Program Overview

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Chemistry (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree. It signifies that the recipient is able to conduct independent research and has both a broad basic knowledge of all areas of chemistry and a comprehensive knowledge of one field in particular.

Program Description

Since graduate students arrive with a variety of backgrounds, some with M.S. degrees from other institutions in the United States and abroad, the program of courses for each student is designed in consultation with the director of graduate studies, taking each student's specific background, experience, and interests into account.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation, and
• A non-refundable application fee.

Program Requirements

Students must satisfactorily complete at least 72 credits derived from courses and research, at least 32 of which must be taken in residence at New York University. 20 credits must be earned in lecture-based courses maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. A grade of B- or better in all classes is required to maintain in good standing in the program. Any course taken outside of the Chemistry department will need approval from the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). All doctoral candidates are required to attend at least twenty colloquia/seminars presented by distinguished visiting scientists, at least ten prior to the qualifying exam and another 10 prior to the thesis defense.

Course List

• Major Requirements
  • CHEM-GA 2673: Professional Development (0 credits)
  • CHEM-GA 3010: Graduate Seminar (2 credits)
  • CHEM-GA 3200: Original Research Proposal (1 credit)
• Electives
  • Other Elective Credits (69 credits)
• Total Credits (72 credits)

Additional Program Requirements

PhD Qualifying Exam

This exam consists of both written and oral components. The written report is submitted to the Exam Committee at least two weeks before the scheduled exam date. The oral portion of the exam consists of a 30-minute presentation by the student to the Core Dissertation Committee.

Original Research Proposal (ORP) Exam

The ORP exam provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate proficiency in the design, planning, and communication of an original research problem. The proposal must be original, meaning that there should be no overlap with the student's dissertation topic and the proposed technique and/or application should not have appeared in the scientific literature.

Work-in-Progress Seminar

Students are required to present a department-wide seminar as part of the Work-in-Progress series during their 4th year. Each student's individual talk will be 20 minutes, followed by 5-10 minutes of questions-and-answers.

Dissertation Defense Exam

There are two parts to this exam. The first part of the exam consists of a seminar by the student approximately 45-50 minutes before the student's dissertation committee and evaluation of the student's thesis. The thesis must be provided at least four (4) weeks before the exam.

Departmental Approval

All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

The plan of study grid outlines the expected course of study for the PhD program in Chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Have made a significant and original contribution to the field of chemistry.
2. Have mastered the theories and concepts in their area of specialization.
3. Be able to critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Be proficient in oral and written communication and will be able to communicate with their peers and various audiences.
5. Be able to carry out independent research.
6. Be able to think critically and develop strategies to tackle a scientific problem.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.