Graduate Degrees in Chemistry

Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is internationally recognized for its outstanding research efforts and education. As part of its commitment to continuing this tradition of excellence, the department provides a graduate program that integrates opportunities for cutting-edge creative research and study across a wide range of areas, including analytical, environmental and atmospheric chemistry; physical chemistry; organic chemistry; and materials and nanoscience.

Graduate students enjoy extensive scientific collaboration with chemistry faculty, other departments, and with research institutes and agencies such as the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), the Joint Institutes of Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA), the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Degree Types

PhD

Physical chemistry graduate program ranked 8th nationally (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)

Chemistry program ranked 27th nationally (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)

All students who are accepted into the graduate program and maintain a good academic standing are provided with financial support in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships or research assistantships.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Chemistry

Doctor of Philosophy

60 credit hours
Each PhD student is required to satisfy divisional preliminary examinations and pass a series of comprehensive examinations to be advanced to candidacy. The candidate must then pass a final thesis defense examination to be awarded the PhD degree. Interdisciplinary students should adhere to specific program requirements.
Students should note the time limit specified in the Graduate School rules: "All doctoral students are expected to complete all degree requirements within six years from the date of the start of coursework in the program."

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test are no longer a required part of the application. Applicants who have already taken the GRE and wish to submit their scores may do so.

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in chemistry.

Research Areas

Analytical, Environmental & Atmospheric
Materials & Nanoscience
Organic
Physical

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations