in academia and industry, due in no small part to their cutting-edge research experiences.

The department’s relatively small size facilitates meaningful interactions between students and internationally known faculty, and collegial interactions between the hardworking and lively graduate students contribute to the Ph.D. experience.

Students interested in graduate study at Yale should look through the department  facilities, instrumentation ,  faculty and associated faculty ,  staff , and  seminar  schedule. Applications for graduate admission are done through the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (not through individual professors) and are due, along with standardized test scores, by December 1. Accepted students are notified in late winter. In the spring, we host two visiting days to show prospective graduate students all the beauty, fun, and pleasantry of  Yale  and  New Haven .

Graduate study is an exciting departure from your experience in undergraduate education. The Ph.D. degree is a research degree, and research is the primary educational activity. The main goal is to prepare you for a career in scientific research, and the program aims to give you the tools you will need: detailed knowledge, ability to apply that knowledge, independent thought, communication skills, teamwork, teaching, and safety. The first two years of the program lead to a M.Sc. degree, and include coursework and other formal requirements in addition to research with one or more faculty members. For those that continue to the Ph.D., this culminates in a “qualifying examination” in which you demonstrate your ability to explain your research plans for the Ph.D. dissertation to a panel of faculty members, in both written and oral form. Prior to the end of your fourth year, you hone your skills in coming up with independent research ideas through an outside proposal, completely from your own interests and separate from your Ph.D. project. Finally, generally after five years total, your research is summed up in a written dissertation.

Some students come to Yale the summer before matriculation to sample a research group, but the final pairing of students with research groups occurs during the first year. The graduate program begins in late August with a 2-week orientation to Yale, teaching, and the chemistry areas within the department. Students take classes and teach and also prepare independent proposals to exercise their creativity and scientific rigor. However, the focus of the degree is a Ph.D. dissertation on research as part of a faculty-led research group.

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This subreddit is for anyone who is going through the process of getting into graduate school, and for those who've been there and have advice to give.

Seeking Advice on Chemistry PhD Applications with Publications and LOR from PI

Hi everyone,

I’m currently an undergrad at a top 25 state school, and I’m seeking some advice about applying to PhD programs in chemistry. I had a meeting with the research professor I work with today, and I wanted to get some outside opinions on my situation.

Here’s a bit about my background:

I have one year left in my bachelor’s degree.

My current GPA is 3.60. I’m hoping to raise it, but I haven’t done the math, so I’m unsure what’s realistically achievable.

I have one publication as a co-author on X-ray scintillators.

I work in a materials chemistry lab, and have been here for the last 2 years. My professor mentioned that I will likely have two more papers by the time I graduate, bringing my total to three publications as a co-author (likely as the third or fourth author, same as the first paper).

My research focus recently shifted from X-ray scintillators to LEDs due to the PhD student I was working under graduating.

My professor, who did his post-doc at Berkeley and still has connections there, has offered to write me a strong letter of recommendation. He suggested that if I could get my GPA up to 3.8, I would be a good candidate for Ivy League admissions. Although 3.8 seems a bit unrealistic, he still encouraged me to apply to top programs like Berkeley.

He also mentioned that being a native-born citizen gives me a significant advantage in the admissions process. My professor is originally from China, and out of his nine PhD students, eight are international students. He emphasized that non-international American students often have certain advantages when it comes to PhD admissions.

Given this information, I’m wondering:

How realistic is it for me to get into a top-tier chemistry PhD program with a GPA of around 3.65, three publications as a co-author, and a strong letter of recommendation from my PI if I apply to all top-tier schools, with second-tier schools as backups?

Does the advantage of being a native-born citizen apply only to our state school, or does it also extend to top-tier and second-tier schools?

Any additional tips or advice for strengthening my application?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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Applying for PhD with a 3.2 GPA - Do I even stand a chance? [duplicate]

I just read an incredibly disheartening post on reddit about Grad School admissions in the Biological sciences. The post basically makes it sound like I have no chance of getting into a good PhD program.

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Degree in Biochemistry in 2012. While in school I worked as an undergraduate researcher for 3.5 years. Post graduation I've been working in Biotech Research for close to 3 years now.

I graduated Berkeley with somewhere in the range of a 3.2-3.3 GPA. The average GPA for my major at Cal is a 2.8 . Does the rigor of my undergraduate institution matter? Berkeley's grade deflation is pretty notorious but will that matter?

From what I read in the post it sounds like most schools won't even look at my application. I'm starting to wonder if its worth it for me to apply at all.

I've attached a link to the thread on reddit. Your honest opinions would be much appreciated.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GradSchool/comments/25gj24/a_somewhat_notgentle_guide_to_getting_into_grad/

• graduate-admissions

• I feel like this post you're flagging doesn't answer my question about how or if my undergraduate institution will play a role in my prospects. –  Cole2790 Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 16:41
• Depends on what program you're applying for. If you're going for a program at Harvard, then you're probably competing against loads of other candidates from Stanford, MIT, etc. who have 4.0s. If you're applying to a lower tier university, then you might have a better chance. –  Michael Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 16:55
• I see what you mean. I have a ton of research experience and I have industry experience so I think I'm a unique candidate who has proven that my GPA is not reflective of my ability to succeed in research. I just don't know if my application will get weeded out based off of GPA before anyone gets a chance to see that. –  Cole2790 Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 18:14
• 1 From the accepted answer to henning's linked question: When admissions committees consider the GPA they are considering a number of factors including the grades, the strength of the school and major (emph mine). –  Kimball Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 18:54
• 1 I honestly suspect the only true answer to your question is "no one can say for sure". If you apply and get rejected from everywhere, well then there you go, you've got your answer and you can continue on to Plan B. And if you get in, the probability is then 1 because you got in and it doesn't matter what your a priori odds were. I don't think anyone can say your chance is 0, so then effectively all that is left is: is it worth it to you to try to apply and see what happens? Apply broadly, to top R1 programs and those not so top (but that you'd still be honored to attend), and who knows! –  BrianH Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 22:05

It depends. Different schools, programs, and faculty have different ways of looking at applicants. Based on my limited experience, a 3.30 GPA from an R1 will likely count for more than a 3.30 from a less reputable institution. However, if you are applying to top-tier programs, you may be competing with students who have higher GPAs, also from R1s.

The reddit link that you posted is from one single professor at one institution. Without knowing the specific institution, program, and/or faculty member you are applying to, it is impossible to say what will be weighed, as there are not standardized admission formulas.

Some faculty are looking for students who match their research agenda and have research experience (i.e., they are proficient enough at research so they won't suck the faculty member's time). Others may prioritize GPA, and some might place more emphasis on quantitative GRE scores.

The link that you posted and the link from @henning both have good advice for tailoring applications to fit the department, institution, or faculty member.

If you are uncertain about applying, it might not hurt to contact a faculty member you are interested in working with to ask if they would consider your application. Even better, you could find a common contact/reference (maybe your undergrad advisor/professor/? knows someone in the Ph.D. department you want to apply to?) who can introduce you.

You might also want to check out college/graduate school/institution GPA policies to see what the minimum GPA for doctoral study is at your prospective institutions. If you have to maintain a 3.0 as a doc student, some faculty may question your ability to succeed at a more rigorous level.

To summarize: Ask the faculty member you are interested in working with what they consider when selecting doctoral applicants.

• Thanks SB for you well thought out answer. Do you think I could get into an R1 institution at all? I know schools like MIT, Berkeley, and Harvard are a long shot for me but I would be equally happy at places like UW Madison, or University of Washington Seattle. Basically I know I want to go to graduate school the only thing that holds me back is fear that schools will look at me as a mediocre candidate due to my GPA and chuck my app in trash. –  Cole2790 Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 18:02
• No chance at MIT, berkeley, harvard, etc. –  Rüdiger Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 19:02
• 1 @Cole2790 I was a graduate student in a biological science at UW Madison. Your GPA would definitely be on the low side in my program and might bar you from consideration as an at-large candidate, though it isn't completely disqualifying. Note that at schools like UW, some specific programs are top 5 or top 3 and rank above those more famous names. A better path might be to take a research job in an academic lab (this will mean a big pay cut), letting your PI know that you are interested in grad school in the future. –  Bryan Krause ♦ Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 19:21
• @Cole2790 I can't speak for Biology in particular, but I know people with lower GPAs who have been admitted to R1 PhD programs. –  SB Ph.D. Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 23:14
• My husband had a shitty GPA and great letters. He applied to like 10 places for chemical/bio science/engineering and only got into the worst-ranked one and the best-ranked one. I think the explanation is that if you are an unusual candidate, you have to apply to a bunch of places and hope that at one you are the right kind of unusual! –  Dawn Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 2:53

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged phd graduate-admissions grades .

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With site visits to Matthews Arena, Loftman Hall, Fenway Center and more, Maureen McGrail has become well acquainted with Northeastern’s Boston campus after interning in the Planning Real Estate and Facilities department this summer.  

The 16-year-old Thayer Academy student has aspirations to go into the real estate business, so she appreciated the nitty-gritty details — learning how building plans are developed and the steps involved with renovating various structures around campus.  

“I learned a lot about networking and institutional real estate, which are all very interesting,” she said, noting the experience helped solidify what she wanted to do after she graduates.

It also helped that she didn’t have to worry about getting a job on the side, since she was paid during the internship.   

McGrail was one of more than 170 Boston teens to take part in Northeastern’s Summer Youth Employment Program this year, a collaborative effort between Northeastern University’s Community to Community Impact Engine and the city of Boston.  

The program has two components to help students get ahead during the summer months. 

Students can either take part in internships offered at more than 30 departments on campus or participate in the university’s long-running Bridge to Calculus: a Bridge to Science program, a seven-week intensive summer program aimed to help Boston high school students get a better handle on their math skills before heading back to class in the fall; this year’s program was expanded to include physics, chemistry and biology. 

“This program not only pays you in the summer, which is awesome, but it also means young people graduate from high school on time, which means they are more likely to go to college and be employed one to four years after participating in the program,” said Alicia Modestino, an associate professor of economics in Northeastern’s School of Policy and Urban Affairs and the executive director of C2C, at a closing ceremony capping off the Bridge to Calculus Program last week. 

“Your curiosity, your persistence and your hard work has prepared you for what’s going to come in the fall and the rest of your academic career in high school,” said Modestino to the more than 120 students who graduated from the program.  

Rashad Cope, deputy chief for worker empowerment for the city of Boston, said the skills students developed during the program are all vital “in navigating our very complex world.

“Understanding how to manage finances, the world of robotics or just tackling challenges of game programming, these are all decisions that will empower you to make informed decisions.” 

At a closing celebration highlighting the end of the internship program, Lynn Sanders, global director for the C2C Impact Accelerator, took note of the students’ accomplishments. 

“There are more fun things you could have done this summer, but I’m glad you took the time to invest in yourself over the past seven weeks,” she said. 

Interns worked in Business Services, Off-Campus Engagement and Support, City and Community Engagement, College of Professional Studies and the Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI), an urban research hub that partners with Northeastern University. 

As an intern at BARI, 17-year-old Brave Arimah, a rising senior at the Boston Latin School, helped the research group develop frameworks the federal government could take advantage of when regulating the use of AI. 

“I was able to learn through the job,” he said. “A lot of the job was learning about data analysis, building surveys, really trying to reach out to the community and when they started talking to us, figuring out what they were saying.” 

For her internship at the Office of City and Community Engagement, Madison Swan, a 16-year-old student at Needham High School, produced a 10-minute long video on the history of Roxbury. 

She said the experience helped her want to pursue a career where she “can give back to her community.” 

Students also received encouraging words from some of their supervisors, including Chimel Idiokitas, assistant vice president for community relations for the City and Community Engagement, who highlighted the importance of networking. 

“I encourage you all to stay in contact with your supervisors, build your network,” he said. “Make sure you are sharing your emails with your supervisor because you may need them in the future.”

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Visit the online course catalog for more specific degree requirements

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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