The Process of Getting a Ph.D.
Overview
The Department of Chemistry offers courses of study leading to the MS and PhD degrees with opportunities for research in seven fields: analytical, environmental, radiochemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The low student-to-faculty ratio assures students of individual guidance, yet the total size of the department provides excellent facilities for research, including the latest instrumentation.
The program of study for graduate students in the Department of Chemistry provides a good balance between formal course work and actual research experience. In addition to the normal core classes, first-year graduate students also take a seminar course which provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of current research in chemistry within the department. With this exposure, students are typically comfortable selecting a research adviser by the end of their first semester. Individual divisions also have a weekly seminar program in which graduate students participate, gaining experience in presenting and discussing their own research.
Overview of activities, requirements and expectations
Divisional Requirements for a Ph.D.
Student Perspective
"The preliminary examination process for me was similar to running a marathon whilst having to stop every 20 yards and empty your pockets of sand. It’s a grueling process, and is something of a trial by fire, but it is worth it. I have never had my knowledge tested to that extent, ever. Having come through the 8 hour exam I felt empty, tired and exhilarated, I had made it through. The proposal defense occurred 1 month later and allowed me to crystallize my ideas into something more concrete and gave me a definite plan of action for the rest of my PhD. "
--Mark Ogden, PhD, Nash group