Chemistry (CHEM)

Degrees Offered: Ph.D., M.S. 

This program is offered in Durham.

The Chemistry Department combines the personal contact that you would find at a small college with a research profile that you would find at a research-intensive institution. We are the only department that has existed for the entire history of UNH and we have a long-standing tradition of achievement in the molecular sciences. We aspire to be a place of educational, professional, and personal transformation, where young scientists work along side faculty members, participating in the process of discovering new knowledge about the molecular world. Students of chemistry receive a high quality, broad-based education in an atmosphere of close cooperation between faculty and students, between research and teaching, and between chemistry and other disciplines. Our graduate program is open to talented, qualified students who are eager to deepen their knowledge of Chemistry and who wish to contribute to its growth.

Graduate Degree Programs and Paths:

•  Paths to both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees have firm coursework foundations in Chemistry’s traditional sub-disciplines, but are rooted in the interdisciplinary research projects of our Faculty.
• The M.S. program provides students with the opportunity to develop a high degree of proficiency in a specialized research area. The program builds a solid foundation for careers in industry or teaching, for further graduate or professional school, or for those who would like to strengthen their Chemistry knowledge.
• The Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in science as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of the discipline while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. Graduates are well placed for careers as professional chemists in industry, academia, government, and related areas.
• The Ph.D. (Option in Chemistry Education) program is designed for students who plan a career at the interface of Science and Education (e.g. discipline-based education research, educational program assessment, STEM curriculum design, chemistry teaching, etc.).

Admission Requirements

Admission to the master of science and the doctor of philosophy degrees is based upon a strong undergraduate record and requires satisfactory work in the usual undergraduate courses in inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry, as well as the normal supporting courses in mathematics and physics. Entering graduate students are expected to take proficiency examinations in chemistry to ensure they begin their graduate work at the appropriate level. These examinations will be offered the week prior to the opening of the Fall semester during the Department of Chemistry's graduate student orientation week.

Interdisciplinary Programs in Chemistry

Graduate students in chemistry may elect to enter one of the interdisciplinary programs offered jointly with the chemistry department and other departments. In these programs, the graduate student, with the advice of the guidance committee, elects courses in chemistry and in the related disciplines, and writes the dissertation on a research problem appropriate to the interdisciplinary research. Students interested in these programs should contact the Graduate Coordinator for further information.

Preparing Future Faculty (PFF)

Students who desire a career in college-­level teaching will follow their regular degree program in addition to meeting the university's PFF requirements. Please see the PFF website for more information: https://gradschool.unh.edu/graduate-student-resources/events-professional-development.

Teaching Experience

All chemistry Doctoral and Master of Science degree candidates will obtain some teaching experience during their program.

Chemistry (CHEM)

Chemistry Department Faculty