College of Science
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers advanced study and research leading to Master’s (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Chemistry. The PhD degree is awarded primarily for independent research. The MS degree is awarded for successful completion of specific courses and research less comprehensive than a doctoral program. Students seeking a PhD in chemistry successfully complete all required coursework, conduct research in a field of specialization under the direction of a major professor, pass the qualifying examinations for PhD candidacy, write a dissertation acceptable to a supervisory committee, and pass an oral examination that is principally a defense of the dissertation.
Requirements for a PhD degree in Chemistry
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university.
Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Students must not receive more than one C grade in any graduate coursework. More than one C grade or grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a chemistry graduate degree.
Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.
A PhD degree must be completed within eight years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.
Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.
At least 30 semester credits for a PhD degree must be taken from Utah State University and be part of an approved Program of Study. At least three semesters, two of which must be consecutive, of full-time registration in residence at Utah State University, is required.
A minimum of 12 dissertation credits (CHEM 7970 ) is required if the student has an MS degree, and a minimum of 18 is required if the student has a bachelor’s degree.
The Program of Study for a PhD degree, if the student does not have an MS degree, must include at least 30 credits at the level of 6000 or above. If the student has an MS degree, the Program of Study must include at least 15 credits at the level of 6000 or above.
Approval of all academic forms required for PhD students by the School of Graduate Studies.
Additional Program Requirements
- Pass competency examinations to demonstrate a satisfactory undergraduate level of knowledge in relevant areas
- Complete Responsible Conduct of Research training
- Attend the Graduate Student Proposal Writing Seminar
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