Graduate Program
Prospective Graduate Students
We strive to create an atmosphere where students put forth their best work and benefit from a supportive, collaborative community. The major Ph.D. program requirements provide a strong foundation for their dissertation research and beyond. Feel free to review the Guide to Graduate Studies that reflects program revisions in 2000 and 2004. Some of the key features of the program are:
- The Department of Chemistry is rated #2 in the U.S. for the impact of our research in organic and polymer chemistry according to InCites.
- Our faculty members are national and international leaders in polymer chemistry, green chemistry, and other fields. Major awards have been earned by Kris Matyjaszewski and Terry Collins.
- Many groups operate at the interface of related disciplines in innovative areas related to nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Admission Requirements
Generally, students have an undergraduate degree in chemistry but students with appropriate backgrounds in other sciences or engineering are also seriously considered. While applications may be considered without GRE scores, GRE scores, including the subject test, are very important to make an application competitive, particularly for external fellowships.
For international applicants, we require a minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper test), 260 (computer-based test), or 70 (Internet based test, with a minimum of a 15 speaking score). A telephone interview may be required in addition to assess spoken English fluency. TOEFL scores should be not more than two years old. In cases where a student has studied for four or more years in a U.S. college and has a GPA of 3.0 or better, a waiver of the TOEFL can be considered.
Inquiries regarding the graduate program should be directed to:
Valerie Bridge, Graduate Program Specialist
(412) 268-3150
vb0g@andrew.cmu.edu
Get a quick overview of some of the research in the department or a more in-depth look at faculty research groups by area.
Learn about what you need to do to get a Ph.D.
Professional Masters programs are available in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces and BS/MS programs are available to Carnegie Mellon undergraduates.
Financial Support and Fellowships
Read about the financial support the department provides to graduate students and fellowships available.
Information about visiting the department can be found here.
Pittsburgh for Prospective Graduate Students
Explore Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, things to do, and organizations to help you make connections with others.