This is taken in the first year of graduate work. The remainder of the course program is chosen by students in conjunction with their research directors. Diverse courses in the many areas of chemistry are offered each semester. To complete the Ph.D. requirements, students must pass cumulative examinations in their major fields, present a minimum of two seminars, and submit and defend a doctoral dissertation based on their research. Students working toward the Ph.D. degree must complete a minimum of nine courses, plus seminars and directed study.
Students usually take five courses the first year, three the first semester and two the second.
Some of these courses may be taken in other departments, such as Biochemistry, Physics, or Mathematics and Computer Science. There is no foreign language requirement. After the first year's work, students are admitted to Advanced Standing. Once students are in Advanced Standing, they are required to complete four additional courses with a grade of B- or better. This requirement can be fulfilled in the second year of graduate study, although many students complete the requirement by taking one course a semester the second and third years.