Chemistry Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in chemistry provides you with the skills to tackle biological problems at the molecular level and become successful, independent scientists capable of addressing current societal challenges. Graduate students participate in faculty-mentored research and coursework that deepens their understanding of fundamental concepts in chemistry and physical chemistry, while also honing their ability to critically analyze published research. The curriculum includes topics such as the structure and function of biological molecules, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, nucleic acid chemistry and molecular biology.
Application fee waivers are available for the Biology PhD application. Please contact Tiffany%20Kells%20to obtain a waiver code before you begin your Graduate CAS application.
Program Information
The Ph.D. in Chemistry program will prepare you for leadership roles in scientific research and development while equipping you with advanced research skills and expertise sought after by academia, industry, and government sectors.
Degree
Doctorate
Academic Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
You will conduct original research under the guidance of our faculty who bring expertise
across a wide range of fields, including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic
chemistry, organometallic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and theoretical
chemistry. This research will demonstrate your ability to independently design, execute,
and analyze complex experiments. Inorganic Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry Biochemistry Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Biochemistry Inorganic Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry Biochemistry Organic Chemistry Analytical ChemistryQuestions? Contact us!
Research Faculty
Jennifer Aitken, Ph.D.
Michael Cascio, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Evanseck, Ph.D.
David Heisler, Ph.D.
Paul Lummis, Ph.D.
Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.
Thomas Montgomery, Ph.D.
Michael Van Stipdonk, Ph.D.
Recent Student Publications
Application Requirements & Financial Assistance
Financial Support for Graduate Students
As a Ph.D. student, you'll receive financial support to ensure you can focus on your research. Our financial support includes:
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Assistantships: All students receive support in the form of a Teaching Assistantship (TA) or a Research Assistantship (RA) in addition to a tuition waver.
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Stipend: Currently set at $28,000 per year (2024-25).
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Additional Benefits: In addition to the stipend, we offer subsidies for health insurance and parking permits.
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Duration of Support: Students in good standing typically receive financial support for five years, and you can also apply for one year of additional support.
Research assistantships (RA) are offered by labs that have external grant support that includes RA funding. More senior graduate students may apply for the prestigious Bayer Fellowship, a competitive RA stipend that recognizes exceptional accomplishments in the field.
Teaching Assistants (TA): As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting undergraduate education. This includes responsibilities such as managing laboratory sections, presenting pre-lab instructions, supervising lab activities, creating test materials, and conducting examinations. You'll be under the guidance of the faculty member leading the course, ensuring you gain valuable teaching experience.
Application Requirements
General Requirements:
- Undergraduate Transcript
- Personal Statement
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- GRE Scores (waived for 2023 applications)
Requirements for International Students:
- TOEFL Score of 100, equivalent IELTS or DuoLingo scores are accepted
- Transcript Evaluation (WES, others)
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Research Facilities
To support your research endeavors, our program provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and research funding opportunities. Collaboration and engagement with the wider chemistry and biochemistry academic community are encouraged, allowing you to present your research at prestigious conferences and publish your findings in renowned scientific journals.
Optimal Location
Duquesne University is nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA! A lively epicenter of biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, fostering a dynamic environment for you to engage with industry leaders and opportunities.