For Entering Classes Fall 2007–present

At least four graduate level lecture or laboratory courses (48 units) in chemistry or closely related fields must be passed with an average grade of B (3.0) or better by the end of four semesters in residence. Students are encouraged to take at least one of these courses outside of their research area.

Courses may be taken in other departments or at the University of Pittsburgh (through cross-registration) with the approval of the Academic Advisor. The Department of Chemistry accepts the grading policy of other departments and the University of Pittsburgh for approved courses.

Students may request transfer of credit for up to two previous graduate courses from other institutions that are equivalent to courses offered at Carnegie Mellon. The student must provide a sufficient course description for such courses and obtain signatures from the Carnegie Mellon course instructor, his/her advisor, and the Graduate Program Committee. An approval form is available from the Graduate Program Assistant. A minimum grade of B is required to transfer credit for a course.

Expectations and Outcomes

The student must maintain an overall average of B for all courses taken (graduate and undergraduate courses, excluding research units). Any failure to comply with this requirement must be rectified by the end of the subsequent semester. Two semesters in which the cumulative coursework GPA, excluding research units, is less than 3.0 will be considered grounds for termination from the Ph.D. program.