Chemistry PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 60.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 40.0501
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-2031, 19-4031
About the Program
The PhD in Chemistry program provides students with a strong undergraduate background the opportunity to further their knowledge in chemistry and contribute original research under the mentorship of one of our faculty members. Areas of research include analytical, atmospheric, inorganic, organic, materials, physical, educational and polymer chemistry. The curriculum prepares students for the research and practical application of chemistry necessary to address the challenges facing humankind in the modern world. As chemistry is known as the “Central Science”, many of our faculty members maintain active collaborations with colleagues in the College of Arts and Science, the School of Education, the College of Engineering, and the College of Medicine. This collaborative spirit is reflected in our curriculum.
After completing coursework during the first two years of study, students dedicate themselves to research for the remainder of their degree. Areas of chemistry research include the traditional subcategories (e.g., organic and physical) as well as several that reside at the interface with other disciplines. Students participate in our seminar series which brings visiting scientists from academia and industry to campus for weekly talks. Both full- and part-time study are available. Classes are offered in the early evening and can be attended remotely, facilitating the completion of the degree while simultaneously working a full-time job. Full-time students are typically financially supported as either a teaching fellow or research fellow, both of which provide a stipend, full tuition remission, and health insurance.
Students who have earned a Ph.D. in the department have found careers in a wide range of fields following graduation. Some have gained employment in the chemical, biomedical, analytical, and pharmaceutical industries that are well represented in the greater Philadelphia region. Others have worked for governmental agencies or continued in academia as a post-doctoral fellow.
The chemistry department strives to maintain a community of research scholars – faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students – that is large enough to provide diverse experiences within chemistry, yet small enough to provide each student with individualized attention.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences
Admission Requirements
An undergraduate degree (preferably B.S.) in Chemistry or a closely-related field is required.
Degree Requirements
| Core and Elective Courses | ||
| Select five (5) of the following courses: | 15.0 | |
| Inorganic Chemistry I | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry II | ||
| Analytical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical and Analytical Spectroscopy | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
| Polymer Chemistry I | ||
| Polymer Chemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Biochemistry II | ||
| Seminar | ||
| CHEM 8650 | Chemistry Seminar 1 | 12.0 |
| Research | ||
| CHEM 9997 | Research 2 | 27.0-30.0 |
| Dissertation | ||
| CHEM 9999 | Ph.D. Dissertation 3 | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 60.0 | |
- 1
CHEM 8650 (Seminar) should be taken once per year starting in the second year. At most 12 credits of Seminar may count toward the total 60 credits required for the degree.
- 2
Complete at least 27 credits of CHEM 9997 (Research). Students who complete 27 credits of research will need to complete and extra elective to meet the required 60 credits for the degree.
- 3
Complete 3 credits of CHEM 9999 (Dissertation).