Our groundbreaking chemistry researchers are recognized as pioneers in colloid and fine particle research and discovery.

Many of our faculty enjoy an outstanding international reputation for their research accomplishments. Their diverse, yet complementary research interests provide you with a broad variety of research topics from which to choose, including bionanotechnology, smart surfaces and interfaces, functional and stimuli responsive materials, nanotherapeutics, diagnostics and biosensors.

The Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science at Clarkson University has a long-standing reputation for providing a first-class education in chemistry, material and biomolecular sciences, with core expertise in advanced materials, colloidal science, surfaces and interfaces, nanoparticle research, polymer science, biomaterials, bionanotechnology, bioelectronics and biosensors. Faculty members are associated with the New York State-funded Center for Advanced Materials Processing and several other interdisciplinary programs on campus. Strengths of our program include a highly collaborative research environment and established connections with chemical and advanced materials industries. These relationships can provide opportunities for technology transfer and potential employment for you. Departmental research is supported by federal grants, primarily from the National Science Foundation as well as New York State and private industry funding.

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Chemistry Curriculum

MS in Chemistry

The Master's in Chemistry consists of 30 credit hours, 18 of which are specifically in chemistry. The other 12 are in well-rounded master-level classes. This program can be completed in about two years. 

Chemistry MS Curriculum
  1. A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, with a minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate chemistry courses.
  2. Satisfactory completion of a research project or comparable professional experience.
  3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in courses used to meet graduate requirements.
  4. At least one year of academic study beyond the undergraduate degree. All work must be completed in five calendar years.
  5. A thesis must be prepared and orally defended to a committee consisting of a minimum of three committee members.
  6. Candidates in chemistry must (i) complete a minimum of two credit hours of CM900 and (ii) present one seminar as part of their degree requirements.

Example Courses and Concentrations

Spring

  • Bioelectronics & Bionanotechnology
  • Colloids and Surface Science
  • Advanced Bioanalytical Chemistry
  • Special Topics in Polymer Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
  • Biochemistry & Biotechnology Laboratory
  • Thesis, Dissertation and Special Projects
  • Fundamental Chemical Kinetics
  • CM Seminar

Fall

  • Physical Organic Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Biomaterials
  • Modern Spectroscopic Methods
  • Manufacturing Implications/Advanced Materials
  • Special Topics/Colloids and Surfaces
  • Nanostructured Materials
  • CM Seminar
  • Thesis, Dissertation and Special Projects

Courses are provided as an example.

PhD in Chemistry

The PhD in Chemistry consists of 90 credits beyond a bachelor's degree. These credits are taken in coursework, seminars and project work to fulfill the PhD requirement.

Chemistry PhD Curriculum
  1. A minimum of 90 credit hours, including no less than 24 credit hours coursework, 6 credit hours seminar, and a maximum of 30 transferred credits from an MS degree, (B grade or better), which have been applied towards PhD degree requirements.
  2. A minimum of three academic years of full-time graduate study or the equivalent in part-time study.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the PhD candidacy procedure within two years of full-time study after admission to the PhD program or, part-time students, before completing 66 credits. If the comprehensive examination is failed twice, the student will be required to leave the program.
  4. A written dissertation must be submitted by each candidate and defended orally as part of the final examination. For the final oral examination, a committee will be selected by the faculty advisor and approved by the department chair and dean of the respective school. The committee will consist of a minimum of five members. The members should include at least four Clarkson faculty of assistant professor rank or higher who possess an earned doctoral degree. At least one of the faculty members must be from a department other than the candidate’s major department.
  5. Time Limit. After the comprehensive examination has been passed; all work fulfilled specifically for the doctorate is to be completed within a period of seven calendar years.
  6. Grading system. The grades of A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C and P are acceptable for credit toward the degree. For graduation an average of B or better must be earned in non-dissertation courses and seminar work.
  7. PhD candidates in chemistry must: (i) complete a minimum of 6 credit hours of CM900, and (ii) present 3 seminars as part of their degree requirements.

Example Courses & Concentrations

Spring

  • Bioelectronics & Bio-nanotechnology
  • Colloids and Surface Science
  • Advanced Bioanalytical Chemistry
  • Special Topics in Polymer Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
  • Biochemistry & Biotechnology Lab
  • Thesis, Dissertation and Special Projects
  • Fundamental Chemical Kinetics
  • CM Seminar

Fall

  • Physical Organic Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Biomaterials
  • Modern Spectroscopic Methods
  • Manufacturing Implications/Advanced Materials
  • Special Topics/Colloids and Surfaces
  • Nanostructured Materials
  • CM Seminar
  • Thesis, Dissertation and Special Projects

Courses are provided as an example.

Admission

A complete application consists of the following:

  • Online Application Form
  • Resume.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • GRE Test Scores.
    • Waived: The GRE requirement will be waived for Fall 2023 applicants.
  • For International Applicants, an English Proficiency Test is required.
    • Minimum Test Score Requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) and Duolingo English Test (115).

MS Prerequisites: Applicants must possess a baccalaureate (BS) degree in chemistry or a related major (e.g., materials science, biochemistry, biophysics, environmental science) and must have completed the following minimum college course preparation: introductory chemistry courses, including general chemistry, as well as specialized classes in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. In addition, basic training in mathematics and physics is required.

PhD Prerequisites: Applicants must possess a baccalaureate (BS) or a master's (MS) degree in chemistry or a related major (e.g., materials science, biochemistry, biophysics, environmental science) and must have completed the following minimum college course preparation: introductory chemistry courses, including general chemistry, as well as specialized classes in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. In addition, basic training in mathematics and physics is required.

Hear from Abraham about why he chose to pursue his degree at Clarkson, the research he's working on and what it's like being a PhD candidate in Clarkson's graduate chemistry program.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more, have questions or are ready to apply, contact

Graduate Admissions Team
graduate@clarkson.edu
518-631-9831

For specific questions regarding the chemistry MS or PhD program, contact
chemgrad@clarkson.edu