PhD Program
The doctoral program in chemistry is primarily a research-oriented degree program, although course work is also required as an integral part of the graduate experience and training. Students can pursue research with specialization in the traditional areas of analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry, but much of the research is interdisciplinary, crossing the boundaries of these traditional chemical sub-disciplines, or the boundaries between chemistry and the other sciences, for example biological, materials, and environmental sciences. Many chemistry faculty and students participate in university-wide interdisciplinary training programs and centers, including those in biological chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, molecular biophysics, biologically inspired materials, and cellular and biosurface engineering.
The Department works closely with graduate students in finding employment on completion of their studies. The faculty are also very active in locating postdoctoral positions for those who desire additional experience before seeking permanent employment. The majority of our Ph.D. chemistry graduates are employed in the chemical and related industries, with a smaller but significant number pursuing careers in academia or government research laboratories. A number of companies regularly visit our department to interview our chemistry Ph.D.’s including Albany Molecular Research, Array BioPharma, GlaxoSmithKline, IRIX Pharmaceuticals, Lilly, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Rohm and Haas, and MeadWestvaco.
Descriptions of the research interests of the faculty can be found in the Faculty & Research sections.
For a complete program description please refer to the Graduate Studies Handbook.