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Columbia Campus    
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
 
  Oct 13, 2024
 
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Chemistry and Biochemistry


John H. Dawson, Chair



Overview

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers programs leading to the Ph.D. degree, with concentrations in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The Ph.D. program is flexible and is designed to maximize research opportunities and to encourage interdisciplinary research. Master of Science degrees in the same areas of concentration are awarded. The Master of Arts in Teaching in Science (Chemistry and Biochemistry Option) and the Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Science (Chemistry and Biochemistry Option) are offered in cooperation with the College of Education.

On average, the Ph.D. degree is earned in less than five years. Thirty tenure-track and research faculty teach and supervise the research of the department’s approximately 130 graduate students and 30 postdoctoral fellows. Each year, around 30 new students are added to the program. Generally, 15-20 Ph.D. and four M.S. degrees are awarded per year.

The Ph.D. and M.S. degree programs prepare students for careers in industry, government, and academic settings.

Admission

An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. The applicant’s academic record must indicate adequate preparation for graduate study in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Generally, to be considered for admission, a student should have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in the sciences on a 4.00 scale and score at or above the 50th percentile on the GRE. However, these guidelines are flexible, and slight deficiencies in one area can be compensated by strengths in another. In addition, applicants whose native language is not English must obtain a minimum score of 600 (250 computer-based score) on the TOEFL exam or 7 on the IELTS exam.

Programs and Courses

Programs

Courses

    Chemistry