Graduate Course Requirements

The department emphasizes individualized programs for each graduate student, tailored to your interests and career goals. Qualifying examinations in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry are given at the beginning of your graduate studies in order to assess your level of preparation. The examinations are used primarily for initial advisement purposes to help you select a program of courses appropriate to your training. Each year a monetary award is presented to the entering student with the best overall performance on these exams.

Graduate Course Offerings (CHEM 600-799)


Graduate Core Courses

Chemistry M.S. and Ph.D. graduates are expected to have a broad background in the major areas of chemistry. Most students take three “core” courses in the areas of inorganic (CHEM 631), organic (CHEM 642), and physical chemistry (CHEM 650) during their first semester. If you demonstrate exceptional proficiency in one or more areas on the qualifying exams, you may be exempted from taking the corresponding core courses.


Additional Required Courses

Following the graduate core courses, two additional graduate lecture courses are required for the M.S. degree; four additional graduate lecture courses are required for the Ph.D. degree. These specialized courses are chosen by you and your adviser to fit your specific interests and to provide a suitable background for your research.