Program Overview

Chemistry (Ph.D.) Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in Chemistry at Howard University prepares students for faculty appointments at research universities and for careers as leading chemistry researchers. The program provides rigorous chemistry research training and real-world applications, with graduates landing faculty positions and postdoctoral fellowships at top universities and colleges across the U.S.

Program Details

• Degree: Ph.D.
• Credit hours: 72
• Format: Full-time, on-campus
• The program welcomes applicants with various backgrounds, including environmental engineering, biomedical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and atmospheric sciences, among other fields.
• As a doctoral student, you will gain a solid foundation in research design and analytical instrumentation, as well as practical training in chemical laboratory and computational techniques.
• You can pursue study in a chosen subdiscipline of chemistry, including analytical, atmospheric, biological, inorganic, organic, materials, medicinal, computational, physical, and polymer chemistry and nanochemistry.

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026 entry: November 15 (final deadline)
• Fall 2026 entry:
  • November 15 (early deadline)
  • February 15 (priority deadline)
  • April 15 (final deadline)
• Eligible Ph.D. applicants who wish to be considered for the Graduate School's Competitive Assistantships must meet the early deadline for Fall 2026 entry (November 15).
• Transfer credits are accepted and reviewed by the committee.

Admission Requirements

Application for Admission

• Online application
• Statement of purpose/Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores are required
• Official transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Requirements

• GRE scores are required, but preferred minimums are not specified.

GPA Requirements

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Reference Requirements

• Evaluator type accepted:
  • Professor (Required)
  • Supervisor/Manager
• Evaluator type not accepted:
  • Friend
  • Family Member
  • Coworker
  • Clergy
  • Other

Research Areas

Recent program research efforts have been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Cancer Institute, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty in modern clinical laboratories and pursue study in various subdisciplines of chemistry.