Department of Chemistry Ph.D. Degree Program

The Department of Chemistry offers two graduate degrees: M.Sc. (Master of Science) and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy). Students may specialize in: analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, materials chemistry, physical chemistry, natural philosophy (M.Sc. only) and industrial chemistry (M.Sc. only).

The Ph.D. degree indicates that an individual has demonstrated the ability to do independent research in an area of chemistry and has a solid understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry related to that area at a professional level.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

In order to expedite applications, it is strongly recommended that all application materials be sent directly to the Chair of the Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC). Details for applying, and a set of application materials may be found on-line: http://www.chem.unt.edu/request.htm.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

This is a 60 credit hour degree beyond the Masters or a 90 credit hour degree beyond the Bachelors. Students may specialize in: analytical, computational, inorganic, materials, organic, organometallic, or physical chemistry.

Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in four areas: analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Proficiency in a given area will usually be demonstrated in either of two ways: (1) passing a proficiency examination presented by the chemistry division of the designated area* or (2) taking and passing with a grade "B" or better a designated chemistry course. All full-time students must complete the proficiency requirements within the first twelve months of study.

Ph.D. students must take three Core Chemistry courses; one of which must be their own area of research. Students must have at least a "B" average in their core courses.

Ph.D. students are also required to take three additional advanced course.

A student will be notified of his/her progress in satisfying the proficiency requirements at the end of their first semester and at the end of the twelve month period. A student satisfying fewer than three proficiency requirements, including the proficiency in the student's area of research, will be notified that they are no longer in the chemistry graduate program.

*The Proficiency Examinations are two hour multiple choice tests developed by the American Chemical Society and comprise material taught in standard undergraduate courses in each area of chemistry. Calculators may be brought to the examinations; no other materials are permitted. The examinations are administered and graded by a designated faculty member from each division. Percentiles are calculated from standardized tables supplied by the ACS. The passing percentile, typically between 55%ile and 70%ile is determined by each division. A student is notified of his/her performance on the examination by the GAC Chair. Examinations will be administered two times a year, in the week prior to the beginning of the Fall and Spring Semesters.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

The Ph.D. student must demonstrate proficiency in the reading of one foreign language. The language for a particular student will be decided upon by the student's advisory committee from French, German, Japanese or Russian. The proficiency in the foreign language may be demonstrated in one of three ways to be determined by the student's committee. The choices are the following:

a. By passing a reading exam administered by the Foreign Language Department.

b. Having completed four semester units of an acceptable language with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), two semesters of which must be at the sophomore level or above.

c. According to University policy, an approved Tool Subject can be substituted for the language requirement. The proficiency for the Chemistry Department concerning Computer Science as a Tool Subject is as follows: The computer science tool subject requirement may include one or more computer languages, and may be fulfilled by satisfactory completion of nine (9) hours of tool subject courses outside of chemistry including at least six (6) hours of computer science courses, as recommended and approved by the student's advisory committee.

QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS

The advisory committee will determine when a student has sufficient background to take CHEM 6010 (Seminar for Doctoral Candidates.) This course is designed to determine competency at the graduate level in a specific area of chemistry. Each of the Divisions of Chemistry (currently Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical) sets its own regulations for students taking the written and oral qualifying (cumulative) examinations. Students should consult their divisional chair to obtain the division's 6010 rules.

RESEARCH AND FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

A comprehensive examination is required by the University for all graduate students at the completion of their graduate studies. This examination is administered by the student's committee and the results are reported to the Dean of the Graduate School.

Ph.D. Dissertations must be of scientific significance and suitable for publication in refereed scientific journals. A final oral examination is required which will be primarily a defense of the thesis or dissertation. For a Ph.D. candidate, it is normally required that at least one paper will have been accepted in a refereed journal by the time of the oral defense.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION MATERIALS

For admission requirements or additional information on the graduate program, you may send e-mail: chem@unt.edu
or find additional information on the requirements for our graduate program and an application.