Numerous special fellowships also exist within the Department and the University that recognize excellence in graduate work and supplement regular levels of support. The Sherman Clarke Fellowships are renewable yearly based on academic and research performance. In addition, the department provides entering students with a professional development and travel allowance to present their research at a scientific meeting. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for an advanced degree in chemistry, all graduate students participate in the teaching program of the Department. This is normally completed in the first three semesters.
Assignments range from supervising undergraduate laboratories to assisting with graduate courses.
After the second year, graduate students are supported by research assistantships allowing full freedom to pursue their thesis research. The University Graduate Housing Living in Rochester Full tuition scholarships are awarded to all Chemistry graduate students. Students are responsible for paying for their health insurance, as well as the University health services fee. Rochester Chemistry Ph.D.s are on the rosters of most major chemical companies and pharmaceutical laboratories in the United States. A significant number of U of R Ph. D. graduates obtain faculty appointments or join government laboratories, either directly from graduate school or after finishing a period of postdoctoral research and study.