Graduate School Path

August: Arrive on Campus

August: Attend Research Symposium

This symposium offers students an introduction to the Department and helps them select their preferred research immersions. Research groups present their current projects and future research goals.

September-November: Do Two Laboratory Immersions

Ph.D. students complete 4–5-week immersions in at least two labs to help3 choose a research advisor. Matches are based on shared interests and coordinated by the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Associate Committee (GSPAC).

August-December: Serve as a TA for Fall Semester

Graduate students gain valuable teaching experience during a minimum requirement of two semesters. Most complete this by the end of their first year, with many teaching three to four semesters depending on funding. Teaching is a core part of professional development and a highly valued skill.

January: Join a Research Laboratory

Students may officially join a research group once fall semester grades are finalized. Selecting a research mentor is a collaborative decision made between the student and advisor.

January-May: Serve as a TA for Spring Semester

Typically, students will complete their required teaching in the spring semester of their first year.

August-May: Complete Required Classwork

Graduate students must complete 24 units with an overall GPA of at least 3.00 to be in good standing. Some of these units may be fulfilled by graduate courses taken prior to entering the program.

May: Appoint Screening and Qualifying Exam Committee

After coursework is complete, the research advisor and the Department appoint a five-member screening and qualifying exam committee. This includes one faculty member from outside the advisor’s section and one from outside the Department of Chemistry. The committee oversees exam timelines and ensures all university and departmental requirements are met.

Download Qualifying Exam Committee Form

Contact the Chemistry Graduate Student Advisor with screening exam date.

May-August: Screening Exam

Ph.D. students are required to complete their screening exam before the start of the 5th semester. This exam involves an oral presentation detailing the student’s research progress and future plans.

August-December: Qualifying Exam

Before the end of the 6th semester, Ph.D. students are required to attempt their qualifying exam. This exam has both a written and oral component. The written component involves the preparation of an original research proposal in an area not directly related to their own thesis topic and a response to a separate question posed by the committee. The oral portion of the exam involves the defense of the written documents to the thesis committee.

Students should contact the Chemistry Graduate Student Advisor to obtain a Report on Qualifying Exam Form at least a week before their scheduled qualifying exam date.

After passing their qualifying exam, Ph.D. students should make sure they are enrolled in the CHEM 794 series every semester until they graduate.

Prior to the 9th semester in residence, each student must present their research in a formal seminar that will be scheduled by the faculty within each section. Typically, students will present a 30-minute seminar to students, postdocs, and faculty in their section. Those members of the thesis committee from the student’s home section that attend the seminar will provide feedback.

Continue Research and Publishing

Download Dissertation Committee Form

Contact the Chemistry Graduate Student Advisor for detailed deadlines and instructions.