Chemistry
The Graduate Program
The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to the MA and PhD degrees. Strong preference is given to PhD candidates. The department accepts both post-baccalaureate and post-master’s students. The program seeks to achieve both breadth of knowledge in the chemical subdisciplines and specialized competence through formal courses, seminars, examinations, and research. Research specializations in the department include biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and theoretical chemistry. The Graduate Programs Committee has responsibility for examinations, standards, and administration of the program within the department.
Admissions Admitted students are expected to have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree prior to matriculation, usually (but not necessarily) in Chemistry. All applicants are requested to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores; the subject test in Chemistry is strongly suggested. Foreign applicants must have a TOEFL examination score of at least 600 (paper), 213 (computer), or Reading–21, Listening–18, Speaking–23, and Writing–22 (internet). Requests for further information about admissions should be addressed to Graduate Admissions, Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 299, Boston, MA 02215. Requests may also be made through the Department of Chemistry website at www.bu.edu/chemistry/contact-us/.
Application forms can be completed online or downloaded from www.bu.edu/grs.
Seminars The department sponsors both formal colloquia and informal seminar series. Attendance at and participation in these colloquia and seminars are a required part of each graduate student’s educational program.
Registration for Research Students are required to choose faculty research advisors before the end of their first semester in the graduate program and to register for research courses no later than 12 months after their first registration.
Programs of Study First-year programs are prepared in consultation with a faculty advisor who is either selected by the student or appointed by the Graduate Programs Committee. Upon selection of a major advisor, the student will prepare, with the major advisor’s approval, a program of study listing all courses to be taken toward meeting department and Graduate School requirements.
