2024-25 Catalogs

125 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
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PhD in Chemistry

Degree Requirements

The following is a brief synopsis of the general degree requirements; please see the Department of Chemistry website for complete details:

  1. Students must take at least 5 8000-level courses outside their own research concentration.
  2. Students must pass 5 written cumulative exams within a specific time frame.
  3. Students must present at least one departmental seminar.
  4. Students are required to complete a comprehensive exam, which includes written and oral elements, within a specific time frame.
  5. Students must submit and defend a dissertation describing the results of successful and original research in one of the branches of chemistry.

Admission Criteria

Fall deadline: February 1
Spring deadline: October 15

  • Minimum TOEFL scores:
Internet-based test (iBT) Paper-based test (PBT)
100 600
  • Minimum GRE scores:
When did you take the GRE? Verbal Quantitative Analytical
Prior to August 1, 2011 450 600 3.0-4.0
On or After August 1, 2011 150 150 3.0-4.0

Required Application Materials

To the Graduate School:

  • All required Graduate School documents

To the Chemistry Program:

  • Departmental Application (PDF)
  • Language scores for international students (TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS)
  • 3 letters of recommendation, including at least one from your current academic program.
  • Transcripts from each college or university you have attended
  • Statement of Purpose, which should include a summary of why you are interested in pursuing an advanced chemistry degree, a brief description of your previous research experiences, the specific areas of chemistry (or research groups) in which you are interested, and your career goals in the field of chemistry.
  • A short CV (1-2 pages) summarizing your schooling and other relevant activities.

Financial Aid from the Program

Some programs require an extra form or statement from those who wish to be considered for internal assistantships, fellowships or other funding packages. Check the program website or ask the program contact for details.

Admission Contact Information

Jerry Brightwell (gradchem@missouri.edu)
125 Chemistry
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 884-6832

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