Examination results are used for advising first-year graduate students in their course selection. Students are encouraged to review these areas before taking the placement examinations. Students must satisfy core course requirements in three of five selected areas. In addition, each student must complete 6 semester hours of electives, including 3 semester hours in his or her major area. A variety of special topics courses allow students to tailor their graduate programs to their specific goals and needs.
Students select a research adviser during the first year of study.
Research skill requirements include the successful oral presentation of a thesis research plan and enrollment in the seminar program. A minimum of 10 semester hours of research credit must be completed. Students also are required to present two departmental seminars. A comprehensive examination in the student's major area of chemistry is generally completed during the second year of study. The thesis is defended before a committee selected by the student and his or her research adviser and includes one member from outside the department.