Chemistry, PhD
Advance through high-impact training that bridges current experimental and computational chemistry research with interdisciplinary coursework. In a collaborative setting, you gain laboratory mentorship and direct access to state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Chemistry, PhD degree description
In the Doctor of Philosophy program in chemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences, you learn to solve molecular-scale problems and gain the skills needed to be a successful independent scientist who can address challenging societal issues.
You are trained in the foundation disciplines of analytical, organic, physical, inorganic, environmental or geological chemistry, and you can also choose to join transdisciplinary research teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:
- energy and sustainability
- frontiers of chemical measurement
- fundamental molecular science
- geologic and biospheric science
- materials and nanoscience
- medicine and health
- structure function and dynamics
You should visit the prospective student webpage to learn more about this doctoral program and the advanced transdisciplinary research being conducted in the school.
Why earn your chemistry PhD at ASU?
The program features built-in professional development mechanisms, including laboratory mentorship and active collaborations with external industrial, governmental and academic partners. In addition to a final dissertation, the curriculum embeds professional development coursework and encourages the publication of peer-reviewed journal articles, helping you establish a proven, tangible record of independent innovation before entering the workforce.
You can also connect with fellow students through groups such as the School of Molecular Sciences Graduate Student Council.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
six graduate-level courses (12-18 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Qualifying exams that consist of a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam and a prospectus are required to advance to candidacy. Students must successfully defend their dissertation during a public final oral defense. Students must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher.
enrollment in a BCH 501 or CHM 501 seminar (8 credit hours)
CHM 792 Research (46-52 credit hours)
CHM 799 Dissertation (12 credit hours)
The program consists of coursework and seminars selected by the student in consultation with their supervisory committee and based on the student's area of research.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Critically evaluate chemical information.
- Create new chemical knowledge through experimentation or computation.
- Communicate an original contribution to the field of chemistry, through effective presentation of their research in their dissertation and oral defense.
Critically evaluate chemical information.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information In addition to the admission application, applicants must complete an online supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences. The supplemental application is available 24 to 48 hours after the admission application is submitted. The personal statement and contact information for the letters of recommendation are submitted as part of the supplemental application. Information about the supplemental application can be found on the School of Molecular Sciences website. Applications that do not have a supplemental application are not reviewed.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this chemistry PhD degree prepares you for
Professionals with knowledge achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in chemistry have opportunities in five general areas: industry (research and development, quality control), academia (high school and higher education), government (research, policy), nonprofits (policy, public education), and entrepreneurship (consulting, startups). In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates have high-demand, vital skills in critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, time management and many others.
Career examples include:
- environmental science specialist
- government scientist
- materials scientist
- military scientist
- research and development scientist
- research group leader
- science consultant
- university professor
The American Chemical Society provides helpful resources and a comprehensive list of possible careers athttps://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Molecular Sciences
|
PSD 104
smsgrad@asu.edu
480-965-4664
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
