Program
The Department of Chemistry offers a comprehensive Ph.D.
program allowing students to specialize in a wide range of traditional
and interdisciplinary areas of chemical research. A masters degree
(M.S.), with or without a thesis, is also available but is not
necessary to obtain the Ph.D. Through a combination of placement
exams and course work, degree candidates need to demonstrate
proficiency in the four traditional areas of chemistry (analytical,
inorganic, organic, and physical). Students can choose a research
project and a thesis advisor during the first semester in residence.
Upon completion of the advanced course requirement of 11 semester
hours, Ph.D. students will take an oral examination, generally
by the end of the fourth semester. Success in the oral examination
results in the students admission to Ph.D. candidacy.
The remaining time in graduate school (5 years
is the average time to get a Ph.D. at Iowa) is
devoted to research, independent study, and, if
desired, further course work. Three months prior
to the estimated date for completion of the thesis,
a research conference is held in which the student
summarizes their work to a faculty committee. A
final, formal presentation is made when the finished
thesis is ready to be submitted to the committee.
More detailed information is contained in the Guidelines for Graduate Study in Chemistry (PDF document - 998k).
Incoming Graduate Student Classes:
