The average time to complete a Chemistry Ph.D. in our graduate program is 5.1 years. The basic steps are as follows.
Summer Before First Year
Complete an optional summer intership/rotation opportunity supported by the department.
First Year
Fall: Complete your first research rotation in a lab + take CHEM 415, CHEM 597 and 2 didactic courses.
Winter: Complete your second research rotation in a lab + take CHEM 597, CHEM 516 and 2 didactic courses.
Spring/Summer: Join your permanent home (lab)! Begin full time research in lab.
Second Year
Fall: Complete remaning didactic course(s) based on cluster requirements + continue full time research in lab.
Winter: Identify Dissertation Committee Members + Complete Gateway Exam (by May 31st) + continue full time research in lab.
Spring/Summer: Continue full time research in lab.
Third Year
Fall/Winter: Complete a department seminar + continue full time research in lab.
Spring/Summer: Continue full time research in lab.
Fourth Year
Fall/Winter: Complete Data Meeting (by May 31st) + continue full time research in lab.
Spring/Summer: Continue full time research in lab.
Fifth Year
Write and defend thesis!
About the PhD
The degree Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree conferred by the University. It is a research degree. It is never conferred solely as a result of study, no matter how faithful, extending over any prescribed time period or for any amount of course work or research accumulated. The degree represents more than merely the sum of semesters in residence and of credits for courses taken. The amount of residence and the plan of study are of secondary importance. The degree is granted solely upon evidence of general proficiency and of distinctive attainment in the special field of the candidate. The degree is granted particularly upon a recognized ability for independent and insightful investigation as demonstrated in a thesis based upon original research combined with creative scholarship and presented with a high degree of literary skill. (Adapted from a statement of the Graduate Program.)
For further information, please contact: Chemistry Graduate Office
