Chemistry (PhD, MS, MA)

Program Overview

Binghamton University's graduate program in chemistry offers the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in chemistry for students who are innovative, competitive and highly motivated in the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, as well as other relevant interdisciplinary subjects.

By the end of the first year, each student is paired with a faculty advisor based on research interests and availability. Our department advisors provide guidance for students throughout their academic career, from course selection to research development.

Our students are regularly recognized for exceptional academic achievement and research efforts through various awards and scholarships. Other funding opportunities such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships and stipends are also available.

Degrees Offered

• PhD in Chemistry
• MS in Chemistry
• MA in Chemistry

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The department hosts weekly colloquia (during which prominent visiting scientists share their latest research) and periodic international symposia on special topics. Students also have access to excellent on-campus facilities to aid their research.

The diverse range of courses offered allows students the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary tracks in biological chemistry, biochemistry and materials chemistry. Students may take advantage of various research centers hosted by Binghamton University, which include the Institute for Materials Research and the Center for Advanced Sensors and Environmental Systems.

In a collaboration with the American Chemical Society and the Graduate Chemistry Club, the Chemistry Department also hosts career-development workshops to help students explore professional pathways and identify necessary skills needed for success in the STEM field after graduation.

After You Graduate

Program alumni work in a cross-section of research roles, on subjects as diverse as nanocrystal solar energy technology and radiochemistry of transuranium complexes. Graduates also enjoy a high placement rate in PhD programs. PhD graduates have received appointments at Harvard Medical School, Cornell University and fellowships at institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, Atotech USA Inc. and Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
• Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE scores are accepted, but not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • Chemistry minimum TOEFL score: 80 on the iBT (To be competitive, a score of 90 is recommended.)
  • Chemistry minimum IELTS score: 6.5, with no band below 5.0
  • Chemistry minimum PTE Academic score: 53 (To be competitive, a score of 61 is recommended.)
  • Chemistry minimum Duolingo score: 105 (To be competitive, a score of 110 is recommended.)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!