Chemistry, PhD
Astrobiology, Computational, Environment, Nanotechnology, Pollution, Science, analytical, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biochemistry, chemistry, inorganic, materials, molecular, organic, physical, sustainability
The field of chemistry contributes to solving a wide variety of scientific problems in fields such as energy, disease diagnosis and treatment, and materials design and production. In this program, you'll generate molecular solutions to problems of all scales, create new scientific knowledge, and develop skills to tackle complex challenges.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in chemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve molecular-scale problems and to be successful independent scientists who can contribute to addressing challenging societal issues.
Students are trained in the foundation disciplines of analytical, organic, physical, inorganic, environmental or geological chemistry, and most 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
Students should visit the prospective student webpage to learn more about this doctoral program and the advanced transdisciplinary research being conducted in the school.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
six graduate-level courses (12-18 credit hours)
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)
Additional Curriculum Information
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.
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
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 submission of the admission application. 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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/01 | Final |
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Priority |
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 at https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.
School of Molecular Sciences
|
PSD 104
smsgrad@asu.edu
480-965-4664
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
