organic chemistry phd degree

Best Organic Chemistry Programs

Ranked in 2023, part of Best Science Schools

Organic chemistry involves carbon molecules and their

Organic chemistry involves carbon molecules and their structure, properties and behavior. Organic chemists work in research and development, teaching and industry positions. These are the best science schools for organic chemistry. Read the methodology »

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PhD Program

Professor Wender discusses chemistry with his graduate students.

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental sciences.

The Department of Chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study spanning contemporary subfields, including theoretical, organic, inorganic, physical, biophysical and biomedical chemistry and more. Much of the research defies easy classification along traditional divisions; cross-disciplinary collaborations with Stanford's many vibrant research departments and institutes is among factors distinguishing this world-class graduate program.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development.  This advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement with mutual respect by both the adviser and advisee.

• The adviser is expected to meet at least monthly with the graduate student to discuss on-going research.
• There should be a yearly independent development plan (IDP) meeting between the graduate student and adviser. Topics include research progress, expectations for completion of PhD, areas for both the student and adviser to improve in their joint research effort.
• A research adviser should provide timely feedback on manuscripts and thesis chapters.
• Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.
• If there is a significant issue concerning the graduate student’s progress in research, the adviser must communicate this to the student and to the Graduate Studies Committee in writing.  This feedback should include the issues, what needs to be done to overcome these issues and by when.

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students' education and additional resources can be found in the  Policies and Best Practices for Advising Relationships at Stanford  and the  Guidelines for Faculty-Student Advising at Stanford .

Learn more about the program through the links below, and by exploring the research interests of the  Chemistry Faculty  and  Courtesy Faculty .

Best Universities for Organic Chemistry in the World

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the World ranked based on their research performance in Organic Chemistry. A graph of 639M citations received by 24.2M academic papers made by 5,673 universities in the World was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Harvard University

For Organic Chemistry

2. University of Tokyo

3. Kyoto University

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

5. University of California - Berkeley

6. Stanford University

7. Osaka University

8. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

9. Cornell University

10. Tohoku University

11. University of Wisconsin - Madison

12. University of Toronto

13. Tsinghua University

14. Zhejiang University

15. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

16. University of Cambridge

17. University of Washington - Seattle

18. Johns Hopkins University

19. Pennsylvania State University

20. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

21. University of Oxford

22. University of California - Los Angeles

23. University of California-San Diego

24. University of Pennsylvania

25. Yale University

26. Tokyo Institute of Technology

27. National University of Singapore

28. Imperial College London

29. Northwestern University

30. University of Texas at Austin

31. University of California - Davis

32. Peking University

33. Kyushu University

34. Purdue University

35. University College London

36. University of Florida

37. Nagoya University

38. Ohio State University

39. Columbia University

40. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

41. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

42. University of Science and Technology of China

43. University of California - San Francisco

44. Hokkaido University

45. Shanghai Jiao Tong University

46. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

47. University of British Columbia

48. California Institute of Technology

49. Seoul National University

50. Catholic University of Leuven

51. University of Manchester

52. Texas A&M University - College Station

53. Pierre and Marie Curie University

54. Sichuan University

55. University of Alberta

56. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

57. Georgia Institute of Technology

58. University of Hong Kong

59. Nanyang Technological University

60. Iowa State University

61. University of Sao Paulo

62. Jilin University

63. McGill University

64. Nanjing University

65. Technical University of Munich

66. Princeton University

67. Lund University

68. University of Pittsburgh

69. South China University of Technology

70. Tianjin University

71. University of California - Santa Barbara

72. Heidelberg University - Germany

73. Fudan University

74. Michigan State University

75. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

76. Washington University in St Louis

77. University of Utah

78. Harbin Institute of Technology

79. University of Chicago

80. University of Queensland

81. Huazhong University of Science and Technology

82. Nankai University

83. University of Southern California

84. Central South University

85. University of Arizona

86. Shandong University

87. Moscow State University

88. Technical University of Denmark

89. Case Western Reserve University

90. University of Gottingen

91. Utrecht University

92. Uppsala University

93. Karolinska Institute

94. Ghent University

95. National Taiwan University

96. University of Munich

97. University of New South Wales

98. Delft University of Technology

99. University of Colorado Boulder

100. Sun Yat - Sen University

Chemistry subfields in the World

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Chemistry Ph.D.

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We're so glad you're interested in UNT! Let us know if you'd like more information and we'll get you everything you need.

Why Earn a Chemistry Ph.D.?

The Ph.D. program is grounded in the four traditional fields of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, but also encompasses emerging interdisciplinary areas such as computational chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical biology, and chemistry education research.

From designing new optoelectronic or pharmaceutical materials to reducing toxic emissions and the invention of new clean fuels, our combination of internationally recognized faculty members and state-of-the-art facilities has provided alumni with the tools needed to thrive and succeed in the job market.

Our faculty members are committed to excellence and your success. They’ve been recognized with awards in their fields from the National Science Foundation, the W.M. Keck Foundation, the American Vacuum Society, and the American Chemical Society, among others. They also serve as editors or on editorial boards of major scientific journals and receive national and international recognition for their research expertise.

Doctoral student research culminates in a written dissertation of demonstrable scientific merit. The department requires that at least one paper from your Ph.D. work be accepted or submitted to a refereed journal by the time of the oral dissertation defense.

• Advanced chemical experiment design
• Research proposals writing
• Proficiency in scientific ethics
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals
• Research presentation skills

Chemistry Ph.D. Highlights

Career outlook.

Earning an advanced degree in chemistry prepares you to be a leader in the scientific and technological advances that will bring us a better future. M.S. and Ph.D. graduates are valued for their knowledge of advanced subject material and, especially, for their research skills and experience. Ph.D. chemists often rise to positions of leadership within their organizations.

Recent alumni of UNT's chemistry graduate program have received positions at world-class companies and institutions, including:

• Savannah River National Laboratory
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
• Lockheed-Martin
• AMPAC Fine Chemicals

Chemistry Ph.D. Courses You Could Take

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Graduate Programs

Chemistry phd.

The goal of the Chemistry PhD is to prepare students for careers in science as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of chemistry while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. A high graduation rate in an average of just over five years can be attributed to the quality of applicants admitted, the flexibility of our program of study, the opportunity for students to begin research in the first year, and the affordability of education made possible by our generous financial support policies.

Program Overview

Programs of study are tailored to the needs of individual students, based on their prior training and research interests. However, progress to a degree is generally similar for all students. During the first year, students take courses, begin their teaching apprenticeships, choose research advisors, and embark on their thesis research; students whose native language is not English must pass an English proficiency examination. Beginning the first summer, the emphasis is on research, although courses of special interest may be taken throughout a student's residency. In the second year, there is a departmental examination which includes a written research proposal and an oral defense of the research proposal. In the third year, students advance to candidacy for the doctorate by defending the topic, preliminary findings, and future research plans for their dissertation. Subsequent years focus on thesis research and writing the dissertation. Most students graduate during their fifth year.

Research Opportunities

Research opportunities for graduate students are comprehensive and interdisciplinary, spanning inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, computational, and theoretical chemistry; surface and materials chemistry; and atmospheric and environmental chemistry. Please refer to the faculty pages for full descriptions of the ongoing research in our department. State-of-the-art facilities and laboratories support these research programs.

At UCSD, chemists and biochemists are part of a thriving community that stretches across campus and out into research institutions throughout the La Jolla and San Diego area, uniting researchers in substantive interactions and collaborations.

Special Training Programs

Interdisciplinary research and collaboration at UCSD is enhanced through a variety of training grants. These programs provide financial support for exceptional graduate and postdoctoral scholars and also unite researchers from across campus and throughout the La Jolla research community in special seminars, retreats, and courses. Doctoral students are usually placed on training grants in their second year or later.

• Molecular Biophysics Training Grant
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• Interfaces Graduate Training Program
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• UC San Diego MRSEC
• Quantitative Biology (qBio) Specialization

Teaching apprenticeships are a vital and integral part of graduate student training, and four quarters of teaching are required. See the Teaching Assistants page to apply. Students can gain experience teaching both discussion and laboratory sections. Excellence in teaching is stressed, and the department provides a thorough training program covering both fundamentals and special techniques for effective instruction. Further training is provided by the Teaching and Learning Commons on campus. Performance is evaluated every quarter, and awards are bestowed quarterly for outstanding teaching performance.

• Financial Support

Students in good academic standing receive a 12-month stipend; fees and tuition are also provided. Support packages come from a variety of sources, including teaching and research assistantships, training grants, fellowships, and awards. Special fellowships are awarded to outstanding students based on their admission files. See Ph.D. Program Support Policy for more information.

Health and Dental Plan

A primary health care program, major medical plan, and dental plan are among the benefits provided by the University's registration fee (see Graduate Student Health Insurance Program, GSHIP) . Minor illnesses and injuries can usually be treated at the Student Health Center . Counseling is provided free of charge through Counseling and Psychological Services .

Creative, bright, and motivated students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We admit for Fall quarter entrance only. Generally, the application will open in September and close is in December. The Admissions Committee reviews files individually and in comparison to others, and invitations to our visitation weekends are made around January. For those invited, in-person interviews will be on campus in either February or March. Those who receive the official admissions offer from t he Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs ( GEPA ) have until April 15th to make a decision.

See UCSD Ph.D. Admissions FAQ page for full information.

PostGraduate Placement

Graduates typically obtain jobs in academia or in the chemical industry. Many take postdoctoral research positions in academic institutions and national laboratories that lead to future academic or industrial careers at other prestigious institutions. Our faculty and Student Affairs staff provide career advising and job placement services. The department's Industrial Relations program assists students with placement in industrial positions. UCSD's Career Services Center provides many resources for students, including the chance to videotape yourself in a mock interview!

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Entering the Ph.D. Program

The official course of study in the Ph.D. graduate program begins during the second week of August, one week before the official start of the Fall Semester at Cornell. All incoming Ph.D. students take a series of graduate proficiency exams in Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry provided by the American Chemical Society (ACS). All Ph.D. students then meet with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and select professors in their area of interest for advice on course selection.

Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ph.D. Program Handbook

Read the Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ph.D. Program Handbook, here .

Ph.D. Coursework

Incoming Ph.D. students generally take three graduate courses during their first semester at Cornell. A minimum grade of B- is required in each course for the student to remain in good standing with the department and the university. An additional three courses are then taken in the spring semester, for a total of six required courses. Depending on a student’s academic background and research interests, one or more of these courses may be taken outside of the Graduate Field of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. Additional courses are often taken by Ph.D. students in the later years of their dissertation work, if they are deemed useful by the student's research advisor and/or special committee (see below). For the full list of courses offered at Cornell, please visit the Class Roster to select the appropriate department and semester.

Finding a Mentor and Laboratory to Conduct Thesis Research

During the first month of the Fall semester, all incoming Ph.D. students are expected to attend a series of research orientation lectures in which the faculty provide an overview of their current research projects. Students are expected to attend research group meetings of faculty of interest, talk to other students and postdoctoral research associates, and discuss potential research projects with at least three faculty members. Students then officially join research groups by November 1.

Special Committee

All Ph.D. students in C&CB are required to choose three or more faculty members to serve as a special committee to represent their major (and minor, if applicable) areas of study. The student’s faculty research advisor serves as chair of the special committee and usually has primary responsibility for directing the graduate student’s research and studies. Degree requirements are kept to a minimum and there are no specific course requirements. The number of formal courses required depends on students' academic background, chosen concentration, and the advice of the special committee.

Every Ph.D. student takes an oral examination for admission to candidacy (A-exam), typically during their second year of graduate study. The A-exam takes place after the student’s coursework has been completed and before the commencement of full-time research. The thesis, which is the final outcome of this research, must constitute an original contribution to chemical knowledge and be defended at a final examination overseen by the special committee (B-exam). The Ph.D. degree is awarded on successful defense of the thesis and students typically take five years to complete the Ph.D. program.

Financial Support

Complete financial support accompanies every offer of admission to the Ph.D. program. Each Ph.D. student is therefore guaranteed at least five years of full financial support as long as he or she makes satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. degree. This support includes a 12-month stipend, a full tuition award, and health insurance. Financial support comes in the form of teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships, research fellowships, and several NIH-funded training grant programs, such as the  Chemistry Biology Interface (CBI) Training Program . Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to seek federally funded fellowships, such as those available from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as well as other government or private agencies.

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Graduate Program

Science in the 21st century is rich with opportunity and challenge. Our pillars for success in this complex world are all tied to interactions—between people and between disciplines. By building both strong interpersonal connections between our students and faculty, and effective bridges between disciplines, entering graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology can thrive at the frontiers of research in the chemical and life sciences.

Our graduate programs prioritize research and exploration. With many opportunities to interact with departments, research centers, and institutions across the Boston area, our students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that encourages curiosity and innovation. Students can choose from one of our following two graduate degree programs:

Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Our program in Chemistry offers research and training opportunities in many subdisciplines of chemistry, including chemical biology, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical.

Chemical Physics

Our interdepartmental Chemical Physics program is designed for students who wish to prepare themselves for the study of chemical problems by the methods and theories of modern physics.

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Current graduate students, news about our graduate students.

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Organic Chemistry

Graduate students in the organic chemistry path participate in one of the strongest organic programs in the world. As a graduate student in organic chemistry, you will learn:

• the latest theoretical treatments of organic reactions;
• the development of synthetic expertise;
• the ability to analyze critically physical organic and reaction mechanism problems; and
• the art of structure elucidation.

The organic chemistry path at UW-Madison includes a large selection of top research groups. Organic chemistry graduate students may study areas such as synthetic, mechanistic, bioorganic, organometallic, combinatorial, materials, catalytic, structural, and computational chemistry. The degree of interaction and collaboration among research groups is one distinguishing feature of the research environment at UW-Madison. The department also offers excellent instrumental and computational support and training for your research.

New students with strong science backgrounds can finish all course requirements during the first academic year. As few as six courses can satisfy all requirements. The details of a student’s program depend on research area and career plans and are arranged through discussions with the student’s adviser.

UW-Madison is among the largest and most respected sources of organic chemists for academic and industrial positions. Most major college chemistry departments have organic faculty members who have studied at UW-Madison, and dozens of companies visit campus each year to recruit chemistry graduate students.

Organic Chemistry Resources

View Professor Emeritus Hans Reich’s organic chemistry resources  pertaining to chemical reactions, chemical data, NMR spectroscopy, organometallic topics, nomenclature, organic compounds, and techniques.

Organic Chemistry Path Co-chairs Jennifer Schomaker / Dan Weix

Graduate Program Director Francisca Jofre

Our Graduate Programs

• Ph.D. in Chemistry More
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• UW BRIDGE TO THE CHEMISTRY DOCTORATE PROGRAM More

Organic Chemistry Programs

• Chemistry Biology Interface Training Program More
• Goering Visiting Professors Program More

Organic Faculty

John F. Berry

Position title: Lester R. McNall Professor of Chemistry

Email: berry @chem.wisc.edu

Berry Group Research Website

Helen Blackwell

Position title: Norman C. Craig Professor of Chemistry

Email: blackwell @chem.wisc.edu

Blackwell Group Research Website

AJ Boydston

Position title: Professor of Chemistry, Yamamoto Family Professor, Affiliate in MSE and CBE

Email: aboydston @wisc.edu

Boydston Group Research Website

Andrew R. Buller

Position title: Associate Professor of Chemistry

Email: arbuller @wisc.edu

Buller Group Research Website

Silvia Cavagnero

Position title: Professor of Chemistry

Email: cavagnero @chem.wisc.edu

Cavagnero Group Research Website

Julian Cooper

Position title: Assistant Professor

Email: jccooper5 @wisc.edu

On July 1, 2024, Julian Cooper will join the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Department of Chemistry as an assistant professor to research and unlock new modes of chemical reactivity in materials. Cooper earned a Bachelor of…

Position title: Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemistry

Email: dfeng23 @wisc.edu

Feng Group Research Website

Samuel H. Gellman

Position title: Irving Shain Chair of Chemistry, Professor of Chemistry, Vilas Research Professor, Ralph F. Hirschmann Professor of Chemistry

Email: gellman @chem.wisc.edu

Gellman Group Research Website

Jennifer Golden

Position title: Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry

Email: jennifer.golden @wisc.edu

Golden Group Research Website

Padma Gopalan

Position title: Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemistry

Email: pgopalan @wisc.edu

Gopalan Group Research Website

Ive Hermans

Position title: John and Dorothy Vozza Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Email: hermans @chem.wisc.edu

Hermans Group Research Website

Clark Landis

Email: landis @chem.wisc.edu

Landis Group Research Website

Position title: Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Chemistry

Email: dlynn @engr.wisc.edu

Lynn Group Research Website

Jeff Martell

Position title: Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Email: jdmartell @wisc.edu

Martell Group Research Website

Robert J. McMahon

Email: robert.mcmahon @wisc.edu

McMahon Group Research Website

Sandro Mecozzi

Position title: Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry

Email: sandro.mecozzi @wisc.edu

Mecozzi Group Research Website

Monica Neugebauer

Email: meneugebauer @wisc.edu

Bio: Neugebauer, Monica E.

Jennifer Schomaker

Email: schomakerj @chem.wisc.edu

Schomaker Group Research Website

Shannon Stahl

Position title: Professor of Chemistry, Steenbock Professor of Chemical Sciences

Email: stahl @chem.wisc.edu

Stahl Group Research Website

Email: rstowe @chem.wisc.edu

Stowe Group Research Website

Weiping Tang

Email: wtang @pharmacy.wisc.edu

Tang Group Research Website

Email: zrtodd @wisc.edu

Email: twang495 @wisc.edu

Wang Group Research Website

Daniel Weix

Position title: Wayland E. Noland Distinguished Professor of Chemistry

Email: dweix @wisc.edu

Weix Group Research Website

Zach Wickens

Email: wickens @wisc.edu

Wickens Group Research Website

Tehshik P. Yoon

Position title: Professor of Chemistry, Associate Chair for the Graduate Program, Director of Graduate Studies

Email: tyoon @chem.wisc.edu

Yoon Group Research Website

Organic Labs

Berry group.

The Berry Group focuses on coordination chemistry which is the synthesis, structures, spectroscopy, and electronic structure of new types of transition metal complexes.

Blackwell Group

The Blackwell Group is focused on the development of chemical strategies to manipulate bacterial cell-cell communication processes.

Boydston Group

The Boydston Group studies functional materials at multiple length scales.

Buller Group

The Buller Group research is focussed on how to engineer new biocatalytic reactions and do so with a broad substrate scope, a major challenge in enzymology.

Cavagnero Group

The Cavagnero Group focuses on understanding the early stages of protein folding and aggregation in the cell, with emphasis on the role of the ribosome, molecular chaperones and prions.

Cooper Group

The Cooper Group combines the tools of chemistry, materials science, and mechanics to develop new ways to make materials and alter their capabilities.

Gellman Group

The Gellman Group is focused on the design, synthesis and evaluation of new types of biopolymer-like molecules that display stable conformations and useful functions ("foldamers").

Martell Group

The Martell Group develops catalysts that merge the benefits of enzymes and synthetic chemistry, with applications spanning sustainable synthesis, chemical biology, and plastic recycling.

McMahon/Woods Research Group

The McMahon/Woods research program explores fundamental aspects of organic chemistry with the goal of understanding the chemistry that occurs in harsh reaction conditions.

Schomaker Group

The Schomaker Group specializes in synthetic organic chemistry.

Stahl Group

The Stahl Group's research focuses on the field of catalysis and draws upon and impacts several areas of chemistry.

Stowe Group

The Stowe Group focuses on understanding how chemistry learning environments could and should engage all learners in authentic, meaningful scientific work.

The Todd Lab's interest lies in investigating the origins of life on Earth and understanding the implications for the possibility of life on other planets.

The Wang Group research centers around protein folding and function, and how problems in this area can cause disease, inparticular neurodegenerative disorders.

The Weix research program is focused on the development of conceptually new catalytic methods for organic synthesis.

Wickens Group

The primary focus of the Wickens Group is the discovery of new catalytic principles that can be leveraged to precisely control chemical reactivity.

The central goal of research in the Yoon Group is to develop strategies for the controlled synthesis of complex organic molecules.

Feng Group (Affiliate)

The Feng Group focuses on the development of novel solid electrolytes and cathode materials for high-power and high-energy-density electrochemical energy storage devices.

Golden Laboratory (Affiliate)

The Golden research labs are heavily steeped in synthetic organic medicinal chemistry.

Gopalan Group (Affiliate)

The Gopalan Group focusses on using the tools of organic chemistry to design new polymeric materials.

Lynn Group (Affiliate)

Lynn Group research is focused broadly on the design and synthesis of functional organic materials and the fabrication and physical characterization of polymers, macromolecular assemblies, nanoscale materials, and surfaces/interfaces.

Mecozzi Laboratory (Affiliate)

The Mecozzi Lab research efforts focus on fundamental studies of non-covalent interactions and the application of the resulting findings to biochemical and biomedical problems.

Neugebauer Laboratory (Affiliate)

The Neugebauer Lab is interested in the discovery, characterization, and evolution of enzymes for biocatalysis and chemical biology.

Tang Laboratory (Affiliate)

The Tang Lab focuses on drug discovery, an interdisciplinary field that involves a broad range of skill sets.

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UMass Boston

• Chemistry PhD

Pursue the highest level of academic achievement in chemistry and become an accomplished scientist.

UMass Boston's Chemistry Department offers a comprehensive Doctor of Philosophy degree, dedicated to cultivating creative and conscientious scientists. The department offers educational opportunities in six doctoral tracks: Biological Chemistry, Chemistry Education Research, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical/Analytical Chemistry, with a special emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students immerse themselves in research labs early in the program and tailor their academic plan in accordance with their research interests.

Students are required to complete 60 credits of coursework, consisting of two core courses, three elective courses, a graduate seminar course and a dissertation research course. The set of core courses is dictated by the student’s track. In addition, the department’s emphasis on Green Chemistry permeates the curricula of all of its doctoral tracks. Our PhD program culminates in a public defense of the student’s research and the publication of the dissertation.

The specialty of the Department is in the field of Green Chemistry, and we are proud to be the first school in the country to offer a doctoral degree via the PhD in Chemistry/Green Chemistry Track. It focuses specifically on preparing chemistry doctoral students to direct, design, and implement chemical research using strategies that reduce or eliminate the impact on human health or the environment. It provides experiences, tools, and skills needed for conducting research in a more environmentally sustainable fashion. The strength of the green chemistry curriculum lies in its overlapping interdisciplinary themes of research. Our faculty is committed to research designed to benefit society, and this emphasis is reflected in our course selections at all levels of education.

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Chemistry PhD (Biological Track)

Students in the Biological Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core biological chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

View the Curriculum

Chemistry PhD (Chemistry Education Research Track)

Students in the Chemistry Education PhD track are required to take one core course, two core chemistry education track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Green Track)

The Green Chemistry Track in the Chemistry PhD Program is the first such program in the world. Students obtaining a degree from this program will be prepared for conventional chemistry jobs in industry, government, and academia. In addition to traditional training in the chemical sciences, required and elective courses in the Biology Department and School for the Environment provide graduates with the tools and experience to assess human impact on health and the environment.

Green chemistry involves an ecologically sustainable view of chemical research, development, and manufacture. Toxicological understanding and environmental fate are necessary components to understanding the entire "molecular life cycle" of any commercial endeavor.

Typically, universities and academic departments lack the appropriate personnel and facilities to pursue a program of this kind. The unique complement of Chemistry, the School for the Environment, and Biology Department faculty has allowed the University of Massachusetts Boston to create such a program.

Chemistry PhD (Inorganic Track)

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Organic Track)

Students in the Organic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core organic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Physical/Analytical Track)

Students in the Physical/Analytical Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core physical/analytical chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Test Scores: GRE recommended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: April 1 (priority deadline) or June 15 (final deadline, if space available) for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or November 1 (final deadline, if space available) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum - Biological Track

Coursework  (complete 60 credits.), core course in chemistry phd for all tracks (choose one.).

CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

CORE COURSES IN BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY TRACK (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry

ELECTIVE COURSES  (Choose three from list.)

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 696 – Independent Study CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

EXTRA-DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab) PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials

School for the Environment

EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

SEMINAR COURSES (Minimum of 6 credits)

CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall) CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

DISSERTATION RESEARCH (Complete 20 credits.)

CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

Curriculum - Chemistry Education Research Track

Coursework (complete 60 credits.), core course in chemistry phd for all tracks (choose one.), core courses in chemistry education research track (three courses.).

CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research

At least two courses selected from the following three options: * Quantitative Methods: EEOS 611 (Applied Statistics) or BIOL 607 (Computational Data Analysis for Biology) * Qualitative Methods: HIGHED 752 (Research Methods in Higher Education: Qualitative Analysis) or PSYCLN 775 (Qualitative Methods in Clinical Psychology) * Cognition: PSYDBS 762 (Knowledge Acquisition) or PSYDBS 620 (Cognitive Neuroscience)

ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 696 – Independent Study CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Education Departments

EDCG 606 – Sociocultural Foundations of Education HIGHED 612 – Impact of College on Students HIGHED 620 – Teaching, Learning and Curriculum in Urban Contexts HIGHED 636 – Sociological Perspectives on Higher Education EDCG 663 – Assessment in Teaching EDCG 665 – Secondary Science Teaching Methods

ENVSCI 611 – Applied Statistics ENVSCI 635 – Environmental Toxicology ENVSCI 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters ENVSCI 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry ENVSCI 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

SEMINAR COURSES (Enroll in seminar every semester.)

Curriculum - green track.

Students in the Green Chemistry PhD track are required to take two core courses, four elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the four elective courses, at least two must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to the two remaining courses can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

CORE COURSES (Both core courses are required.)

Elective courses (choose four from list.).

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and graduate program director.

SEMINAR COURSES (Minimum of 6 credits.)

Curriculum - inorganic track.

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee. For all courses see the university's Course Listings .

CORE COURSES IN THE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY TRACK (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose three from list.)

Curriculum - organic track, core courses in organic chemistry track (choose two from list.).

CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry

Curriculum - Physical/Analytical Track

Core courses in physical/analytical track (choose two from list.).

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry

Graduation Criteria

Complete a minimum of 60 credits from at least 15 courses including one core course, five track courses, six graduate seminars, and a minimum of 20 credits in dissertation courses.

Students must pass a literature seminar in the first year of study.

Track: Students must select a track from green chemistry, biological chemistry, chemistry education research, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or physical/analytical chemistry. Doctoral candidacy: Pass four written qualifying exams (at least two of which are in the track), and an oral qualifying exam. Dissertation: Candidates must complete and defend a dissertation based on original research.

Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Plan of Study

Graduate Program Director Marianna Torok (Green Chemistry) marianna.torok [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6199

Graduate Program Director Neil Reilly (Physical/Analytical Chemistry) neil.reilly [at] umb.edu (617) 287-4065

Graduate Program Assistant Rita Lam graduate.chemistry [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6190

Learn more about UMass Boston's Chemistry department, our research, and our faculty.

College of Science & Mathematics

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our College of Science and Mathematics.

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2024 Best Organic Chemistry Doctor's Degree Schools

There was only one school in the United States to review for the 2024 Best Organic Chemistry Doctor's Degree Schools ranking. If you would like to see more options to choose from, check out the Best Doctor's Degree Schools in the United States ranking. .

Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

One Size Does Not Fit All

The organic chemistry school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Organic Chemistry Doctor's Degree Schools.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Organic Chemistry in the United States

Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing a doctor's degree in organic chemistry.

Top Schools for a Doctorate in Organic Chemistry

Iowa State University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a doctor's degree in organic chemistry. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in organic chemistry from Iowa State University

Organic Chemistry by Region

View the Best Organic Chemistry Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best overall in organic chemistry.

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Rankings in Majors Related to Organic Chemistry

One of 11 majors within the Chemistry area of study, Organic Chemistry has other similar majors worth exploring.

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Notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ). More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Chemistry - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Chemistry offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact in the field. With a curriculum that emphasizes research and collaboration, you'll gain the skills needed to become a leader in the industry and make groundbreaking discoveries in chemistry. Our program also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, research collaborations with faculty members and teaching experience.

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Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry

Kent State University’s Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry offers an intensive and research-focused program designed for students aspiring to become experts in the field. The curriculum emphasizes advanced study across various branches of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Students engage in significant original research, working closely with faculty mentors to explore cutting-edge topics and develop innovative solutions to complex scientific problems. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government, equipping them with the skills necessary for leadership roles in research and development.

Program Information for Chemistry - Ph.D.

Program learning outcomes.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an improved knowledge of a specialization within chemistry.
• Plan and execute chemical experiments.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website . For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website .

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university 1
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
• Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
• Minimum 50 PTE score
• Minimum 100 DET score

Completion of undergraduate courses consisting of one year each in analytical chemistry or biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, calculus and physics is expected.

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Priority deadline: December 15
• Priority deadline: September 15

Applications submitted by these deadlines will receive the strongest consideration for admission .

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements, major requirements.

Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for CHEM 80199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I, and thereafter CHEM 80299 , each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Candidacy for Degree

To be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree, the student must pass a written examination in the field of specialization. The form and time of the examinations are determined by the departmental Graduate Student Handbook. Those failing this examination may repeat the examination once. After passing the written examination, the student must present a detailed written proposal for their dissertation research. The successful oral defense of this proposal and its acceptance by the advisory committee admits the student to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

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Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Chemistry - Ph.D.

Graduates of Kent State University’s Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry are well-prepared for a variety of high-level careers in academia, industry, and research institutions. They may pursue positions as university professors, leading independent research projects while teaching the next generation of scientists. In the private sector, they can work as research scientists, pharmaceutical developers, or regulatory affairs specialists in companies focused on drug development, materials science, or environmental technology. Additionally, many graduates find opportunities in government research labs or policy-making positions, contributing their expertise to address societal challenges in health, safety, and the environment.

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PhD in Chemistry

The PhD in chemistry is primarily a research degree. It is awarded to students who have displayed competence in planning and conducting original research in the field of chemistry, demonstrated a broad familiarity with the science of chemistry, understanding in the application of the scientific method, and gained a thorough knowledge of their field of specialization.

Students build a solid foundation in all four core areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical), and a thorough knowledge of their chosen field of specialization. In the first part of the PhD program, students take at least one formal classroom course in each the core areas of chemistry as outlined in the course requirements below. The courses must be completed successfully (B- or better) by the end of the third semester.

Since original research is the primary requirement for the PhD degree, a student selects a research supervisor and begins research before the end the first year. The student and research supervisor then select two faculty members to serve as the student's Doctoral Research Committee. The Committee, in conjunction with the student's research adviser, take over the advisory function from the graduate committee and guides the student's work to promote development as an independent investigator.

Thus, in addition to research each student must complete the following requirements:

• Service as a teaching assistant
• Regular progress updates with a faculty Research Committee
• A departmental seminar
• Defense of an original research proposal.
• Completion of a dissertation reporting significant work of publishable quality

Course Requirements

At least one of the following analytical chemistry courses:

• Chem 141: Instrumental Analysis
• Chem 142: Advanced Analytical Methods
• Chem 144: Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis
• Chem 145: Separation Science
• Chem 146: Electroanalytical Chemistry

At least one of the following inorganic chemistry courses: 

• Chem 161: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Chem 162: Chemistry of Transition Elements
• Chem 164: Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Chem 165: Physical Methods In Inorganic Chemistry

At least one of the following organic chemistry courses:

• Chem 150: Intermediate Organic Chemistry
• Chem 151: Physical Organic Chemistry
• Chem 152: Advanced Organic Synthesis

At least one of the following physical chemistry courses: 

• Chem 131: Statistical Thermodynamics
• Chem 132: Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics
• Chem 133: Quantum Mechanics
• Chem 134: Biophysical Chemistry
• Chem 136: Spectroscopy and Molecular Structure
• Chem 138: Atomic Scale Structure and Properties of Surfaces  
• Two additional classroom courses, exclusive of research, must be completed satisfactorily by the end of the fourth semester

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Chemistry, Ph.D.

The doctoral degree program will ensure that you receive extensive research experience.

Graduate students in the Department of Chemistry are required to:

• Conduct research and write a thesis
• Enroll in chemistry coursework
• Serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters
• Present at and attend seminars

For further details about programs, faculty, facilities and financial assistance, write to the graduate advisor of the Department of Chemistry, or send an email message to [email protected].

Ph.D. in Chemistry Requirements

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

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Chemistry Ph.D Program

Programs of study.

Graduate courses and research programs leading to the MS and PhD degrees in chemistry are offered in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry. These programs include photochemistry, stereochemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics (including nanosecond and crossed-molecular beam studies), theoretical structure and dynamics, statistical mechanics, organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, carbohydrate chemistry, NMR, ESR, laser and vacuum UV spectroscopy, pulse radiolysis, X-ray structures, multi-enzyme complexes, catalysis, mechanisms of action of enzymes and coenzymes, molecular biology, biomembrane studies, surface chemistry and separations.

The first year is devoted mainly to advanced coursework with the opportunity to begin research in the latter part of the year. During the second and subsequent years, the major emphasis is given to research for both MS and PhD students. PhD students begin their examinations for admission to PhD candidacy in their second year. These examinations include both written and oral portions; they are designed to verify the student's competence as an independent scientist.

All MS and PhD research is carried out under the direct supervision of a faculty adviser who serves as the student's preceptor. Many research groups are enriched by the presence of postdoctoral researchers and visiting professors. Graduates are employed by industrial and government laboratories and as research and teaching staff members at colleges and universities across the United States.