College of Arts & Sciences

Chemistry - Graduate

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The Department of Chemistry offers the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Plan A or B may be used to satisfy the requirements for the M.S. degree. Areas of specialization in chemistry are analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, physical, and radionuclear. All candidates for the Ph.D. degree are required to serve as a teaching assistant for one semester.

Master's Program Description

Plan A (Thesis): All Graduate School requirements must be met. In addition to four “core” courses, advanced or specialty courses relevant to a student’s career objectives are taken to total a minimum of 24 credits. Successful defense of a thesis describing original research of a caliber that could result in publication in refereed scientific journals is required of all M.S. Plan A students.

Plan B (Non-Thesis): Students in the Department of Chemistry may satisfy the requirements for an M.S. degree by using Plan B, a coursework M.S. degree. Students wishing to follow this plan must present for the approval of the Graduate Program Committee a program of courses that satisfies the Committee and meets all Graduate School requirements. This program of courses must meet distribution requirements within four of the five areas of chemistry and include 6 or more credits of courses outside of Chemistry that are relevant to the student’s career goals.

Doctoral Program Description

Doctoral degrees are earned in the Department of Chemistry after a student has carried out productive and independent research on a problem that is of significant chemical interest. It is expected that the results of the dissertation work will be published in refereed scientific journals. All Graduate School requirements must be met. Subject to approval of the student’s Advisory Committee, course work for the Ph.D. degree shall normally include four “core” courses and 8 credits of advanced or specialty courses. At least 3 credit hours must be in courses outside of the student’s main area of interest.

Master's or Doctoral Application Requirements

  1. CV
    • Your CV should describe your education and research background.
  2. Personal Statement
    • A 1 to 2 page statement outlining your research interests and how you hope to pursue those interests at the University of Kentucky. Please indicate specific research groups that interest you the most. Include any details of previous experience in a research environment.
  3. Three to four letters of recommendation
    • ​Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or job supervisors familiar with your teaching, learning and research abilities. The program prefers upload of letter.

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

It is not necessary to submit a writing sample, assistantship application, or portfolio. Also, the majority of applicants may disregard the section that allows you to provide Supplemental Information (University Scholars form, etc.). To determine if you are eligible to apply for these opportunities, please follow the links provided in ApplyYourself.

 

Application Deadlines
  • Spring: August 15th (International Applicants), November 1st (Domestic Applicants)
  • Fall: February 15th (International Applicants), July 15th (Domestic Applicants)