Graduate Program
The aim of graduate education is to create individuals with the capacity to learn independently and the ability to define and attack new problems. Chemists with graduate degrees are people who can both advance the fundamental understanding of their discipline and communicate what they have learned to others. The goal of the Graduate Program in Chemistry at DU is to realize the full development of the talents in each of our students, and the various facets of the graduate experience have been crafted with that objective in mind. The size of our graduate program in chemistry allows us to maintain an informal environment in our department that both facilitates interactions between graduate students and members of the faculty and gives careful attention to the needs and aspirations of each student. Email inquiries on any graduate subject may be sent to Professor Gareth Eaton, Chair of Graduate Admissions, at chem-gradinfo@du.edu.
An advanced degree in chemistry or biochemistry can open up many interesting and challenging opportunities in today's technological society. Besides seeking careers in traditional academic and industrial research environments, advanced degree holders in chemistry often go on to professional schools. This provides the possibility of exciting careers in medicine or areas that combine science with law, business, or public policy. You may inquire/apply online for any of our three graduate degrees or review the departmental admissions requirements for the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Financial Aid
Most graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are provided financial support as teaching assistants or research assistants. Both positions provide a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a stipend of $24,000 per year beginning Fall 2009.
Available Degrees
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Denver offers a variety of options to suit the needs of each student with the following degrees:
- Master of Arts - MA
- Master of Science - MS
- Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
- Emphasis in Biomedical Engineering
- Emphasis in Biophysics
The MA degree is designed primarily for students wanting to teach at the high school level. Although the main focus is formal course work, students become involved in a laboratory project; however, there is no thesis requirement. A full-time student can expect to take 18 months to complete this degree.
The MS degree has a strong research emphasis and requires a thesis representing a substantial research project. Those holding an MS degree in chemistry are currently much sought after by employers in the chemical, biotech, and environmental industries, as well as government laboratories. These employers are looking for strong laboratory skills and well-developed chemical instincts. A full-time student will normally take two to two and one-half years to complete this degree. Typically, half our graduate students are seeking PhD degrees and half are pursuing MS degrees. We feel our programs are unique in placing equal emphasis on both degrees.
The PhD is intended for those students who ultimately plan to be involved in independent research. Through our program, students will develop the skills necessary to plan and execute chemical research. Besides course work, the PhD candidate undertakes an in-depth research project that ends in an original thesis. Chemistry PhDs can find many exciting and challenging job opportunities in both the college and university environment as well as in chemical, biotech, and environmental industries. Typically, a full-time student will complete the PhD degree in four to five years.
July 30, 2009