Chemistry, PhD
The Graduate Program is designed for students who wish to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry while undertaking cutting edge research. The program provides students with the necessary theoretical background and hands-on training to become independent and highly successful scientists. Graduate students achieve mastery of advanced chemistry topics through courses in different subdisciplines.
Graduate students conduct research in the fields of bioinorganic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, chemical biology, biophysical chemistry, bioinformatics, materials science, laser chemistry, health related chemistry, structural and dynamical studies of biological systems, X-ray scattering/diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, applications of computing and computer graphics, as well as investigations of chemical communication and hormone-receptor interactions.
For more information: https://www.chem.upenn.edu/content/phd-program
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 6010 | Chemical Information | 1 |
| or CHEM 6011 | Chemical Information for Biological Chemists | |
| or CHEM 6012 | Chemical Information for Inorganic and Materials Chemists | |
| or CHEM 6013 | Chemical Information for Organic Chemists | |
| or CHEM 6014 | Chemical Information for Physical Chemists | |
| Chemistry Courses between 4000-9998 | 6 | |
| Electives 1 | 13 | |
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| Two semesters of teaching are required | ||
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
Including lab rotations for Biological and Biophysical students.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Select 6 course units of required coursework | ||
| Chemical Information Course | ||
| Choose a Research Supervisor | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| CHEM 9999 | Independent Study and Research | |
| Form Dissertation Committee | ||
| Candidacy Exam | ||
| Year 3 | ||
| CHEM 9999 | Independent Study and Research | |
| Annual Meeting of the Dissertation Committee | ||
| Year 4 | ||
| CHEM 9999 | Independent Study and Research | |
| Annual Meeting of the Dissertation Committee | ||
| Years 5 and 6 | ||
| Write Dissertation | ||
| Public Defense | ||
Additional Coursework may be taken throughout.