Graduate Program

How to Apply

Graduate admissions at Carnegie Mellon are handled at the department level. Interested students apply to the Department of Chemistry directly.

A complete application must include all of the following:

A complete online application form
When you have written your statement of purpose and have GRE scores (or scheduled test dates), the online application can be completed in about 30 minutes. Paper applications are not accepted.
A 1-2 page statement of purpose describing your previous research experience, research interests for Ph.D. work, and how you hope to pursue those interests at Carnegie Mellon. You are also strongly encouraged to include the names of the faculty whose work most interests you. You will upload your statement of purpose file when you fill out the online application.
Three letters of reference
You will need the names and email addresses of three individual who are familiar with your abilities and who have already agreed to provide letters of reference for you. A letter from your current or previous research advisor is especially important. They will be prompted automatically when you submit your application; they will receive an email at that time describing how they can submit their letter. Online is strongly preferred. See the FAQ for more information.
Transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work
Official transcripts are required for each of the colleges or universities you have attended, regardless of whether a degree or course credit was obtained. Transcripts must be enclosed in an envelope with the signature of your institution’s registrar or academic official over the seal. International students must provide a transcript with an official English translation. Applicants should not submit copies of diplomas from college or high school work; these additional documents can slow down the admissions process.
Tests
- Graduate Records Examination (GRE) General and Subject test scores
  Official copies sent directly from the College Board are required for admission. CODES: Institution 2074, Department 0301. You can still submit your application without the scores, but you must indicate when you will take the test. The Chemistry Subject Test is strongly recommended for all applicants; you are at a competitive disadvantage without this score.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for students whose mother tongue is not English. An official score report should follow in order for your application to receive consideration. CODES: Institution 2074, Department 62. If TOEFL is not available, the IELTS is also acceptable as an alternative.
A non-refundable application fee of U.S. $75 must be paid by credit card (American Express, Mastercard, Visa) before your application will be thoroughly reviewed.
- Application fee waivers will not be granted.
- Checks and cash cannot be accepted.

You may upload 1–2 optional items at the time you submit your application.

Resumés
We particularly encourage the submission of resumés or CVs. These are especially helpful with complete citations for publications (including titles of papers) and presentations (including where the presentation was given).

Please send printed materials such as transcripts to:

Valerie Bridge, Graduate Program Specialist
Department of Chemistry
Carnegie Mellon University
4400 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Questions can be directed to:

Valerie Bridge, Graduate Program Specialist, vb0g@andrew.cmu.edu or (412) 268-3150.