Chemistry and Biochemistry PhD

The PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry at UMass Dartmouth provides both breadth and depth through a flexible structure of formal course work, independent study, and research. This full-time program takes approximately five years to complete. A minimum of 55 course credits is required beyond the BS, including at least 24 credits of formal courses (Including CHM 599 and CHM 699), at least 27 credits of doctoral dissertation research, and 4 credits of Graduate Seminar (CHM 650). A GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 grading scale is required to satisfy the course requirements throughout the program. Doctoral students must also successfully pass written qualifying examinations, and the original research proposal-doctoral candidacy examination. The final part of the program is devoted principally to research leading to the doctoral dissertation. Doctoral students are required to successfully defend the dissertation research proposal and pass the dissertation defense, and complete a written dissertation.

Students entering the program with an earned master’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry may be eligible to receive Advanced Standing in the doctoral program.  Such students complete a minimum of 8 credits from formal courses. The total number of formal course credits required will be determined during individual advisement with the Graduate Programs Director and must be approved by the Graduate Programs Committee. All other program requirements, including the qualifying examinations, remain unchanged.