Questions Regarding the Graduate Program in Chemistry

WHAT GPA IS REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?
The minimum grade point average required for admission is 3.0.

ARE THERE MINIMUM SCORES REQUIRED FOR THE GRE?
No minimum scores are required. The Chemistry Subject GRE requirement cannot be waived. However, Biochemistry and Physics scores are acceptable substitutions.

HOW IMPORTANT IS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN EVALUATING AN APPLICATION?
Undergraduate research is a decisive factor in admission. It reflects the applicant's depth of interest in chemistry, potential for commitment to a doctoral program, and potential scientific creativity.

WHAT FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS?
The Department of Chemistry fully supports all graduate students for the whole term of their studies. The department pays all tuition and related fees, and provides an annual stipend for living expenses. Every graduate student must serve as a Graduate Student Instructor for three semesters, during their first three years of residency in the program.

IF MY APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETED BY JANUARY 6, WILL I STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR FELLOWSHIPS?
The January 6 fellowship/admission deadline is for consideration for the prestigious University-wide fellowship competition. Your application must be complete, including transcripts and test scores, by January 6 for this consideration. However, all students who are offered admission are offered full financial support by the department, including payment of fees and a stipend.

HOW MANY APPLICANTS ARE OFFERED ADMISSION EACH YEAR?
The numbers vary, but the department usually receives 500-600 applications each year. The number of applicants offered admission depends on the admission allotments determined annually by the Graduate Division. Each year the department receives far more qualified applicants than can be admitted.

DOES THE DEPARTMENT OFFER A MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) DEGREE?
The department only admits students for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Students normally complete the Ph.D. program in four to six years.

HOW MANY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARE ADMITTED EACH YEAR?
Due to funding considerations only a few of the most outstanding international students can be admitted each year. However, we are firmly committed to the continued admission of exceptionally qualified international students.

CAN THE TOEFL/TSE or TOEFL iBT REQUIREMENTS BE WAIVED?
Yes, the TOEFL and TSE or the TOEFL iBT requirements can be waived if you have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better in residence at a U.S. university at the time of application.

CAN I BE ADMITTED TO START IN THE SPRING SEMESTER?
No, we admit our students to begin their studies in the fall semester only.