Chemistry, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Indicate specialization: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical or Chemical Physics
Degree: Ph.D.	Semester(s) of entry: Fall Spring	Deadline dates: Mar 15 Nov 15	Test requirements: GRE

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree must demonstrate competency in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students who do exceptionally well in the proficiency examinations may, by decision of the chemistry faculty, be considered to have demonstrated the necessary competency. The proficiency examinations may be repeated and must be completed by the end of the second semester of study.

Students preparing for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must have a minimum of 18 credits in eight graduate courses, not including credit for seminar or research. Credits must include three of the core courses (9 credits) selected from the four areas listed in the master's requirements. Other graduate courses to be taken will be determined in consultation with the faculty research adviser and the faculty of the Department of Chemistry. Students are expected to participate in the department’s seminar program and present at least two formal talks in the seminar program. In addition to course work and seminar, the doctorate requires a minimum of 30 credits in CHEM 697 (directed research), and the total of all credits must be at least 60.

The student is required to complete written and oral examinations in his/her major field to become a doctoral candidate. The oral examination includes the presentation and defense of the proposed dissertation research. The student must conduct a substantial original investigation under the supervision of his/her adviser and must prepare a dissertation reporting the results of the research and analyzing its significance in relation to existing scientific knowledge. An oral defense of the dissertation will be held. Full-time students should complete the degree requirements in four to five years.