Candidates for the PhD with a major in chemistry entering with only a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 72 hours of course work.

A minimum of 18 hours of formal (lecture) courses are required above the proficiency level. The course requirements for the PhD degree require that a student complete core courses in two of the five traditional areas of chemistry, including the core course in their primary area of research. Students must complete four additional advanced courses (of which at least two must be in the Department of Chemistry). The student must maintain a B average or better in these six courses. This research must culminate in the writing of a dissertation of demonstrable scientific merit. No more than 9 semester credit hours of dissertation are applied to the degree, even though more dissertation hours may be accumulated. It is required that at least one paper on a topic related to the dissertation will have been accepted in or submitted to a peer-reviewed journal by the time of the oral defense.

Up to two of the six advanced courses may be in another department if the student’s PhD advisor and advisory committee approve.

After completion of the formal course work and the cumulative examination/qualifying examination sequence (CHEM 6010 ), the student will apply to the dean of the Toulouse Graduate School for admission to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. This should be done at least one year before graduation.

Chemistry Education

Applicants seeking a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a concentration in Chemistry Education must complete core courses in two of the five traditional areas of chemistry (including CHEM 5880  - Learning Theories and the core course in the student’s Area of Specialization). Additionally, a minimum of two Advanced/Special Topics courses must be taken, and both should be related to Chemistry Education and approved by the student’s research advisor. The remaining two required courses may come from either Advanced/Special Topics courses (such as an advanced course in a student’s Area of Specialization) and/or additional Core Courses. The student must maintain a B average or better in these six courses. Research must culminate in the writing of a dissertation of demonstrable scientific merit. No more than 9 semester credit hours of dissertation are applied to the degree, even though more dissertation hours may be accumulated. It is required that at least one paper on a topic related to the dissertation will have been accepted in or submitted to a peer-reviewed journal by the time of the oral defense.