graduate

Graduate Programs

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers M.S., certificate, and Ph.D. degree programs in chemistry. Current research programs by department faculty are in the broadly defined areas of organic, medicinal and biological chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, biomedical and materials sciences. Our faculty are leading the way towards the discovery of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for diverse diseases like cancer, infection, and neurodegenerative diseases. We value and celebrate diversity, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and unique differences among our students and faculty. Our graduate students are encouraged to excel in their graduate studies, to enhance their passion for science and research and to contribute to both the scientific community and society.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University's general graduate admission requirements, the typical prerequisite to graduate studies in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or its equivalent. Students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in chemistry or chemistry focused degree, and scores of at least 150 (verbal) and 152 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Exam.

Ph.D. Program

The Chemistry Ph.D. Program is a multidisciplinary doctoral program in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science at Florida Atlantic University. The Ph.D. program allows students to pursue a research program in most disciplines of chemistry. Our graduates go on to outstanding careers researchers. 

Students undergo rigorous training and have an opportunity to develop cross-disciplinary skills. Students take at least 80 credits of coursework which includes three core courses: Instrumentation 3, Synthesis and Characterization 3, Kinetics and Energetics 3 (9 credits), plus a nonthesis seminar (1 credit) and Introduction to Chemical Research (1 credit). The graduate electives (9 credits) may be selected from graduate-level courses offered in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry or other departments in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science/Biomedical Science. The remaining credit hours (dissertation credits, minimum 25) are research-intensive. While the student's dissertation research may be highly focused in one of the sub-disciplines, the program curriculum provides a context for viewing this research in light of its relationship to other levels of organization and processes. The curriculum will be individually tailored to each student's research interests.

Chemistry Ph.D. Degree Policies and Procedures

Master's Programs Available

Master of Science with Major in Chemistry

Program Description

This program is designed for students whose career goals include industrial positions that require technical mastery. Students completing this program are also well-positioned for further study in a doctoral program. Students take a minimum of 30 credits of course work which includes three core courses: Instrumentation 3, Synthesis and Characterization 3, Kinetics and Energetics 3 (9 credits), plus a nonthesis seminar (1 credit) and Introduction to chemical research (1 credit). The graduate electives (9 credits) may be selected from graduate-level courses offered in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry or other departments in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science/Biomedical Science. For the remaining credit hours, the students conduct independent research under the supervision of a graduate faculty member culminating in a thesis.

Chemistry M.S. Degree Policies and Procedures

Master of Science in Teaching (Chemistry)

The MST program is currently NOT accepting any students.

Program Description

The M.S.T in Chemistry program provides post-baccalaureate education for secondary teachers, community college instructors, and other individuals who wish for increased chemistry knowledge and insight as they continue in these careers. The degree program requires a minimum of 30 credits, including a research project. The students must take graduate Chemistry courses and electives, and Education courses. The project may focus on chemical education or experimental research. Participants who are planning on a secondary teaching career and are not yet certified should complete a 6-credit teaching internship and meet other certification requirements. Students planning a career in community college teaching should take courses on community college issues in lieu of education courses. All chemistry and elective courses must be approved by the student's advisory committee.

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program in Chemistry (PREPChem) Certificate

PREPChem program is intended for recent college graduates with a bachelor's degree and who have the desire to further build their knowledge and research skills in preparation for graduate and/or professional school. The program requires students to take traditional graduate classes in chemistry (9 credits), and undergraduate/graduate classes in fields of artificial intelligence (AI) (6 credits). AI is being used more frequently by chemists to perform various tasks and is becoming an integral part of modern drug discovery processes. All required graduate classes, are currently offered through the Chemistry Department. Data Science and/or AI classes are offered in College of Science or College of Engineering and Computer Science. Upon completion (15 credits), students will receive a postbaccalaureate certificate. Credits can be transferred toward the M.S. or Ph.D. program in Chemistry upon admission.

For more info contact Elijah St Germain , Ph.D., at esterma@fau.edu.

Contact Us

Chemistry Graduate Program
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road
Room PS 110, Boca Raton, FL 33431.
Associate Professor and Graduate Programs Chair, Deguo Du, Ph.D. ddu@fau.edu