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Graduate Education

The real cost of grad school in the us, nearly everyone gets funding, but the financial demands of getting a phd can catch some off guard, by wynne parry, special to c&en, november 2, 2021 | a version of this story appeared in volume 99, issue 41.

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A woman clutches her hair as she pays her bills.

Graduate school has a reputation of being difficult, but when Nyesa Enakaya moved to Washington, DC, to start her PhD in chemistry at Howard University, she found the pressures were more than academic. Nearly all chemistry PhD programs come with a guaranteed income, but for some students, the money goes only so far.

Enakaya started in a stronger position than many. Not only was she debt-free, but she had savings, and with her parents’ help she made a down payment on a condo near her new institution. Together, her monthly mortgage and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees cost less than renting in the area. This arrangement will also make it possible for her to sell when she graduates.

Her 9-month teaching assistant’s salary of $20,000 sounded like a lot at first, even though it’s less than the average chemistry stipend of $26,000. But as her first school year began, it became clear that her monthly paychecks amounted to roughly the same amount as her mortgage, HOA fees, and utility costs. She had little to nothing left over for all the expenses that typically accompany graduate school, such as health insurance, fees charged by the school, and, of course, food, let alone anything unexpected.

“I just saw my bank account draining,” says Enakaya, now in her fifth year at Howard. “I wasn’t making enough money to support myself, and I was losing all of my savings.”

In chemistry and closely related fields, PhD students almost always receive financial support to cover the cost of their tuition and their living expenses. That’s not true of those in chemistry master’s programs or many who pursue degrees in other areas, such as the humanities and medicine, for which funding is much less consistent. Even so, PhD student stipends in chemistry are never lavish.

While many manage just fine, others quickly learn that their stipends cover much less than they expect or need. Routine costs, including taxes and health insurance, add up quickly. A high cost of living, as in a place like the District of Columbia, undergraduate debt, and unforeseen expenses can all contribute to a financial shortfall and the stress and frustration that accompany it.

However, not everyone struggles. Overall, funding appears to meet students’ needs more often than not. In an American Chemical Society survey conducted in 2019, 62% of US graduate students in the chemical sciences said their financial support was adequate, a decrease of roughly 7 percentage points from 2013.

Amrit Venkatesh says the financial package for his chemistry PhD at Iowa State University, which included a stipend that reached $26,600, seemed reasonably well matched to the cost of living in Ames, Iowa. “I would definitely not call it underpaid,” he says.

After he finished his master’s degree in his native India, Venkatesh at first didn’t seriously consider going to the US for a PhD. He wanted to take time to consider his options, and he assumed that programs in the US would be too expensive for him to afford. After deciding to pursue a PhD in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, he began looking for a strong program. In the process, he learned that the school that would become his top pick, Iowa State, offered a stipend that he believed he could live on. “I only applied after I was convinced I could make it work,” he says.

Tips from experts and grad students

Before starting a PhD program

Talk to current or recent grad students

When undergraduates give Sarah Goh, a professor of chemistry at Williams College, lists of programs that interest them, she connects them with Williams alums. “I will say, OK, so email these six people and ask them what the program is like and what their life is like.”

Learn about loans

Payments on many, but not all, student loans can be deferred while you’re in graduate school. Federally subsidized loans are the only ones that won’t accrue interest while you are in a grad program, says Ryan Stuart, a family life and finance educator at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Compared with undergrads, grad students pay higher interest rates and are more likely to encounter lifetime borrowing limits.

Ask yourself whether you can afford to live there

When you are close to selecting a program, draft a detailed budget tailored to your individual needs and the local cost of living, says Emily Roberts, owner of Personal Finance for PhDs. As part of your research, ask current students if the stipend is livable, she says.

Prepare yourself

Before you start your program, Roberts recommends paying down any credit card or other debt and establishing a cash reserve to keep you afloat, in case it takes some time to get your first paycheck. If you anticipate needing additional income and think you’ll have the time, energy, and freedom, she recommends establishing a side job before you start your program.

Talk to fellow grad students

Your colleagues are the “biggest encyclopedia for budgeting finances,” says Katie Johnson, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno. “The graduate students that have been there for 2, 3, 4 years, they already know how to do it,” she says. Not only do other students know where to find the cheapest rent and phone bill, but they also may become your roommates.

Make a spending plan (aka budget)

“There is literally no way to figure out if you can survive on any amount of income if you don’t have a plan in place,” says Stuart, who finds that people are generally more receptive to the prospect of making a “plan” versus a “budget.” He recommends using PowerPay’s free online planning tools.

Rightsize your housing

Financial experts typically recommend spending no more than 30% of your monthly income on housing. If that share creeps up much higher, “that is a big red warning flag that you need to do the best you absolutely can to downgrade your housing costs,” Roberts says. That can mean getting a roommate or moving, if feasible.

Establish an emergency fund

Whether it’s a car accident or a last-minute trip home, unexpected expenses come up. Stuart recommends that students put aside at least $400 just in case. If you can manage $1,000, all the better; if not, aim to build up to that amount. Once you have a more regular, stable income, try to set aside 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses, he says.

Start saving now

You may have a hard time imagining retirement right now, but Stuart and others recommend that you start putting something aside for it. Thanks to compounding interest, “even little amounts over longer periods of time are going to be much higher in the long run,” he says.

While US chemistry graduate students can receive funding from a number of sources, for most students, the institution where they study provides a stipend as compensation for teaching or research. To keep students focused, some institutions discourage or even forbid them from taking on outside jobs.

On average, US schools pay $26,814 for doctoral students working as research assistants and $26,082 for their counterparts working as teaching assistants, according to another ACS survey in 2019, this one of chemistry programs. These numbers, however, obscure enormous variation between both programs and students, who sometimes receive funding from additional sources, such as certain fellowships.

In spring 2014, after struggling to find accurate and up-to-date stipend information online, Emily Roberts launched the PhD Stipend Survey , which now has almost 11,000 entries. The results aren’t perfect—a few entries list unbelievably high amounts—but the survey is the closest thing to a clearinghouse for PhD stipends.

Roberts, who holds a PhD in biomedical engineering, cautions that a dollar amount on its own is meaningless. “Without putting that stipend in the context of the local cost of living, you really don’t yet have any idea of whether that stipend can pay even for basic living expenses,” says Roberts, now the owner of Personal Finance for PhDs .

To account for the cost of living, her survey uses data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator for a single person with no dependents to calculate a living-wage ratio. A ratio less than 1 raises “a red flag,” Roberts says.

Housing, in particular, can strangle students’ finances. The high cost of living near the University of California, Santa Cruz, drove graduate students at this institution to strike in December 2019. They demanded a $1,412 per month raise, an increase they calculated would allow students to spend less than 30% of their pretax income on rent, the proportion recommended by financial experts.

On July 1 of this year, Connor Brandenburg, an organic chemistry student at UC San Diego, got a raise that brought his finances nearly in line with this rule. After his department increased students’ stipends from $31,000 to $34,000 per year, his rent—$897 a month for a studio in university-run housing—accounted for about 32% of his pretax income.

But, within a year and a half, this share may grow substantially. In April 2023, he will have exhausted the 2 years of on-campus housing the university allotted him as a graduate student. Off-campus rents for a comparable studio can run up to $1,700, Brandenburg says, so he’s planning to downgrade.

“I’m 24. I don’t necessarily want to share a room with someone anymore, [but] financially, that may be my only option,” he says.

In addition to rent, graduate students face an expense familiar to undergraduates: fees, which some institutions levy separately from tuition. Like so much else, fees can vary considerably between schools.

This fall, the bill for graduate students at the Georgia Institute of Technology amounted to as much as $1,097 for 10 fees , which include money to fund student organizations, transportation services on campus, and a general-purpose “special institutional” fee.

Most of these charges are recommended by the school’s president and set by the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, which includes Georgia Tech. The largest of these fees, the special institutional fee, is an exception. The board instituted it in 2009, at first temporarily, to compensate for state budget cuts. But funding reductions remained in place and so did the fee, growing from $100 to $344 for graduate students.

While Georgia taxpayers may benefit from this shift, the accumulating fees make a difficult situation worse for Krista Bullard, a fifth-year PhD student in chemistry and biochemistry at Georgia Tech. Through a fellowship at the school’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute, Bullard earns $29,000 a year, an amount that she has found doesn’t match the cost of living in Atlanta.

“I have my parents’ car. They pay my car insurance; they pay for my phone,” she says. “I don’t think I could do it on my own.”

Like many other students, she has loans from her undergraduate degree, which add to the financial pressure. The end may be in sight, however, because she plans to graduate in May.

“I’m really pushing for that, mostly because I really can’t afford to stay any longer,” she says.

Fees typically don’t include another common cost: health insurance. Some institutions, including Georgia Tech, require students to purchase plans offered through the school or prove they have comparable coverage. But some programs provide free coverage.

Roughly a year after finishing his PhD, Venkatesh says his financial experience turned out “about the same as what I expected.” That doesn’t mean it was easy. Like many other students, he made the money work through a combination of hard work, self-discipline, and, on occasion, painful trade-offs.

After moving from India, Venkatesh faced a distinct set of financial challenges: he needed to send money back home to his family and, after he got married at the end of his first year, to support his wife, whose visa restrictions severely limited her options for earning income in the US. Tight finances, as well as the demanding work culture of American academia, contributed to the most difficult part of his entire PhD experience: traveling home only twice.

Together, he and his wife carefully managed their money, and Venkatesh figured out a way to supplement his stipend. While at Iowa State, he earned a series of academic honors—fellowships, scholarships, and a prize for research publications—that brought in between $1,000 and $10,000 after each year of his program.

“I have seen graduate students who manage the stipend significantly better than even I did,” he says. “But there were also students who might say the exact opposite, who were really struggling from month to month.”

In contrast, Enakaya’s expectations of living on her stipend evaporated after she started her program at Howard. At first she made do by using her savings and credit cards. She also found work tutoring and teaching, as well as paid summer internships, and her adviser provides her with some additional funding for her research. Her success lining up outside income, however, has come at a cost.

Over the most recent summer, for example, she interned at Brookhaven National Laboratory while teaching biochemistry and a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) prep course virtually. For 12 weeks, this arrangement kept her away from her research lab at Howard, where she had originally intended to focus her time and energy.

“Going into Howard, I truly didn’t believe that I would have to be taking internships, that I would have to be getting extra jobs,” she says.

The financial prospects for future Howard students may improve, at least to a degree. By 2023, the university plans to increase the 9-month teaching assistant stipend in chemistry and other departments by 20%, to $24,000, according to Dana Williams, dean of Howard’s Graduate School. This decision was based on the cost of living in the DC area, she says in an email.

Others besides teaching assistants may benefit too. Although funded by faculty members’ grants, research assistant stipends match those of teaching assistants and will likely increase too, according to Hua Zhao, the chair of Howard’s Chemistry Department.

The raise would bring Howard’s stipend more in line, although not quite on par, with funding offered to PhD students in chemistry at other DC institutions. Georgetown University and George Washington University both offer full-year support, versus Howard’s 9 months, of more than $35,000.

Looking back, Enakaya says that even if she had fully understood the financial picture, and the prospect of a larger stipend elsewhere, she would not have reconsidered her decision to go to Howard.

“I wanted to go to an HBCU [historically Black college or university]. I want to be surrounded by people that I know support and love me and really want to help me grow not just as a chemist, but as a Black chemist,” she says. “I want to learn from the faculty here, because they’ve had similar stories and similar experiences as me.”

When told her scramble to make the money work sounded stressful, Enakaya says: “Graduate school is stressful. We make it work. We definitely make it work.”

Wynne Parry is a freelance writer based in the greater Philadelphia area. This article is copublished in inChemistry magazine in partnership with ACS Education.

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The Cost of Graduate School

The Cost of Applying to Graduate School

There is a $75 application fee for all applicants to the PhD program. We offer application fee waivers to domestic applicants who meet our requirements. For further information please visit the Application Fee Waiver section. If you are interested in receiving a fee waiver, you must apply for one before the application deadline; once the fee waiver has been paid for, it is not possible to refund.

Unfortunately, the Chemistry Department can only waive the $75 application fee for international applicants if they have already applied and paid an application fee for another PhD program at MIT in the same admission cycle.

Applicants whose primary language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS exam and report their official scores. The MIT reporting code is 3514, and the department code is 62. We can waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for international applicants who have completed 3 or more years in a degree-granting program instructed exclusively in English, or who consider English to be their primary language.

The Cost of Attending Graduate School

Once the application fees are behind you, there are still some costs associated with attending graduate school, such as:

Tuition, fees, & insurance
Room & Board (on- or off-campus)
Conference, training, and research travel costs
Cost of living

All students admitted to the PhD program receive full tuition coverage along with a monthly stipend for the first academic year, either through Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, or fellowships. Students must be eligible to work in the United States in order to receive funding. After the first year, continued funding is provided for the duration of the PhD program, subject to the availability of funds for that purpose, as long as students remain in good academic standing.

All admitted Chemistry students receive:

Base stipend for 12 months. Current stipend rates are available online.
100% tuition waiver.
100% health insurance subsidy for the Extended Insurance plan . Basic student health insurance is included in tuition; all PhD students receive Extended Insurance support. Students will be responsible for paying for spouses, dependents, co-pays and other fees for services.

Students are responsible for paying the Student Life Fee each term. Information about the current Student Life Fee is available online. This helps fund student clubs, organizations, and the sports and fitness center. This fee covers students’ unlimited access to the gym, fitness classes, student organization events, and trips.

Cambridge/Boston Area Cost of Living

Living costs in the Cambridge/Boston area are among the highest in the United States. It is important to carefully consider your living expenses prior to arrival.

Some resources to consider are below:

MIT Grad Admissions Estimated Living Expenses

MIT GSC Cost of Living Analysis

Grad Students & Family Housing

MIT ISchO: Cost of Living Information for Scholars Coming to MIT

MIT Living Wage Calculator

More information about Cambridge/Boston culture and resources are below:

MIT OGE Services & Resources

MIT Transportation

MIT MBTA Subsidy

MIT GSC Transportation Guide for MIT Grad Students

MIT ISO: Cultural Adjustment

MIT ISO: Explore Cambridge & Boston

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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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Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences

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CEPH Requirements
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MHS
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ScM
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, PhD
Non-Degree Training
Biostatistics, MHS
Biostatistics, ScM
Biostatistics, PhD
Environmental Health, MHS
Environmental Health, SCM
Toxicology for Human Risk Assessment, MS
Environmental Health, PhD
Epidemiology, MHS
Epidemiology, ScM
Epidemiology, PhD
Health Education and Health Communication, MSPH
Genetic Counseling, ScM
Health, Behavior, and Society, MHS
Health, Behavior and Society, PhD
Health Administration, MHA
Health Economics and Outcomes Research, MHS
Health Finance and Management, MHS
Health Policy, MSPH
Health Policy and Management, PhD
Health Policy and Management, DrPH (Tsinghua)
Global Health Economics, MHS
International Health, MSPH
International Health, MSPH, Human Nutrition-Dietitian
International Health, MA/MSPH
International Health, PhD
Mental Health, MHS
Mental Health, PhD
Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, MHS
Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, ScM
Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, PhD
Population, Family and Reproductive Health, MHS
Population, Family and Reproductive Health, MHS Online
Population, Family and Reproductive Health, MSPH
Population, Family and Reproductive Health, PhD
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Graduate Training Programs in Clinical Investigation, MHS
Graduate Training Programs in Clinical Investigation, PhD
Graduate Training Programs in Clinical Investigation, ScM
Master of Arts in Public Health Biology
Master of Bioethics
DNP/MPH
DVM/MPH
JD/MPH
LLM/MPH
MBA/MPH with China Europe International Business School
MD/MPH
MPH/MBA
MSW/MPH
Master of Applied Science in Community-Based Primary Health Care Programs in Global Health
Master of Applied Science in Humanitarian Health
Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
Master of Applied Science in Population Health Management
Master of Applied Science in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
General Preventive Medicine Residency Program
Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency
Adolescent Health, Certificate
Bioethics, Certificate
Climate and Health, Certificate
Clinical Trials, Certificate
Community-Based Public Health, Certificate
Demographic Methods, Certificate
Environmental and Occupational Health, Certificate
Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals, Certificate
Evaluation: International Health Programs, Certificate
Food Systems, the Environment & Public Health, Certificate
Gender and Health, Certificate
Gerontology, Certificate
Global Digital Health, Certificate
Global Health, Certificate
Global Health Practice, Certificate
Health and Human Rights, Certificate
Health Communication, Certificate
Health Disparities and Health Inequality, Certificate
Health Education, Certificate
Health Finance and Management, Certificate
Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control, Certificate
Humane Sciences and Toxicology Policy, Certificate
Humanitarian Health, Certificate
Implementation Science and Research Practice, Certificate
Injury and Violence Prevention, Certificate
International Healthcare Management and Leadership, Certificate
Leadership for Public Health and Healthcare, Certificate
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Public Health, Certificate
Maternal and Child Health, Certificate
Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services, Certificate
Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Certificate
Population and Health, Certificate
Population Health Management, Certificate
Product Stewardship for Sustainability, Certificate
Public Health Advocacy, Certificate
Public Health Economics, Certificate
Public Health Informatics, Certificate
Public Health Practice, Certificate
Public Health Preparedness, Certificate
Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals
Public Mental Health Research, Certificate
Quality, Patient Safety, and Outcomes Research, Certificate
Quantitative Methods in Public Health, Certificate
Rigor, Reproducibility and Responsibility in Scientific Practice, Certificate
Risk Sciences and Public Policy, Certificate
Spatial Analysis for Public Health, Certificate
Training Certificate in Public Health
Tropical Medicine, Certificate
Vaccine Science and Policy, Certificate
Academic Ethics Code
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Business Administration (Flexible), MBA
Business Administration (Full Time), MBA
Business Analytics and Risk Management (Part Time), Master of Science
Business Analytics and Risk Management, Master of Science
Design Leadership, MBA/MA Dual Degree
Finance (Part Time), Master of Science
Finance, Master of Science
Financial Management, Graduate Certificate
Financial Management, Graduate Certificate, Investments, Graduate Certificate, Applied Economics, MS
Health Care Management (Part Time), Master of Science
Health Care Management, Master of Science
Information Systems, Master of Science
Investments, Graduate Certificate
Leadership Development Program, Graduate Certificate
Marketing (Part Time), Master of Science
Marketing, Master of Science
MBA/Applied Economics, MS Dual Degree
MBA/Biotechnology, MS Dual Degree
MBA/Communication, MA Dual Degree
MBA/DNP Dual Degree
MBA/Government, MA Dual Degree
MBA/Healthcare Organizational Leadership, MSN Dual Degree
MBA/JD Dual Degree
MBA/MA in International Relations
MBA/MD Dual Degree
MBA/MPH Dual Degree
Real Estate and Infrastructure (Part Time), Master of Science
Real Estate and Infrastructure, Master of Science
Business, Minor
Academic Ethics Policy
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Changing Degree Program
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Interruption of Degree Work
Graduation Eligibility
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance (BFA)
Bachelor of Music in Composition
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance
Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Composition
Bachelor of Music in Music Education- Guitar
Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Jazz
Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Orchestral Instruments
Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Piano
Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Voice
Bachelor of Music in Music for New Media
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Computer Music
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Guitar
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Harpsichord
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Historical Performance
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Orchestral Instruments
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Organ
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Piano
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Voice
Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts & Sciences - Composition
Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts & Sciences - Computer Music
Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts & Sciences - Guitar
Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts & Sciences - Jazz
Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts & Sciences - Orchestral Instruments
Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts & Sciences - Piano
Business of Music, Minor
Directed Studies, Minor
Historical Performance, Minor
Historical Performance: Voice, Minor
Liberal Arts, Minor
Music Theory, Minor
Musicology, Minor
Peabody-Homewood Double Degree Program
Five-Year BM/MM Program
Five-Year BM/MA: Music for New Media Variant
Master of Music in Composition
Master of Music in Film and Game Scoring
Master of Music, Performance - Choral Conducting Specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Computer Music specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Guitar specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Harpsichord specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Historical Performance Instruments specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Historical Performance Voice specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Jazz specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Orchestral Conducting specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Orchestral Instruments specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Organ specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Piano specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Wind Conducting specialization
Master of Music, Performance - Voice specialization
Performance, Master of Music - Pedagogy emphasis
Music Education, Master of Music
Musicology, Master of Music
Music Theory Pedagogy, Master of Music
Master of Music: Low Residency
Five-Year BM/MA Program Requirements: Acoustics
Five-Year BM/MA Program Requirements: Recording Arts
Composition, Doctor of Musical Arts
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Guitar specialization
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Historical Performance Instruments specialization
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Orchestral Conducting specialization
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Orchestral Instruments specialization
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Organ specialization
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Piano specialization
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Voice specialization
Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts - Wind Conducting specialization
Guitar, Performer's Certificate
Orchestral Instruments, Performer's Certificate
Organ, Performer's Certificate
Piano, Performer's Certificate
Voice, Performer's Certificate
Graduate Performance Diploma (GPD)
Artist’s Diploma (AD)
Music Education Certification - Instrumental
Music Education Certification - Vocal
International Studies, Doctor of Philosophy
International Affairs, Doctor of
European Public Policy, Master of Arts
Global Policy, Master of Arts
Global Risk, Master of Arts (On-site)
Global Risk, Master of Arts (Online)
International Affairs, Master of Arts
International Economics and Finance, Master of Arts
International Relations, Master of Arts
International Studies, Master of Arts
International Public Policy, Master of
Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence, Master of Arts
Sustainable Energy, Master of Arts (Online)
Chinese and American Studies, Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate
Dual Degrees and Exchange Programs
Graduate Certificates
International Studies, Diploma
Academic Integrity
Academic Policies and Resources
Student Life
School Leadership and Key Contacts
Academic and Student Conduct Policies
Academic Standards
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Grievances and Complaints
Education (Online), EdD
Education, PhD
Counseling, Master of Science
Education, Master of Science – Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology (Online)
Education, Master of Science - Educational Studies
Education, Master of Science - Gifted Education
Education, Master of Science - School Administration and Supervision
Education Policy, Master of Science
Health Professions (Online), Master of Education
Special Education, Master of Science
Teaching Professionals, Master of Education
Applied Behavior Analysis, Post–Master’s Certificate
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Post–Master’s Certificate
Evidence-Based Teaching in the Health Professions, Post–Master’s Certificate
Counseling, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
Education of Students with Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Graduate Certificate
Educational Leadership for Independent Schools, Graduate Certificate
Gifted Education, Graduate Certificate
Leadership in Technology Integration (Online), Graduate Certificate
Mathematics/STEM Instructional Leader (PreK-6) (Online), Graduate Certificates
Mind, Brain and Teaching (Online), Graduate Certificate
School Administration and Supervision, Graduate Certificate
Urban Education, Graduate Certificate
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State Authorization of Distance Education (NC-SARA)
Conduct in Teacher/Learner Relationships (Student Mistreatment Policy)
Lectureships and Visiting Professorships
Medical Student Advising
Named Professorships
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Student Research Scholarships and Awards
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Young Investigators’ Day
Anatomy Education, MS
Applied Health Sciences Informatics, MS
Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, PhD
Biological Chemistry, PhD
Biomedical Engineering, PhD
Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, PhD/Molecular Biophysics, PhD
Cellular and Molecular Medicine, PhD
Cellular and Molecular Physiology, PhD
Clinical Anaplastology, MS
Clinical Informatics, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Cross-Disciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences, PhD
Functional Anatomy and Evolution, PhD
Health Sciences Informatics, PhD
Health Sciences Informatics–Research, MS
History of Medicine, MA (On-site)
History of Medicine, MA (Online)
History of Medicine, PhD
History of Medicine, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (Online)
Human Genetics and Genomics, PhD
Immunology, PhD
Medical and Biological Illustration, MA
Medical Physics, MS
Neuroscience, PhD
Pathobiology, PhD
Pharmacology, PhD
Doctor of Medicine, MD
MD-PhD, Combined Degree
Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
Biological Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry
Cell Biology
Department of Genetic Medicine
Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Epidemiology
Functional Anatomy and Evolution
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Health Sciences Informatics
History of Medicine
Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Multi-Department Courses
Neuroscience
Ophthalmology
Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Public Health
Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences
Radiology and Radiological Science
Section of Surgical Sciences
Postdoctoral Fellows
Healthcare Organizational Leadership, Post-Master’s Certificate
Nursing Education, Post-Master's Certificate
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's Certificate
Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Adult-Gerontological Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Adult-Gerontological Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Nurse Anesthesia, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Pediatric Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Executive Track
Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Advanced Practice Track/Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Dual Degree
DNP Executive/MBA Dual Degree
DNP Executive/MPH Dual Degree
Healthcare Organizational Leadership, MSN/MBA, Dual Degree
Entry into Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing
Healthcare Organizational Leadership Track, Master of Science in Nursing
Online Prerequisites for Health Professions
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Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences & Whiting School of Engineering Full-Time, On-Campus Undergraduate and Graduate Policies Toggle Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences & Whiting School of Engineering Full-Time, On-Campus Undergraduate and Graduate Policies
Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Bachelor of Arts
Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Bachelor of Science
Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Master of Science in Engineering
Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Minor
Applied Mathematics and Statistics, PhD
Data Science, Master's Degree
Financial Mathematics, Master of Science in Engineering
Bioengineering Innovation and Design, Master of Science in Engineering
Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Arts
Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Biomedical Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering
Biomedical Engineering, PhD through the School of Medicine
Accounting and Financial Management, Minor
Engineering Management, Master of Science
Entrepreneurship and Management, Minor
Global Innovation and Leadership Through Engineering, Master of Science
Leadership Studies, Minor
Marketing and Communications, Minor
Professional Communication Program
Professional Development Program
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, PhD
Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)
Civil Engineering, Minor
Civil and Systems Engineering, PhD
Systems Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Systems Engineering, Master of Science
Systems Engineering, Minor
Computational Medicine, Minor
Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts
Computer Science, Bachelor of Science
Computer Science, Master of Science in Engineering
Computer Science, Minor
Computer Science, PhD
Engineering, Doctor of Engineering
Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering, PhD
Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Energy, Minor
Engineering for Sustainable Development, Minor
Environmental Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Environmental Engineering, Minor
Environmental Sciences, Minor
Geography and Environmental Engineering, Master of Arts
Geography and Environmental Engineering, Master of Science
Geography and Environmental Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering
Geography and Environmental Engineering, PhD
Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Master of Science
General Engineering, Bachelor of Arts
Security Informatics, Master of Science
Security Informatics, Master of Science/Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Master of Science in Engineering Dual Master's Program
Security Informatics, Master of Science/Computer Science, Master of Science in Engineering Dual Master's Program
Materials Science and Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Materials Science and Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering, PhD
Engineering Mechanics, Bachelor of Science
Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering
Mechanical Engineering, PhD
NanoBioTechnology
Computer Integrated Surgery, Minor
Robotics, Master of Science in Engineering
Robotics, Minor
Space Science and Engineering Toggle Space Science and Engineering
Academic Regulations
Registration Policies
Admission Requirements
Applied and Computational Mathematics, Graduate Certificate
Applied and Computational Mathematics, Master of Science
Applied and Computational Mathematics, Post-Master’s Certificate
Applied Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Certificate
Applied Biomedical Engineering, Master of Science
Applied Biomedical Engineering, Post-Master’s Certificate
Applied Physics, Master of Science
Applied Physics, Post-Master’s Certificate
Artificial Intelligence, Graduate Certificate
Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Master of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Civil Engineering, Graduate Certificate
Civil Engineering, Master of Civil Engineering
Computer Science, Graduate Certificate
Computer Science, Master of Science
Computer Science, Post-Master’s Certificate
Cybersecurity, Graduate Certificate
Cybersecurity, Master of Science
Cybersecurity, Post-Master’s Certificate
Data Science, Graduate Certificate
Data Science, Master of Science
Data Science, Post-Master’s Certificate
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Graduate Certificate
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Master of Science
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Post-Master’s Certificate
Engineering Management, Graduate Certificate
Engineering Management, Master of Engineering Management
Climate Change, Energy, and Environmental Sustainability, Graduate Certificate
Climate, Energy, and Environmental Sustainability, Master of Science
Environmental Engineering, Graduate Certificate
Environmental Engineering, Master of Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering, Post-Master’s Certificate
Environmental Engineering and Science, Graduate Certificate
Environmental Engineering and Science, Master of Science
Environmental Engineering and Science, Post-Master’s Certificate
Environmental Planning and Management, Graduate Certificate
Environmental Planning and Management, Master of Science
Environmental Planning and Management, Post-Master’s Certificate
Financial Mathematics, Master of Science
Financial Risk Management, Graduate Certificate
Quantitative Portfolio Management, Graduate Certificate
Securitization, Graduate Certificate
Healthcare Systems Engineering, Master of Science
Industrial and Operations Engineering, Master of Science
Information Systems Engineering, Graduate Certificate
Information Systems Engineering, Master of Science
Information Systems Engineering, Post-Master’s Certificate
Materials Science and Engineering, Master of Science
Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science
Mechanical Engineering, Post-Master’s Certificate
Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Master of Science
Space Systems Engineering, Master of Science
Space Systems Engineering, Post-Master's Certificate
Systems Engineering, Graduate Certificate
Systems Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering (ABET-accredited)
Systems Engineering, Post-Master’s Certificate
Anthropology, Bachelor of Arts
Anthropology, Minor
Anthropology, PhD
Archaeology, Bachelor of Arts
Archaeology, Minor
Behavioral Biology, Bachelor of Arts
Bioethics, Minor
Biology, Bachelor of Arts
Biology, Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science
Cellular, Molecular, Developmental Biology and Biophysics, PhD
Molecular & Cellular Biology, Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Bachelor of Science
Biophysics, Bachelor of Arts
Biophysics, Fifth-Year Master’s Degree
Biophysics, PhD - Jenkins Biophysics Program
Biophysics, PhD - Program in Molecular Biophysics
Africana Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Africana Studies, Minor
Moral and Political Economy, Bachelor of Arts
Center for Language Education
Chemical Biology, PhD
Chemistry, Bachelor of Science
Classics, Bachelor of Arts
Classics, Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts
Classics, Minor
Classics, PhD
Cognitive Science, Bachelor of Arts
Cognitive Science, Master of Arts
Cognitive Science, PhD
Linguistics, Minor
Humanistic Studies, PhD
Earth and Planetary Sciences, PhD
Earth and Planetary Sciences, Bachelor of Arts
Earth and Planetary Sciences, Minor
Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science
Environmental Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Environmental Studies, Minor
East Asian Studies, Bachelor of Arts
East Asian Studies, Minor
Economics, Bachelor of Arts
Economics, Minor
Economics, PhD
Financial Economics, Minor
English, Bachelor of Arts
English, Minor
English, PhD
Film and Media Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Film and Media Studies, Minor
History, Bachelor of Arts
History, Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts Four-Year Program
History, Minor
History, PhD
History of Art, Bachelor of Arts
History of Art, Minor
History of Art, PhD
History of Art, Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts
History of Science and Technology, PhD
History of Science, Medicine and Technology, Minor
History of Science, Medicine, and Technology, Bachelor of Arts
Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Arts
International Studies, Bachelor of Arts
International Studies B.A./M.A. Program with Sciences Po
International Studies B.A./M.A. Program with the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
Islamic Studies, Minor
Jewish Languages and Literatures, PhD
Jewish Studies, Minor
Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies, Minor
Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts
Mathematics, Minor
Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts
Mathematics, PhD
Medicine, Science, and the Humanities, Bachelor of Arts
Military Science
Film and Media Studies, Graduate Certificate
French, Bachelor of Arts
French, Minor
French, PhD
German Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts
German, Bachelor of Arts
German, Minor
German, PhD
Italian, Bachelor of Arts
Italian, Minor
Italian, PhD
Romance Languages, Bachelor of Arts
Spanish, Bachelor of Arts
Spanish for the Professions, Minor
Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures, Minor
Spanish, PhD
Museums and Society, Minor
Music, Minor
Natural Sciences Area, Bachelor of Arts
Near Eastern Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Near Eastern Studies, Minor
Near Eastern Studies, PhD
Neuroscience, Bachelor of Science
Neuroscience, Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts
Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts
Philosophy, Minor
Philosophy, PhD
Astronomy and Astrophysics, PhD
Physics, Bachelor of Arts
Physics, Bachelor of Science
Physics, Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
Physics, Minor
Physics, PhD
Political Science, Bachelor of Arts
Political Science, PhD
Psychology, Bachelor of Arts
Psychology, Minor
Psychology, PhD
Public Health Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Civic Life, Minor
Sociology, Bachelor of Arts
Sociology, PhD
Sociology, PhD/Applied Mathematics and Statistics, MSE Joint Program
Space Science and Engineering, Minor
Women, Gender, and Sexuality, Minor
Theatre Arts and Studies, Minor
Visual Arts, Minor
Writing Seminars Minor
Writing Seminars, Bachelor of Arts
Writing Seminars, Master of Fine Arts
Multi-School Programs of Study Toggle Multi-School Programs of Study
About Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Administration and Faculty
Academic Regulations for Online Courses
Academic Structure
Grades / Performance / Conduct
Graduation Requirements
Applied Economics, MS/ Investment Certificate
Applied Economics, MS/Financial Management Certificate
Applied Economics, MS/MBA Dual Degree
Data Analytics and Policy, MS/Intelligence, Certificate
Data Analytics and Policy, Certificate
Geospatial Intelligence, Master of Science
Global Security Studies, MA/Intelligence, Certificate
Government, MA/MBA

Chemistry, PhD

The PhD in chemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve molecular scale problems and to be successful independent scientists who can contribute to current challenging societal issues.

Students earning a doctorate in chemistry from the School of Molecular Sciences are trained in the foundation disciplines of analytical, organic, physical, inorganic, environmental or geological chemistry, and most also choose to join transdisciplinary research teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:

energy and sustainability
frontiers of chemical measurement
fundamental molecular science
geologic and biospheric science
materials and nanoscience
medicine and health
structure function and dynamics

students funded

Annual research funding, research groups, admission information, how to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is January 1. Applications received prior to the deadline will receive priority consideration, but applications received after the deadline may still receive consideration, pending available space. Applicants will receive final notice of decision by March 15.

All applicants must apply through the Graduate Admissions office. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly . Please do not mail any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences.

The School of Molecular Sciences utilizes a two-part application process and both parts are required. The first part is the General Application through the ASU Graduate Admissions office. The second part is a supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences through SlideRoom.

Step 1:General Application

The first step is to submit the General Application through Graduate Admission Services.

Step 2: Supplemental Application

The supplemental application can be completed immediately following submission of the General Application. You will need your Application Reference number in order to submit, but can begin the application without it. The Supplemental Application will close on the application deadline and no new applications will be allowed. Applications started by the deadline will be granted a 7-day grace period to complete the application.

Access the Supplemental Application

***GRE NOT required***

Requirements

Minimum Requirements required for admission:

GPA of at least 3.0
Applicants from Indian institutions (3-yr BSc) must have completed a Master's degree.
International Applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE)

While all applications meeting the minimum requirements will be reviewed, competitive candidates generally meet the following benchmarks:

Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (IELTS 7/7, equivalencies for other tests will be determined as needed). Additional English requirements are required by ASU for employment as a TA for speaking section less than 26.

Application

All applicants are required to pay the application fee ($70 – domestic / $115 – international). The application fee will be refunded to all students who are accepted into and agree to join our program.

You will need the following information to complete the general application:

Beginning/ending dates and location(s) of your academic degree(s);
Grade point average (GPA) - Information on calculating overall, junior-senior undergraduate and graduate GPA can found on the Graduate Admission website .
TOEFL scores (unofficial scores can be used in your initial application)
Arizona Residency information if you are a resident in the state of Arizona (general tax and employment history)
Submitting unofficial transcripts could expedite admission and not require submission of official transcripts in order to receive a formal offer

You will need the following information to complete the supplemental application:

Areas of research and faculty member interest
A brief Personal Statement that includes a narrative concerning your motivations for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, your long-term career goals, further information on research experience, potential ASU faculty interests and a list of all honors, awards and scholarships. It is particularly important to describe your research experience and list any publications.
Contact information (email address) for three (3) faculty members who will write letters of recommendation for you, and can comment on your suitability for advanced scholarly work. One of these must be your current research supervisor. If you are employed full-time, only one of these letters can be from your employer. Faculty member letters are much more important than letters from employers.
Electronic copies of your unofficial transcripts. (individual PDF file for each transcript)

Acceptance decisions may be extended on the basis of the unofficial information submitted as part of the application, although an official offer cannot be extended until the all official transcripts and test scores have been received and added to the official graduate admissions application.

Domestic students who apply by the deadline and are extended an offer of admission will be invited to visit campus during our Visitation Weekend in mid-February.

International

The School of Molecular Sciences values a diverse student population and welcomes applications from international students. The University sets English proficiency requirements for admission for international students whose native language is not English, or for whom the official language of the country of origin is not English. The University will also require international students employed as a teaching assistants to demonstrate additional proficiency in spoken English. The School of Molecular Sciences prefers applicants who demonstrate English proficiency beyond the University required minimums as follows:

A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (additional English requirements are required for employment as a TA)
An IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with speaking score of 7.0 or better
Equivalencies for other exams will be determined as needed.

The test of English proficiency must have been taken within two years of starting the program (i.e. for fall 2022 admission, the test must have been taken after August 1, 2020.) You will need to retake the test if your results are more than two years old. Official scores should be sent by the Education Testing Service (ETS) as soon as possible. When ordering a score report from ETS, use institution code 4007 (a department code is not needed). Applications will not be considered without valid evidence of English proficiency.

Applicants who satisfy one of the following criteria through attendance at a regionally accredited college or university in the US are exempt from the English proficiency admission requirements:

Applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List.
Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
Applicants who have completed at least nine semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S or from an international institution that is officially recognized in that country and is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English. Student should email [email protected] to request exemption and include a letter from the institution on letterhead indicating language of instruction or provide information on the institution website to verify language of instruction.
Applicants who have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
Four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English.

NOTE: Exemption can only be obtained by providing proof through submission of official documentation, i.e. official graduate transcript. The requirement will remain on your account until the verification has been completed by the Graduate Admissions office.

All international academic records must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal and complete versions of original records, and the documents must be translated by a university, a government official, or an official translation service. Students who are applying from Indian institutions must send both their Certificate and Mark Sheets.

The university sets an additional requirement for spoken English proficiency for students to be hired as Teaching Assistants. Students who do not meet the threshold for spoken English proficiency (iBT speaking score of 24/IELTS speaking band score of 7.5) are brought in early and provided assistance to prepare for and take the test of spoken English that is administered by the university.

For additional information, please visit the Graduate Admission Services page dedicated to International Students .

All students accepted in the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are guaranteed financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant (Teaching/Research Assistant) position for five years. Students are typically appointed as Teaching Assistants for at least the first year. Research assistantships come from faculty grants and are awarded based on the availability of funds. There are some departmental, college, or university fellowships that are awarded on a competitive basis. Highly qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for a graduate fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF-GRFP), National Institutes of Health (NIH-F31) as well as other national fellowship programs, i.e. DOE, EPA, NASA, etc.

The standard stipend for all students on TA/RA is $12,293 per semester for fall and spring ($24,586) and full summer funding is $8,195 for TA or RA. Total annual stipend is $32,781.

Tuition and Health Insurance benefits are provided for all students with Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantship positions with at least a full-time (.50 FTE) appointment (20 hours per week). Tuition - Tuition waivers cover the full cost of tuition for resident and non-resident students with a TA/RA appointment. Information on the cost of tuition and the value of this benefit can be found in the Academic Catalog . Health Benefits - The university covers the cost of individual health insurance premiums for all TAs and RAs with full-time appointments (.50 FTE). More information on this plan can be found at ASU Health Services website (Billing and Insurance > Health Coverage Options).

Additional information about the specific policies of the RA/TA position at ASU can be found in the Graduate College TA/RA Handbook .

Students seeking to transfer from another graduate program are accepted only under exceptional circumstances. If you are currently, or have been in another graduate program in chemistry or biochemistry in the United States, you must supply three letters of recommendation from your current institution (i.e. the one that you are transferring from, or the one you previously attended). Do not have letters sent from earlier (undergraduate) institutions. Specifically, we will need a letter from your current research advisor (or prior graduate research advisor) stating explicitly why you want to transfer to ASU. Without a letter from your research advisor, we will NOT be able to review your application.

Application Fee Waiver Request

The School of Molecular Sciences has earmarked a small amount of money to provide application fee waivers to assist students with a demonstrated financial need. To apply for fee waiver, please complete the application below:

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request Form - Fall 2024

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request form

You will be asked to provide the following information:

To obtain the Application Number, you will need to start the Graduate Application and complete it up to the payment page. Do not submit payment information. Save and exit the application. You will receive your Application Number via email within about 24 hours. (If you submit payment, it cannot be undone and you will not be reimbursed, except as noted below as part of the standard admission/reimbursement process.)
Brief essay (about 150 words) detailing your financial hardship
Brief essay (similar to your personal statement for graduate school) describing why you are interested in earning a PhD in chemistry or biochemistry at ASU
Names of three faculty members you would be interested in having as a possible research advisor and why you are interested in them
Copies of unofficial transcripts, combined into one PDF document. (file name: Last name, First name – transcripts )
Copy of TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score report (International applicants only). (f ile name: Last Name, First Name: English Proficiency )
Additional supporting documents (combined into one pdf). ( file name: Last Name, First Name: supporting documentation )

Fee waiver requests will be considered until all funds have been exhausted, but must be submitted by December 1. Requests will be evaluated upon receipt in the order received and students will be informed of the decision within about two weeks. Receipt of an application fee waiver does not guarantee admission to a PhD program. If you do not receive a fee waiver, but are admitted to the chemistry or biochemistry PhD program and join the program, the application fee will be reimbursed at the beginning of the first semester.

This fee waiver request is only available to applicants of the Chemistry or Biochemistry PhD programs. Applicants for MS degrees are not eligible.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required. The committee will not factor in GRE scores sent to ASU.

Do I have to pay the application fee?

Yes. The application fee is paid with the general graduate application. The fee is $70 for domestic students and $115 for international students. The application fee will be refunded to all students who are admitted and choose to join our program. This fee is set by the University and is out of our control.

If I send my application information in an email, can I receive a pre-evaluation to see if I am eligible to apply?

We receive many inquiries and applications; therefore, we are not able to preview your scores to determine your eligibility to apply or make suggestions on your credentials.

I missed the deadline for application. Can I still apply?

Applications received after the Jan. 1 deadline may be reviewed and considered for admission if space permits; however, the applicant may not be eligible for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend. International students must consider important dates for the issuance of immigration documents. Applications are only accepted for the fall semester. We do not admit students to begin study in the spring semester.

Do all supporting documents need to be submitted by the deadline date?

Supporting documents may be submitted after the deadline; however, preference is given to applicants whose files are complete by the application due date. Submission of documents after the deadline may exclude your application from eligibility for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend.

Is a master's degree required for applying to the PhD program?

Students applying to the PhD programs must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline by the semester in which they want to begin their graduate program. A Master’s degree is not required, with one exception. Due to differences in the educational system in India, applicants who have received their degree from an institution in India must have also completed a Master's degree. (4-year degrees, usually Biotechnology degrees, from India are considered equivalent to a 4-year BS degree and do not require an accompanying Master’s degree.)

Why can't I access the departmental supplemental application page?

You will need an ASURITE ID from Graduate Admission Services before you can access this page. Graduate Admission Services will not send your ASURITE ID until you have completed and submitted the general application, i.e. you must click the "submit" button at the end of their application. Please also make sure that the email containing your ASURITE ID has not been caught in your SPAM filter.

If you have received your ASURITE ID and you still cannot access the application, please wait 1-2 days to allow for our supplemental application database to sync with the Graduate Admission Services database (due to the schedule, this can take up to 48 hours). If after 48 hours you still cannot access the application, please check your MyASU to confirm that you have an application on file. If when accessing the application you encounter a page requesting that you log out, please follow the log out instructions, close your internet browser, and then try the link again. You may also need to log out of MyASU directly, since many browsers allow for MyASU to remain logged in, which can cause an authentication time-out error for the supplemental application. After logging out of MyASU, close your browser and then attempt to access the supplemental application again.

How many students will you admit this year?

Our recent incoming classes have ranged from 30-40 students, selected from ca. 450 applicants. The class size for any given year will be determined by faculty demand for new students.

Do I need to send official transcripts to both graduate college and the department?

Applicants are asked to submit an electronic copy of their unofficial transcripts as part of the Supplemental Application to the School of Molecular Sciences. SMS will use the unofficial transcripts for their review. Official transcripts must be sent to Graduate Admission Services for evaluation for you to be eligible for admission. Please do not mail your official transcript or any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences.

Where do I send official documents?

If sending by U.S. Mail, use this address:

Admission Services Applicant Processing Arizona State University PO Box 871004 Tempe AZ 85287-1004

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS, use this address:

Arizona State University Admission Services Applicant Processing 1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226 Tempe, AZ 85281

Do not mail any documents, including official transcripts or copies of test scores to the School of Molecular Sciences.

Where can I find the form for recommendation letters?

There is no form for recommendation letters; they are submitted electronically. Within the Supplemental Application you will provide email addresses for your recommendation writers and an email will be sent to each recommender with instructions on how to submit a letter in support of your application. We can only accept letters of recommendation that are submitted electronically using our system.

Which professors are actively recruiting students? Should I contact individual professors about their research group?

Professors' group requirements change constantly and we are not able to provide a list of actively recruiting faculty. However, all students, whichever professor they eventually work for, must first apply to and be accepted into the program. Individual professors do not make decisions regarding admissions and should not be contacted with admission inquiries. Professors will often discuss research projects by email with enthusiastic applicants.

What kind of financial support is available through the department?

All students accepted into the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are offered financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant position.

Students are welcome and encouraged to apply for fellowships available through the Graduate College or federal agencies (i.e. NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.) to supplement or substitute for the standard funding, which can often allow for additional focus on research and a reduction in the time required to complete the degree.

Is there a special form to complete for financial support via a graduate assistantship?

There is no additional paperwork to complete for a Graduate Assistantship.

I am an international student, when should I submit the financial guarantee form?

The Financial Guarantee form should be submitted only if you are accepted to a graduate program. Graduate Admission Services will send information on completing this form with their official admissions notification. Information on how to complete this form will also be included with the official offer letter.

How can I check the status of my application?

Your application status can be checked in two places:

For your general application, please check your MyASU portal, specifically your Priority Tasks panel for any required items that need to be submitted. If your application status is “In Review” your official application is complete and nothing further is required for the official application.

For the Supplemental Application, please log in and click the "Check Documents Status" bar at the top of the application. All information that has been submitted is live and can be seen by the committee, there is no final submit button.

When will a decision be made on my application?

The School of Molecular Sciences Admissions Committee will begin their review of applications close to the deadline. The number of applications received in the past few years has averaged over 450 per year; therefore, it may take up to 6 weeks before notices are sent. The Admissions Committee appreciates your patience while they carefully review each applicant's qualification for our graduate programs. Every effort will be made to provide final decisions by March 15.

Information on the Graduate Admission Services application can be found on their website or you can contact them by email or by calling 480-965-6113. Additional information can be found on their Contact page.

Where can I find information about the graduate admission services application and how do I contact them if I have a question?

Learn more about Degree Requirements and Courses and electives

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A Chemistry degree explores the world of matter, its properties, and reactions. Specialisations include Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, and Biochemistry. Courses cover topics like organic synthesis, thermodynamics, spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and environmental chemistry. Skills gained are valuable in healthcare, environmental fields, and various industries. Curiosity, precision, and analytical thinking are essential. Career options include Analytical Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Pharmacologist, Toxicologist, and Research Scientist, with opportunities to make significant contributions to human progress. A Chemistry degree is a rewarding path for those passionate about continuous learning and discovery.

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PhD Program

Chemistry PhD Program

The University of Pennsylvania is an internationally renowned research institution that attracts the best students from the United States and around the globe. The Graduate Program is designed for students who wish to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry while undertaking cutting edge research. The program provides students with the necessary theoretical background and hands-on training to become independent and highly successful scientists. Graduate students achieve mastery of advanced chemistry topics through courses in different subdisciplines. Broad exposure to current research also occurs via four weekly departmental seminar programs and many interdisciplinary, university-wide lecture series.

Currently, faculty, students, and postdoctoral associates in Chemistry work in the fields of bioinorganic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, chemical biology, biophysical chemistry, bioinformatics, materials science, laser chemistry, health related chemistry, structural and dynamical studies of biological systems, X-ray scattering/diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, applications of computing and computer graphics, as well as investigations of chemical communication and hormone-receptor interactions. Many research groups combine different techniques to explore frontier areas, such as nanomaterials applied to biology, photoactive biomolecules, and single-molecule imaging. Novel synthetic procedures are under constant development for targets ranging from super-emissive nanoparticles to highly specialized drug molecules and giant dendrimers, which are being explored, for example, as drug-delivery systems. The Research Facilities in the Department of Chemistry provide a strong technology base to enable the highest level of innovation. Graduate students are a driving, integral force at Penn Chemistry.

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The Department of Chemistry offers a program of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). There are approximately 165 graduate students and 120 postdoctoral researchers, visiting faculty and senior scholars representing diverse backgrounds and experiences pursuing research in all major areas of chemistry. There is considerable interdisciplinary and collaborative research pursued both within the Department and with other departments and programs around campus.

Erik Sorensen Director of Graduate Studies [email protected] Frick Laboratory, 132 609-258-8135

Patti Wallack Manager of Educational Programs, Outreach, and Events [email protected] Frick Laboratory, A21 609-258-4116

Sarah Mullins Graduate Program Manager [email protected] Frick Laboratory, 222 609-258-3651

The Graduate Program in Chemistry welcomes students pursuing doctoral research in a broad range of areas:

Catalysis and Organic Synthesis
Physical Experimental Chemistry
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
Materials Chemistry

The Graduate Catalog provides an overview of the chemistry academic and interdisciplinary programs available to students. Click to visit the chemistry section of the Graduate Catalog.

PhD Program Overview

Main navigation, academic and departmental matters.

We have orientations and academic advising sessions for all new graduate students before you select your courses and start your first classes. Furthermore, you'll get ongoing support and advising from faculty and staff throughout your graduate career.

PhD Frequently Asked Questions

Where do i find information.

Go to Stanford's Graduate Admissions site .
Explore all the information available on our Chemical Engineering site, (including the faculty pages and and the multiple pages under the PhD and admissions tabs). If these resources do not address any remaining questions, please send an email to the department at [email protected] . Use your email subject line: Admissions - [family name] - [topic of your inquiry]

When may admitted PhD applicants visit Stanford?

March 2-5 2023, is the Chemical Engineering Virtual Visit Weekend. If you are seriously considering Stanford's Chemical Engineering's PhD program for your doctoral work, please reserve these dates for your virtual Stanford visit, as we will be unable to accommodate a request to visit at another time.

How long does it take to get the PhD degree?

The average time to earn a PhD degree is between 5 and 6 years. Some students finish a little earlier and some a bit later.

If I have a master's degree from another university, do I need to get a MS from Stanford before pursuing a PhD?

No. In Chemical Engineering, having an MS degree is not a requirement for conferral of a PhD degree. PhD students without a master's may petition for conferral of a Stanford master's in the course of fulfilling their PhD requirements. Matriculated PhD students with a MS earned elsewhere either may petition for conferral of a Stanford MS or may petition for approval of transfer units, to be applied toward the total unit requirements for a PhD degree. Any student contemplating petitioning for approval of transfer units should consult first with departmental student services.

How many faculty members do you have and how long have they been teaching?

See the faculty pages. Our faculty is well-distributed in terms of experience and areas of emphasis.

What are the course requirements, and how long do they generally take to complete?

PhD students take 10 units per quarter.

PhD students take three 3-unit courses and one 1-unit colloquium (seminar) per quarter in the first two quarters and the majority of their lecture courses during the first two academic years. Then they finish the coursework requirements by taking a class here and there until they have a total of 42 units for lecture courses in science and engineering, plus 3 units of colloquia (seminar). Because of the importance faculty place on honing communication skills while pursuing a doctorate, all candidates are also required to assist in the teaching of two chemical engineering courses.

What are PhD research rotations?

Each first-year PhD student rotates with two different faculty research groups before choosing an advisor and lab in which to develop his or her own research projects. The rotations enable students to gain a better understanding of a given faculty member’s research program and to determine if that lab is a good fit for their future research. Furthermore, during the first six months, there are multiple opportunities to talk with a wide range of faculty members about their research.

How do PhD qualifying examinations work? What is the usual pass rate?

To be admitted to PhD candidacy, students must pass a qualifying examination, taken at the end of the summer quarter of the first year, respectively. The PhD Qualifying Examination has three parts:

A one-page written summary of their research project
A 20-minute presentation about the research project before research advisors and other faculty examiners
A 20-minute question-and-answer session with faculty

This exam focuses on the student’s progress report on original research performed during the previous half-year, e.g. from April until the time of the exam in late September. A progress report may have no conclusions, but the talk should demonstrate a depth of thinking about the research strategy and the fundamental chemical, physical and biological concepts that govern the molecular behavior of the system being studied. The focus is on the ability to think critically and to communicate understanding the fundamental concepts, techniques and questions within the field. The faculty are looking for the student's understanding of how one's research relates to the field as a whole and how he or she demonstrates an understanding of where the project will lead.

Most years, all rising second-year PhD students pass their PhD candidacy examination. The format of this examination is designed to test for the essential skills of the successful researcher — the abilities involved in approaching new problems from a perspective grounded in scientific fundamentals. The focus is not on having the right answers, but in formulating approaches rooted in the scientific method. The faculty do their utmost to select applicants who will thrive as doctoral researchers, with the objective that the selection process should take place at the time of admission. The faculty, other students and staff are all motivated by the ultimate success of each year’s PhD students with their examinations. This culture fosters a uniquely positive environment of collaboration and teamwork among all students, rather than competition based on a "survival of the fittest" mentality.

How does PhD advisor selection work?

All during the first two quarters, first-year PhD students have many ways to become familiar with individual faculty, their research projects, students in their research groups, and how a research group functions. Toward the end of the second quarter each student-faculty dyad formalize their advisee-advisor relationship and then PhD students join their advisors’ research groups at the beginning of spring quarter, and start on their own projects.

Can I work with faculty outside of the department?

Yes. Some past examples have been with faculty in physics, chemistry, materials sciences, mechanical engineering, environmental microbiology, bioengineering and biochemistry. These students also have a Chemical Engineering faculty co-advisor who helps ensure good degree progress and sits on the reading committee formed in the second year.

What sort of job opportunities does a PhD degree in chemical engineering from Stanford usually enable?

Graduates of our department are extremely versatile with regards to their post-doctorate careers. Over the last few years, many of the graduates from various research groups have chosen to spend a couple of years as a post-doc in another research lab (usually not at Stanford) either in preparation for a research/academic job or in profiting from further research experience before entering industry. Stanford grads are now current professors at many top universities (MIT, Harvard, etc.) or members of prestigious research centers (IBM, national labs, etc.). A significant number of students decide to enter industrial positions upon graduation, as engineers, consultants, etc. You will find companies from all sectors actively recruiting Stanford chemical engineers, including companies in the local biotech and nanotechnology industries.

What kinds of jobs do PhDs get and where?

There is a saying that a chemical engineer can do anything, and the range of employment and career options available to our students demonstrates this. Approximately two-thirds of our PhD students find challenging jobs in fundamental or applied research either in industry or national laboratories. Further generalization is not possible — graduates find careers in areas as diverse as the information technology companies, biotechnology, the oil industry, the chemical process industry, renewable resources and private consulting. (Approximately one-third go into teaching and research as a profession).

Student Life

Housing and living.

Stanford has a strong residential character. Over half of all graduate students live in university-operated apartments. The university’s residence system is among the largest and most diverse.

How does on-campus housing work?

There is a lottery and when you enter it, you list your choice of housing options in preferential order. Housing is guaranteed for first-year graduate students, but this means that you must apply on time and select the option that you are willing to accept any living arrangement (studio, two people in a two-bedroom, three people in a two-bedroom, etc.). If you submit your choices by the deadline, usually you obtain your top housing choices.

Students can renew the same housing assignment for the following year without entering a lottery. Thus, if you are happy with whatever assignment you get in the fall of your first year (and you live in a residence that is open year-round), in the spring of your first year you now can just check "renew" on your housing application for the next year and keep your assignment for the following year.

Pets are not allowed in campus housing.

How much does on-campus housing cost per month?

The cost of housing varies. The general rule of thumb is that the more room/suite-mates you have, the lower the rent. If you would like to have a room to yourself (double-occupancy two-bedroom, etc.) then you should expect to pay more. If you do not mind sharing a room, then the cost drops some.

What is included in on-campus housing costs?

In addition to the rent, the cost of housing covers basic utilities (electricity and water). Laundry is free to students living on campus. Also, most on-campus apartments are furnished so you don't have to worry about the cost of furniture. Additional charges will apply for an internet connection, cable TV, etc. (These facilities are easily available and are relatively inexpensive). If you have a car, you will need to purchase a campus parking permit, but they are inexpensive for students.

What are the off-campus housing options?

A popular way to find off-campus housing is to use Craigslist . You can perform specific searches of price ranges or towns or places that accept pets. The places listed include condos, homes for rent, individual cottages, or apartments. If you do a search on Craigslist, go to "apts/housing" and then click on "Peninsula" at the top of the screen (S.F. Bay Area prompt). Depending upon the specific location, the following towns are within bikeable distance from Stanford: Menlo Park, Atherton and Palo Alto. Redwood City, Los Altos and Mountain View are a minimum of a ~30 min bike ride.

How much do off-campus apartments costs per month?

Depending upon how many roommates you have, monthly rent can range from $900-$1,700/per person.

How can I find a roommate?

Most incoming students do not know people at Stanford and so do not choose their roommates. However, if you do find/choose someone you would like to room with in university housing, then you can request that Housing Assignments Office assign both of you to the same housing location. There is also a roommate-finding website.

What about housing for couples or families?

There are several options for on-campus couples housing-furnished or unfurnished. Please see the Housing Options page for information about housing for couples without children and students with children.

What's the bottom line? Is it comfortable to live on the graduate stipend?

Yes. People can live comfortably and still afford to travel both nationally and internationally. Several students have hobbies such as skiing or cycling that they can afford on the graduate student stipend/salary. (English PhD students get by on ~10K less!)

Activities in the local and surrounding areas

How do i get involved in departmental social events.

All ChemE grad students are welcome to participate on the social subcommittees of the graduate student-run ACTION Committee, as well as staff-student planned events such as the annual Holiday Party in December.

What do people do for fun?

The Office of Student Engagement supports over 600 university-recognized, incredibly diverse student groups on campus.

There are various gyms on campus, along with many intramural sports and club sports. There are also athletic classes you can take for credit (kickboxing, Pilates, boot camp, yoga, etc) or simply for fun at the residence complexes. Other than sports, there are a plethora of cultural events in the arts, dance, music and other live performances on and off campus. San Jose is ~20 minutes away while San Francisco is ~45 minutes away by car. Both are also accessible by public transportation. If you prefer outdoor activities, hiking trails and extensive bicycle routes are minutes away and a few hours of driving can take you to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, the northern California Redwoods, etc. while Santa Cruz and Monterrey are closer attractions.

What are the common attractions in the area surrounding the San Francisco Bay?

San Francisco has abundant theaters and cultural events, SFMOMA, Civic Center, Asian Museum, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park (de Young Museum) and Golden Gate Bridge. Further north, you can visit Muir Woods redwood park, various marinas, Point Reyes National Seashore, etc., while further south you can visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, stroll beaches along the Pacific Ocean, go rock climbing and tour wineries in the Santa Cruz mountains.

How is the transportation system? How do you get around?

There are on-campus shuttles that also access the local train stations, local bus lines, CalTrain, BART and Muni. Many students have cars. Many do not. The majority of students also have bikes to get around on campus.

Are there intramural sports and sports clubs?

Yes to both. Intramural sports range from volleyball to soccer to billiards, and club sports range from triathlon to sailing to martial arts. This department fields several teams.

How are the gym facilities?

The Arrillaga Family Sports and Recreation Center is the primary gym for students. The facility is on Campus Drive right across from the track. At Arrillaga, you'll find squash courts, a climbing wall, basketball courts and a weight room with cardio-machines (ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.). Students also can take classes for physical activities such as martial arts (Arrillaga has a training room), fencing, yoga, etc.

Also, the recently opened Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC) is the newest recreational facility on campus. It's on Santa Teresa Street right next to Roble Field. AOERC features a fitness center, outdoor recreational pool, three indoor courts, academic classrooms, a climbing wall and an outdoor recreation center.

Stanford also has a great outdoor pool center and has several tennis courts spread across campus. It is not unusual for Stanford to host national track-and-field or ATP tour events, so you shouldn't be surprised to see some big names in sports strolling about on campus.

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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Graduate Program

Science in the 21st century is rich with opportunity and challenge. Our pillars for success in this complex world are all tied to interactions—between people and between disciplines. By building both strong interpersonal connections between our students and faculty, and effective bridges between disciplines, entering graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology can thrive at the frontiers of research in the chemical and life sciences.

Our graduate programs prioritize research and exploration. With many opportunities to interact with departments, research centers, and institutions across the Boston area, our students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that encourages curiosity and innovation. Students can choose from one of our following two graduate degree programs:

Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Our program in Chemistry offers research and training opportunities in many subdisciplines of chemistry, including chemical biology, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical.

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Our interdepartmental Chemical Physics program is designed for students who wish to prepare themselves for the study of chemical problems by the methods and theories of modern physics.

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Fully Funded PhD Programs in Chemistry

Last updated April 18, 2022

As part of my series on How to Fully Fund Your PhD , I provide a list of universities that offer full funding for a PhD in Chemistry. A graduate degree in Chemistry can open doors for you to work in government or industrial laboratories and enter a career in academia and research.

“Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time students that includes full tuition remission and an annual stipend or salary for the three to six-year duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Funding is typically offered in exchange for graduate teaching and research work that is complementary to your studies. Not all universities provide full funding to their doctoral students, which is why I recommend researching the financial aid offerings of all the potential PhD programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad.

You can also find several external fellowships in the ProFellow database for graduate and doctoral study, as well as dissertation research, field work, language study and summer work experience.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

Fully Funded PhD programs in Chemistry:

Emory University, Department of Chemistry

(Atlanta, Ga): All admitted students receive a $32,728 base stipend, 100% Tuition Subsidy, and Insurance Waiver. Students may also apply for internal funds for conferences, training, and research during their time at Emory and are automatically considered for merit awards. Additionally, enrolled students can apply for over $15,000 of supplemental graduate achievement awards each year.

Notre Dame University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

(Notre Dame, IN): Chemistry students have been very successful in securing many of the University Fellowships that are available during the application process. Successful applicants receive full-tuition scholarships that include all fees and a stipend of $31,057.

Pennsylvania State University, Department of Chemistry

(State College, PA): The most common form of graduate support, teaching and research assistantships, include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. Fellowships without teaching assistantships are also available.

Princeton University, Department of Chemistry

(Princeton, NJ): 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.

Purdue University, Department of Chemistry

(West Lafayette, IN): Incoming PhD students receive financial support for a period up to 5 years from the date of admission. In exchange for this support, students participate as teaching assistants (TAs) in both undergraduate and graduate level. Fellowships and faculty awards are also available.

Rutgers University, Department of Chemistry

(New Brunswick, NJ): Financial support is guaranteed for all PhD candidates in good academic standing, and may come from a variety of sources including research assistantships, teaching assistantships and a variety of fellowships

Stanford University, Department of Chemistry

(Stanford, CA): The Chemistry Department is committed to providing salary/stipend and tuition for Chemistry PhD students who are in good academic standing, working for chemistry professors. Chemistry students receive support from three different sources: Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA), and fellowships.

University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Chemistry

(Birmingham, AL): Chemistry students in the PhD program are supported by a graduate teaching assistantship including a competitive monthly stipend in addition to a tuition scholarship covering full tuition and fees.

University of California Los Angeles, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

(Los Angeles, CA): The Department funds tuition, student fees, health insurance, and an annual stipend for living expenses for students enrolled in the program. As a part of the doctoral program, graduate students are required to serve as a Teaching Assistant for a minimum of three academic quarters.

Need some tips for the application process? See my article How To Get Into a Fully Funded PhD Program: Contacting Potential PhD Advisors .

Also, sign up to discover and bookmark more than 1300 professional and academic fellowships in the ProFellow database .

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Do PhD Students Pay Tuition? Unpacking the Cost of a PhD

Choosing to pursue a PhD is a major milestone, but it comes with a host of concerns and questions. As a prospective doctoral student, you might wonder if you pay tuition for a PhD and how much that will cost.

In many cases, the answer is no, PhD students do not pay tuition. Instead, universities often provide their doctoral students with tuition waivers and funding packages to carry them through their years of study.

However, it's important to bear in mind that this isn't always the case and the specifics can vary greatly. Navigating PhD funding can seem daunting at first, but understanding how tuition, stipends and other sources affect the out-of-pocket cost of a PhD can help you feel more confident in your decision.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Contrary to popular belief, the costs of a PhD program aren't set in stone. Factors like the institution, geographic location, field of study and funding support all play a role in how much you’ll actually pay for a doctoral program. Depending on your field, some PhD programs pay you .

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down expenses and potential support.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are typically the most substantial expense. How much you pay depends on the institution offering the program and the field of study you choose. According to the Education Data Initiative , the average cost of a PhD specifically is $106,860, while the average cost of a doctorate degree in general is higher at $150,835.

You can expect a lower cost at public institutions ($93,670 on average) compared to private universities ($129,395 on average). Considering the time to complete a doctorate degree ranges from approximately 4 to 8 years, the duration of your studies can influence the total price.

While figures like this seem substantial, it's important to remember that scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for most PhD students. For instance, the average grant aid for a doctoral degree is $16,502 annually, and 21.4% of PhD students surveyed by the Education Data Initiative offset their costs with teaching assistantships.

As a result, actual paid expenses are often much lower than the listed tuition and fees.

Books and Materials

The cost of study materials, including textbooks and research supplies, varies depending on the specific requirements of your field of study.

For example, PhD students in Earth Sciences or Chemistry might need to invest in lab equipment and materials, while students in Humanities may require numerous books and subscriptions to academic journals.

However, it's essential to note that many programs provide funding resources that help offset or eliminate these costs. Universities often offer subsidies or funds for research materials, and there are numerous grants and scholarships specific to different fields of study. Libraries and interlibrary loan systems can also be a valuable resource for accessing required books and academic journals.

Healthcare and Living

Cost of living and healthcare can vary greatly depending on your circumstances and location. Major cities, for example, tend to have higher living costs than smaller towns or rural areas.

The higher expenses in cities often correlate with increased access to resources, research opportunities and a wide variety of entertainment and lifestyle choices. On the other hand, smaller towns or rural areas might offer lower cost of living and fewer distractions but may limit access to extensive resources or opportunities.

Luckily, many universities offer annual stipends as part of their financial aid packages for PhD students. These stipends are designed to help you manage your living and healthcare expenses, allowing you to concentrate on your studies and research. Some universities may also provide budget-friendly on-campus housing options to help mitigate overall costs.

Navigating the Financial Landscape of a PhD

The path to earning a PhD isn't just an academic journey, but a financial one too. While it's true that in many cases, PhD students don't pay tuition, it's crucial to understand that it’s ultimately variable depending on where and what you choose to study. Financial aid packages and stipends can be a substantial help, providing relief to both domestic and international students.

At the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, we pride ourselves in providing an environment that fosters academic excellence, research innovation and professional development. With the generous support of the Moody Foundation, we have expanded our funding opportunities, enabling a diverse range of talented students to become part of our community.

Our suite of financial resources, including fellowships, assistantships, and travel grants, aim to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and reduce financial barriers. By helping our students focus on their academic and research pursuits, we build a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive environment that sets the stage for future leaders to thrive.

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The Department of Chemistry offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. In order to receive the Ph.D. degree, students must fulfill a combination of requirements that consist of taking courses, presenting and attending seminars, passing an oral comprehensive examination, submitting and defending a research proposal and submitting and defending a thesis based on original research.

Admission Requirements

The candidate must hold a B.S./B.A. degree from an accredited institution. Consideration is given to applicants who have successfully completed general chemistry (two semesters), organic chemistry (two semesters), physical chemistry (two semesters), and the related laboratories. A course in advanced inorganic chemistry is strongly recommended, and remedial work in this area may be required of students who have not taken such a course. The mathematics and physics courses that are normally included in a B.S. program in chemistry are also required. An official transcript is required from each college or university attended. If foreign credentials are not in English, they must be accompanied by certified translations

Three Recommendation Letters Official GRE Score Reports (Optional) Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score reports

Curriculum Requirements

The general requirements for the doctorate in Chemistry are set forth in this Bulletin under the heading Doctor of Philosophy. The Department of Chemistry has the following specific requirements:

The PhD degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. The department will cover tuition costs up to 60 credit hours for students on assistantships and fellowships.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
CHM 600 level or Higher Electives		18
	Chemistry Seminar	4
	Chemistry Seminar	1
	Introduction to Research	2
	Problems in Research Planning	2
	Doctoral Dissertation	26
	Post-candidacy Dissertation	6
	Doctoral Dissertation Seminar	1
Total Credit Hours		60

Students must take 18 credits of formal lecture courses by the end of the spring semester of their first year. Of the 18 credit hours, 4 core courses totaling 12 credit hours should be taken by all graduate students.

Suggested Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
Fall		Credit Hours
CHM courses 600 level		9
	Chemistry Seminar	1
	Introduction to Research	2
	Credit Hours	12
Spring
CHM 600 level courses		9
	Chemistry Seminar	1
	Credit Hours	10
Year Two
Fall
	Chemistry Seminar	1
	Doctoral Dissertation	6
	Credit Hours	7
Spring
	Chemistry Seminar	1
	Doctoral Dissertation	4
	Credit Hours	5
Year Three
Fall
	Chemistry Seminar	1
	Doctoral Dissertation	6
	Credit Hours	7
Spring
	Problems in Research Planning	2
	Doctoral Dissertation	4
	Credit Hours	6
Year Four
Fall
	Doctoral Dissertation	6
	Credit Hours	6
Spring
	Post-candidacy Dissertation	6
	Doctoral Dissertation Seminar	1
	Credit Hours	7
	Total Credit Hours	60

The required number of credit hours in the chemistry seminar ( CHM 779 ) must be taken in the first and second year.
The required number of credit hours in Introduction to Research ( CHM 785 ) must be taken in the first year.
The required number of credit hours in the chemistry seminar ( CHM 780 ) must be taken in the fall semester of the third year.
The required number of credit hours in Pre-candidacy Doctoral Dissertation ( CHM 830 ) must be taken in the first, second, third and fourth year.
The required number of credit hours credits in Post-candidacy Doctoral Dissertation ( CHM 840 ) must be taken in the fourth year.
An Oral Comprehensive Exam must be passed before the end of the spring semester of the second year.
An original research proposal in Problems in Research Planning ( CHM 788 ) must be presented and defended before the end of the spring semester of the third year.
A Doctoral Dissertation ( CHM 880 ) based on research of a quality acceptable for publication in a recognized scientific journal must be completed before the end of the fifth year.

As one of the core sciences, Chemistry has always been of the utmost importance in inventing new technology and ensuring that our nation remains at the forefront of scientific advances in energy, medicine, agriculture, environmental issues, and nanotechnology. The Ph.D. program at the University of Miami is committed to interdisciplinary interactions with research partners in all scientific and technological areas, thereby enriching the educational opportunities of the graduate students in the Department of Chemistry. We strive to deliver a high quality classroom-based instructional experience to provide our students with a broad knowledge base in the field, and, at the same time, allow for specialization in select topics to advance student understanding. By combining this instructional effort with a cutting-edge research program, our mission is to provide chemistry graduate students with a modern educational experience for future careers in all areas of the field, including academic, governmental, and industrial positions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of chemical principles in all areas of the science.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate a significant understanding of chemical instrumentation analysis methods, and laboratory techniques.
Graduates will exhibit advanced critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies as applied to chemical research.
Graduates will exhibit advanced creative thinking skills and ability to design their own projects as applied to chemical research.
Graduates will be able to clearly and effectively communicate scientific results.
Graduates will be able to clearly and effectively communicate scientific results, and demonstrate mastery in the area they are specializing in.

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Chemistry Ph.D.

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Why Earn a Chemistry Ph.D.?

The Ph.D. program is grounded in the four traditional fields of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, but also encompasses emerging interdisciplinary areas such as computational chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical biology, and chemistry education research.

From designing new optoelectronic or pharmaceutical materials to reducing toxic emissions and the invention of new clean fuels, our combination of internationally recognized faculty members and state-of-the-art facilities has provided alumni with the tools needed to thrive and succeed in the job market.

Our faculty members are committed to excellence and your success. They’ve been recognized with awards in their fields from the National Science Foundation, the W.M. Keck Foundation, the American Vacuum Society, and the American Chemical Society, among others. They also serve as editors or on editorial boards of major scientific journals and receive national and international recognition for their research expertise.

Doctoral student research culminates in a written dissertation of demonstrable scientific merit. The department requires that at least one paper from your Ph.D. work be accepted or submitted to a refereed journal by the time of the oral dissertation defense.

Advanced chemical experiment design
Research proposals writing
Proficiency in scientific ethics
Safe handling of hazardous chemicals
Research presentation skills

Chemistry Ph.D. Highlights

Career outlook.

Earning an advanced degree in chemistry prepares you to be a leader in the scientific and technological advances that will bring us a better future. M.S. and Ph.D. graduates are valued for their knowledge of advanced subject material and, especially, for their research skills and experience. Ph.D. chemists often rise to positions of leadership within their organizations.

Recent alumni of UNT's chemistry graduate program have received positions at world-class companies and institutions, including:

Savannah River National Laboratory
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Lockheed-Martin
AMPAC Fine Chemicals

Chemistry Ph.D. Courses You Could Take

Learn More About UNT

Explore more options.

It’s easy to apply online. Join us and discover why we’re the choice of nearly 47,000 students.

Cost of Chemistry Ph.D.

How much does it cost to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry?

UND's School of Graduate Studies is one of the best values in the nation, offering lower tuition and fees than similar Midwest four-year doctoral universities. For an affordable tuition price, our students are learning from top experts and leading research.

The work you do at UND will be worth it — in more ways than one. Depending on your field, your paycheck could jump by $1,000/month with a master's degree or more than $2,490/month with a doctoral degree. Graduate degrees can also open new career opportunities and provide personal growth.

Chemistry Ph.D. Cost

On-campus tuition costs.

	Per Credit	Academic Year
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Total

Cost of Attendance Details

Calculate Your Cost to Attend UND

Several factors can adjust your cost to attend college. Use these two calculators to help determine costs.

The cost to attend UND varies. Input your program, start term, military affiliation and current residence to quickly estimate tuition and fees.

The best way to figure out what UND will cost is to calculate your cost with financial aid. The price you actually pay is usually far less once your custom financial aid package is considered.

Graduate Assistant Funding

Many departments offer graduate research or teaching assistantship employment positions. Contact the academic department for program-specific details.

Can I get help paying for college?

Every year, UND awards more than $105 million in financial aid to help students pay for college. There are several types of financial aid that can help bring down your college costs, including:

Scholarships - merit-based awards that don't have to be repaid
Grants - need-based awards that don't have to be repaid
Loans - money you have to repay

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Study Postgraduate

Phd in chemistry (2024 entry).

Course code

30 September 2024

3-4 years full-time; u p to 7 years part-time

Qualification

University of Warwick

Find out more about our Chemistry PhD.

A PhD in Chemistry enables you to carry out a unique research project and write outstanding scientific papers and a thesis. You will join a community of leading Chemistry research groups and utilise Warwick’s specialist facilities to produce an original contribution to science.

Course overview

A PhD in Chemistry will give you an opportunity to devote up to four years conducting full-time research, addressing real-world problems in an area of your choice. Find a supervisor in the tab below and let us know what areas you would like to research. You write up a thesis at the end of your studies. In some cases, the project may be carried out in collaboration with an external sponsor, for example industry. Warwick offers comprehensive training in transferable skills, access to taught modules, and a supportive research environment.

To contact the department directly with any questions please email chem-postgraduate at warwick dot ac dot uk .

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Established ground-breakers and highly talented early-career researchers unite to deliver internationally excellent and world-class research across chemical science with 100% of our research judged world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.

Through close collaboration with the wider STEM community, our fundamental chemistry challenges the frontiers of knowledge for tomorrow whilst impactful research tackles the issues of today. Ambitious entrepreneurism and effective routes to real-world application ensures benefits to academia, industry, and society.

With ongoing investment into state-of-the art research and education facilities and infrastructure, we sit firmly at the forefront of science globally, both now and in the future as we grow to meet the rising demands for flexible, world-class innovation.

Current research themes include:

Chemical, Structural and Synthetic Biology
Materials and Polymers
Synthesis and Catalysis
Measurement and Modelling

You can find out more information about each theme on our website.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance Link opens in a new window to help guide you in articulating your research question.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you’d like to research.

Explore our Chemistry Staff Directory where you will be able to filter by:

Research Theme
Research Specialism
Global Challenge

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor .

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

Core text books
Printer credits
Dissertation binding
Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Chemistry at Warwick

Do you share our enthusiasm for chemistry and its applications, from medicine to renewable energy?

We are one of the UK’s top chemistry providers, highly-ranked for both teaching and research. Our courses will offer you an excellent all-round experience that allows you to explore and follow your curiosity.

The skills you will develop will equip you to pursue a future career in a number of industries with a number of employers.

Find out more about our research students’ careers and destinations on our website .

Find out more about us on our website Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

We offer non-accredited and Royal Society of Chemistry accredited course routes, depending on your career aspirations.

Analytical and Polymer Science (MSc)
Analytical Sciences and Instrumentation (MSc)
Chemistry with Scientific Writing (MSc)
Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Policy) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Science) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
Molecular Analytical Science (MSc)
Polymer Chemistry (MSc)
Polymer Science (MSc)
Scientific Research and Communication (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

MSc in Chemistry by Research
PhD in Chemistry

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

69th in the world Link opens in a new window (QS World University Rankings 2025) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

Tuition and Fees
Graduate Financial Aid

Tuition for full-time study at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for the academic year 2024-2025 is $49,500.

If you are a PhD student, you receive a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition through at least your first five years.

If you are a Master's student, you will be responsible for paying tuition, or obtaining funding through your program or from external sources.

More information on Tuition & Fees is available in our Programs & Policies handbook. Please note that we do not charge many of the fees common to other schools (e.g. technology fee, library fee, gym fee, student activities fee).

See Student Accounts for billing and payment inquiries.

Full-time study, per term: $24,750
Full-time study in IDE, per term: $25,250
Half-time study, per term: $12,375
One-quarter time study, per term: $6,187.50
Coursework, per course, per term (including audited courses): $6,187.50.
Visiting Students, per term: $24,750
Visiting Assistants in Research, per month: $425

Continuous Registration Fee (CRF), per term: $820

Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage, twelve months: $3,110

It is anticipated that tuition will be increased in subsequent years.
It is anticipated that the Continuous Registration Fee will be increased in subsequent years.
Other fees are subject to change without notice. For fees relating to registration and course enrollment, see Course Enrollment, under Academic Regulations.
See Registration Status and Leaves of Absence, under Academic Regulations.
Hospitalization fees are for single students. Rates are higher for students needing dependent coverage. Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage includes prescription coverage.

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PhD Program Guide

To be in good academic standing, a student registered in Chemistry Department must:

Complete all courses including research courses with a satisfactory grade of at least B- and maintain a minimum of B+ standing;
Adhere to the specific requirements in their field of study;
Meet with supervisory committee annually; and
Comply with the General and Degree Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS);

The Department may recommend to the School of Graduate Studies the termination of registration and candidacy of a student who fails to make a satisfactory progress toward the completion of the degree.

In addition, make sure to review SGS guidance on Understanding Good Standing and Satisfactory Progress . It lays out expectations regarding coursework completion, supervisory committee meetings and evalutions, candidacy, and program length and time limit.

If there are challenges that may be hindering your progress, there are options:

Centre for Graduate Mentorship and Supervision and/or Graduate Wellness Services for strategies.
Additional advice from School of Graduate Studies
Address the issue(s) with your advisory committee members. Students may contact the Graduate Office to facilitate a meeting outside of your annual progress meeting with the Associate Chair.
Contact the Graduate Office to seek advice.

Doctoral Supervisory Committee and Annual Meetings

Students must establish a supervisory committee within three months of entering the doctoral program. The committee will consist of the supervisor (or co-supervisors) and at least two University of Toronto graduate faculty members. One of the two members can be outside of the chemistry graduate department. Student must fill out the Doctoral Supervisory Committee Enrolment form and upload to the Chemistry Graduate Office drive .

How Do You Choose Committee Members? Committee members are best selected in consultation with your supervisor. Here are some key questios when considering prospective members:

Can they add value (eg. field-specific advice) to your research program?
Will they be around and available for consultation and meetings throughout most of your program?.
Will they be approachable and offer constructive advice?
Can they be objective enough to help if problems arise?
Will they be able and wiling to offer their opinion even if contrary to that of your supervisor or other members?
Is there a good balance? Do their reas of expertise cover a sufficient range?

Membership must remain the same throughout the doctoral program. If a member needs to be replaced, please forward another Doctoral Supervisory Committee Enrolment form along with a letter of justification for the change.

Students must also arrange a supervisory committee meeting within twelve months of entering the doctoral program. Thereafter, students are required by School of Graduate Studies to meet with the committee at least once a year to assess the student's progress in the program and to provide advice on future work. Students are expected to meet with their committee at least once a year, and more often if the committee so requires. A 20-30-minute meeting is generally sufficient but students or faculty may request for more time if needed. Students must fill out the Doctoral Supervisory Committee Meeting Report which needs to be submitted to the Chemistry Graduate Office after the meeting. If a member is unable to make it to the meeting, the student must arrange a separate meeting. As a best practice and to get as much from this annual meeting, it is utmost important to schedule a it when all members are available.

The meeting is meant to provide guidance and advice to both the student and to the supervisor from interested colleagues, to ensure that the progress towards graduation is satisfactory and to provide a forum to resolve any issues (eg. research, academic, personal) which may arise. It thus follows that if either the student or the supervisor (or, on occasion, the Associate Chair) feels that a meeting is in order outside the required annual one, it is their right to request such a meeting and the responsibility of all the members of the committee to agree to such a meeting.

What You Can Expect of your Supervisory Committee Your supervisory committee should:

Meet regularly (at least once a year)
Provide guidance during your research
Add complementary value to your supervision
Provide meaningful written feedback
Resource towards enhancing your professional development

The School of Graduate Studies have developed guidelines for students to peruse. It provides information on responsiblities of the student, supervisor and advisory committee.

A student falls out of good academic standing if the supervisory committee concludes that unsatisfactory progress is being made on two consecutive meetings.

Arranging the annual meeting is generally the student's responsibility. However, if a student experiences difficulty in arranging a meeting with any member(s) of their committee or should require additional meeting(s), they should contact the Graduate Office for assistance.

Failure to meet the above timelines can be grounds for termination in the program.

Time Limit for Completion of Program Requirements in a Ph.D. Program

A student enrolled in a full-time PhD degree program will be denied further registration in that program and will have their candidacy terminated at the end of the third year of registration in the case of a four-year program, or at the end of the fourth year of registration in the case of a five-year program (direct entry from bachelors degree), if, by that time, either:

the candidate has not completed all requirements for the degree exclusive of thesis research including course requirements and qualifying departmental examinations; or
the candidate does not have an approved thesis topic, supervisor, or supervisory committee.

In exceptional circumstances, such a student may be permitted to register in the program for two further sessions at the Department's discretion. Student must fill out a Request for Extension to Achieve Candidacy form and receive approval from the supervisor before submitting to the Chemistry Graduate Office. Continuation beyond two sessions will require the approval of both the department and the SGS Admissions and Programs Committee.

Our Department requires students to register in courses that run continuously throughout the program, e.g., ongoing research and seminar courses. The foregoing time limit does not apply to such courses. Doctoral students in their third year must be ABD (All But Dissertation) in order to continue in the program.

Course Reduction & Transfers

Course Reduction

With the approval of Department of Chemistry and School of Graduate Studies, course reduction may be granted for graduate work completed in another MSc program. This will reduce the number of courses a doctoral student will need to complete to fulfill in the program requirements. Students may request up to two half-courses which must be equivalent to courses offered by our Department. Graduate or cross-listed courses taken while in the undergraduate level do not apply. Doctoral students who completed their MSc in chemistry at UofT are not required to submit a course reduction request.

Since the course(s) has been credited towards another degree, the course cannot be transferred towards the doctoral degree.

To request a course reduction, the following documents must be submitted to the Graduate Office for approval within a year of entering the doctoral program:

Request for Course Reduction Form ;
Copy of the course syllabus for each course requested;
Unofficial copy of transcript

Course Transfers

With the approval of the department and the School of Graduate Studies, transfer credit may be granted for graduate work completed in another program, provided that the course(s) has not been credited towards another degree. Transfer credit will be limited to two half-courses. Student must submit the Request for Transfer Credit form to the Chemistry Graduate Office for departmental approval.

Seminar Series

All students are required to participate and give at least two to four seminars in the doctoral program. Students who fail to meet the seminar requirement before their final oral examination will be denied by School of Graduate Studies to proceed with the examination. Students must contact the seminar coordinator in their field of study if they are due to present. The seminar series generally run from September to April. For more information about the seminar requirement and oral presentation guidelines, review the program requirements for the doctoral program. View upcoming seminars.

Here are online resources for oral presentation guidelines and skills:

Oral Presentation, Writing University of Toronto
Presentation Skills
Public Speaking and Graduate School
Mastering the Art of Presenting

Comprehensive Oral Examination

The purpose of the examination is to test the knowledge of the student's subject area and to determine if the student is prepared to proceed on to the thesis writing. The examination typically lasts for 2 hours which includes a 20-minute presentation by the examinee.

Students may request to arrange a comprehensive oral examination generally after the completion of the required course work in their field of study. However, students should satisfy this requirement before the end of their third year of registration in the case of a four year program or before the end of their fourth year in the case of a five-year program (PhD direct-entry from Bachelors degree).

To arrange an examination, please contact the Chemistry Graduate Office with the proposed dates, and names of the three members of the supervisory committee including your supervisor (4 if co-supervised) and another University of Toronto graduate faculty member. No more than one member outside the Chemistry Department is acceptable. The exam requires four voters and the student needs at least 3 votes to pass (4 if co-supervised).

The examinee should print out the voting ballot for the examination. Examinations to be held in the Lash Miller building may contact the departmental receptionist to book a projector. If the exam is booked in LM151 there is no need to book a projector through the receptionist. Students also have the option to hold their annual supervisory meeting after the examination. The Doctoral Supervisory Committee report form should be forwarded to the Chemistry Graduate Office to ensure a record of the meeting.

If a student fails to pass the examination, a reconvened examination is to be held within one year. No new members shall be added to the committee except for necessary replacements to ensure a quorum. The chair of the examination is required to explain in a written report reasons for an unsuccessful exam and determine, if possible, a timeline to reconvene.

Fees for Final Year PhDs

Academic fees for full-time doctoral students in the final year of their program are pro-rated based on the twelve-month academic year. Incidental fees are charged on a sessional (term) basis.

When a final corrected thesis is submitted to School of Graduate Studies, fees and service charges are adjusted accordingly. For more information please review the monthly academic and incidental fees schedule with Fees Department .

Doctoral Completion Award

The aim of the Doctoral Completion Award (DCA) is to help ensure that meritorious PhD students who are no longer receiving the normal funding from their graduate unit can complete their degree program within time limit. Students may receive a DCA only once during their program. Criteria and conditions include: academic merit and quality of research, the availability of alternative funding, and, if appropriate, special features of the research program that require more time than usual. Deadline: The Chemistry Graduate Office generally sends out a notification in the spring

Thesis and Planning for a PhD Final Oral Examination

Review the SGS Guide to Program Completion . In addition, the Department follows its own procedures to ensure that the PhD candidate meets the timelines specified by SGS.

Guidelines on thesis formatting, submission, copyright and deadlines can be found on the SGS website . There are no specific requirements by the department but consult with your supervisor for their expectations. Make sure to peruse the Writing at UofT for tips and advice and use the resources offered at Graduate Centre for Academic Communication .

Planning for the final oral examination must begin at least eight weeks before the proposed date(s) of the examination. Note that the two-week closure in December does not count.

At Least Eight Weeks or Earlier Prior to the Proposed Exam Date(s)

The supervisor and student discuss the potential members of the Examination Committee. Please forward the names of the members to the Chemistry Graduate Office . The quorum for voting members is four. However, SGS requires five voting members to obtain approval from the SGS Vice-Dean to book the examination. In case of emergency in which one of the members is unable to attend, the candidate can therefore still proceed with the examination since it meets the quorum. A maximum of three of the voting members of the Exam Committee will have served on the candidate's Supervisory Committee. At least two voting members (including the external examiner) will not have been closely involved in the supervision of the thesis. Eligible voters are the external appraiser, members of the graduate faculty of the Chemistry Department and members of the graduate faculty of other departments, centres or institutes of the University of Toronto.
The supervisor must submit a list of three potential external appraisers to the Graduate Office. The list should be in order of preference. For each name listed, the reason for the choice is presented with specific regard to the subject of the thesis. The first choice is generally approved unless the Associate Dean at SGS deems the first choice unsuitable. To avoid issues with SGS and delays, the supervisor and the student should ensure that there is an "arms-length" relationship between the external examiner and the rest of the examination committee.
Once the Graduate Office receives the list of the potential members of the Examination Committee, a request is forwarded to the SGS Associate Dean for pre-approval. Once approved, the Graduate Office may contact the members, including the external appraiser for their availability to determine acceptable dates for the examination. It is not required that the external examiner be present at the examination. Teleconference or videoconference is available upon request.
The student completes the thesis and forwards copies to members of the Supervisory Committee for the review. The members must have at least two weeks to review the thesis. Please contact them directly as early as possible to confirm if the allotted time for appraisal is sufficient in case of other commitments and to properly estimate a timeline. Forward a copy of the Thesis Review Guidelines to your reviewers along with your thesis. The advance reading by members of the Supervisory Committee allows the student to avoid situations where major changes are needed after the examination and a good quality appraisal can be expected.
The student amends the thesis based on the comments and suggestions from members of the supervisory committee. The members must also deem that the thesis is ready and may be forwarded to the external appraiser. A thesis may only proceed to examination without the approval of the Supervisory Committee, if there is a letter of authorization from the Associate Dean (SGS).
The student must certify that he or she has fulfilled all the degree requirements for his or her field of study. These include completion of courses with satisfactory grades, seminars, cumulative examinations (if applicable) and comprehensive examination. For more information about the degree requirements for your field of study, please refer to PhD Program Requirements .
The student must confirm that the record of Supervisory Committee meetings in the Chemistry Graduate Office is up-to-date. The last committee meeting must have taken place within the last 12 months prior to the proposed examination date and the outcome must be noted as "satisfactory" on the record.

At Least Six Weeks or Earlier Prior to the Exam Date

The student submits a copy of the corrected version of the thesis to the Graduate Office along with the signed PhD Examination Form . The office will forward the thesis to the external examiner via FedEx. The supervisory committee members must have signed the form to confirm that they have read the thesis before a copy can be forwarded to the external examiner. An e-mail from the faculty members to the Graduate Office will suffice.
As well, a thesis abstract (no longer than 350 words) via e-mail must be submitted to the Graduate Office.
A copy of the reviewed thesis is also forwarded to the fourth University of Toronto examination member. The copy can be submitted to the Graduate Office if faculty member(s) is not easily accessible.
The Graduate Office books the examination at the SGS PhD Office and sends out a final confirmation of the examination date and location to the candidate and members of the examination committee.

At Least Two Weeks or Earlier Prior to the Exam Date

A copy of the external appraisal is forwarded to the candidate, members of the Examination Committee, Graduate Chair and the Ph.D. Office. The student may discuss the appraisal with members of Examination Committee except with the external appraiser. The candidate may have the option to revise the thesis and postpone the examination date at this point.
An examination program is forwarded to the candidate and members of the Examination Committee as a final confirmation along with the name of the Examination Chair.
Prepare presentation (up to 20 minute for a closed oral exam or 30 minutes for a public seminar).
Review Voting Procedure.
Additional reading: The Last BIg Hurdle

After a Successful Examination

Theses are submitted electronically to SGS and approved by the PhD Completion Office. Carefully follow the SGS' instructions. Theses that do not conform to the formatting guidelines will be rejected and negatively impact eligibility to proceed with graduation. In addition, final corrections to the thesis must be approved by the supervisor before submitting to SGS. Please refer to Producing Your Thesis for more information. Enquiries should be redirected to the PhD Completion Office .

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