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The Graduate Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers three graduate degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • Research Thesis M.S. in Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • Non-Thesis M.S. in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Ph.D. Graduate Program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers an innovative Ph.D. program designed to transition young scientists into active research professionals rapidly.

The centerpiece of the first year of study is the research rotation program. After evaluating the department's ongoing research, students select up to two research groups for semester-long rotations.

In the following years, students will actively engage in dissertation research, begin taking fundamental and special topic courses recommended by their committee, and write and defend an original research proposal.

M.S. Research Thesis in Chemistry or Biochemistry

The M.S. Research Thesis program emphasizes research over coursework. The Thesis M.S. is offered primarily for students seeking a fairly rapid transition from their undergraduate experience to a research laboratory, usually in the chemical and biochemical industries.

For the Research Thesis M.S., the student completes two research rotations, takes classes decided on by the mentoring committee, and completes and defends a thesis.

The timeline for the first year is nearly the same as the timeline for the Ph.D. program, although M.S. students will generally have a much more carefully planned curriculum for the first two years.

M.S. Non-Thesis in Chemistry or Biochemistry

The M.S. Non-Thesis program is based entirely on advanced coursework. The Non-Thesis M.S. is offered to students wishing to expand greatly their theoretical and practical understanding of the sciences of chemistry and biochemistry.

The Non-Thesis M. S. student takes 30 credits of graduate classes and gives one public seminar.

Graduate Course Descriptions

View the Graduate Course Descriptions for the Graduate Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry.