A research thesis is optional. If a thesis is elected, five units of formal courses are required. If a thesis is not elected, an additional three units of formal courses are required. The course program in that case must include three units of 400-level courses, two of which must be in chemistry. Doctoral programs are offered in a wide range of specialties, including the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
Students usually require from three to five years to complete the requirements.
A total of 24 units including thesis credit is required. The formal course requirements involve 2.5 to 3.5 units of 400-level courses in the major area of interest and two to three units in allied areas or fields. Besides completing formal course work, students are required to pass a series of written cumulative examinations, pass an oral preliminary examination on research preparation, and submit a thesis on original research, which is defended at a final oral examination. The Department of Chemistry offers an area of specialization in biophysical chemistry. The program is flexible and provides the student with basic training in physical chemistry, physical biochemistry, and biology.