Master's and PhD in Chemistry
Developing the whole scientist
The Department of Chemistry offers graduate programs leading to the MS and PhD degrees across a broad spectrum of fields including analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, polymer, and physical chemistry as well as chemical physics. A recent ACS survey found that 90% of PhD chemists find their work challenging and are working in their fields of interest.
Students in the chemistry graduate program will receive outstanding research and educational opportunities, leading to the master of science or doctoral degrees. The heart of the graduate degree is research, conducted in concert with a faculty mentor.
Our chemistry graduate program is a STEM-designated program, which means international students are eligible to apply for 36 months of Optional Practical Training, allowing employers to potentially hire international students for up to three years instead of only one.
The PhD program includes 36 credits, to be completed in the first two years. Students join labs and begin research in their first semester in the program. Students are advanced to PhD candidacy after successfully completing a literature seminar (4th semester) and research meeting (5th semester).
The MSc program include 30 credits, which can be completed on a flexible schedule. As part of the program, students complete research projects, or write essays about the research literature.
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Accelerated Degree Program
*Credit hours based on master's program. For PhD credit hours and details, see Graduate School Bulletin.
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- Analytical Chemistry
- Bioanalytical Chemistry
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Chemical Physics
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Subspecialty areas of research within the Department of Chemistry include: photochemistry; molecular spectroscopy; medicinal chemistry and drug discovery; materials chemistry and nanotechnology; organometallic, physical organic, bioorganic, polymer, and theoretical chemistry; and chemical dynamics.
Why Choose Marquette for Graduate School?
Be prepared. You'll have opportunities to participate in world-class scientific
experiments, submit articles to journals and present your work at scientific meetings.
Be impressed. You'll work in newly renovated research labs with
state-of-the-art instrumentation and have access to the university’s parallel
computer cluster.
Be independent. We’ll help you grow as an independent scientist by honing
your research, oral communication and written communication skills.
Be flexible. A flexible curriculum allows you to tailor a program to fit your
individual interests. And a flexible schedule, including many evening classes,
allows you to complete the program on a part- or full-time basis.
Be noticed. Thanks to a ratio of one full-time faculty member for every four
students, you’re never just a face in a crowd. Far from it — the mentoring
relationships you develop here will carry into your professional life.
Be supported. We offer financial aid to students every year in the form of
research assistantships or teaching assistantships with with tuition credits and a competitive stipend.
Take the next step towards your future
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Request Information
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Admission Requirements
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Application Details
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Application Deadline
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Doctoral Degree Requirements
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Financial Aid
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:
The minimum prerequisite for any graduate course is one year of undergraduate physical chemistry. In addition, an undergraduate course in an area of study (e.g., analytical, inorganic, organic) appropriate to the graduate course involved is required. Prior to applying, prospective applicants are encouraged to have an idea of what interest or specialization they would like to work on if admitted into the program.
Application Requirements
- Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.
- A completed online application form and fee.
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
- Personal statement - tell us about your interests, research, work or other relevant experiences, and anything else you think will help us evaluate your application. It would be helpful to mention 2-3 faculty members whose research appeals to you, and you could see yourself studying with.
- Transcripts:
- Submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette1
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
- GRE scores - optional for the 2024-2025 academic year
- For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency
1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record.
December 15: Priority application deadline for admission and funding opportunities.
After the priority deadline, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits and may be submitted any time before the following dates:
- Fall term admissions- August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)
- 18 hours of formal coursework (selected in consultation with faculty advisor)
- 6 hours of independent study
- Research/literature seminar presented in 4th semester
- Doctoral qualifying exam (research meeting) in 5th semester
The Department of Chemistry offers financial aid to students every year in the form of research assistantships or teaching assistantships with tuition credits, a
competitive stipend and subsidized health care benefits. Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.