chemistry phd student in lab

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Immerse yourself in the practice of chemistry and prepare for a career at the forefront of contemporary research.

The principles of chemistry underlie some of today’s most exciting breakthroughs in everything from applied physics and biotechnology to medicine. As a Ph.D. Chemistry candidate, you’ll complete a major research project and make original contributions to the field.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4.5 years
Credit hours:
90

Why earn a Ph.D. in chemistry?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Chemists play an increasingly important role in advancing scientific knowledge and breaking new ground. UND's Chemistry Ph.D. program combines hands-on interdisciplinary research and classroom instruction to distinguish you as an independent thinker, capable of making original contributions to the field.

In your Chemistry Ph.D., you will:

  • Design and interpret experiments using logic and critical-thinking skills.
  • Communicate effectively via writing and oral presentations on technical topics.
  • Conduct research in traditional disciplines as well as in a variety of interfacial areas including:
    • Nanotechnology
    • Renewable materials
    • Polymerization catalysis
    • Atmospheric chemistry
    • Sustainable chemistry applications
    • Applied theoretical chemistry
    • Computational chemistry
  • Develop your leadership skill within chemistry discipline enabling successful application for jobs in academia and industry.
  • Use state-of-the-art instrumentation.

As a Ph.D. in Chemistry student, you'll complete a research project that makes significant contributions to the field of chemistry.

UND's Ph.D. in Chemistry

  • Contribute to your field of study through focused research in chemical synthesis, analysis and application, or theory.

  • Present your research at national and international conferences.

  • Receive financial support through a teaching assistantship.

  • Enjoy access to state-of-the-art instrumentation.

  • Participate in our Chemistry Graduate Student Association and other student activities.

  • Work with experienced faculty and researchers who regularly publish peer-reviewed research.

What can you do with a chemistry Ph.D.?

84K

Median annual salary for post-secondary teachers, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Ph.D. in Chemistry gives you skills and qualifications to teach and do research at the college level. UND chemistry doctoral graduates go on to a variety of dynamic careers in industry, government and scientific research.

Jobs with a Ph.D. in Chemistry

Chemistry alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • 3M Science
  • Agilent, Inc.
  • Corning, Inc.
  • United States Department of the Navy
  • Major research universities

Chemistry Ph.D. Courses

CHEM 531. Chemical Dynamics. 3 Credits.

Study of the kinetics of complex, coupled chemical reactions in gas and solution phases; dynamics of gas phase reactions. Prerequisite: CHEM 466 or CHEM 470 or equivalent or consent of instructor. On demand.

CHEM 541. Analytical Spectroscopy. 3 Credits.

Fundamentals of analytical spectroscopy including principles of emission spectroscopy, flame photometry, atomic absorption, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence. Prerequisite: CHEM 333 or an equivalent approved by the department. On demand.

CHEM 542. Electrochemical Methods. 3 Credits.

Topics ranging from the fundamentals of electrochemistry (including thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer) to applications of contemporary electroanalytical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, digital simulation, and spectroelectrochemistry are discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 333 or an equivalent approved by the department. On demand.

CHEM 534. Quantum and Computational Chemistry. 3 Credits.

Study of the electronic structure of atoms and molecules using modern approximation methods; formal aspects of various perturbation and variational techniques as applied to chemical problems. 3 hours lecture. Prerequisite: CHEM 532.

CHEM 539. Special Topics in Physical Chemistry. 1-3 Credits.

Topic of current interest. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Prerequisite: Consent of department. Repeatable.

CHEM 511. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. 3 Credits.

Structure of coordination compounds, mechanisms of inorganic reactions, biochemical applications of inorganic chemistry. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 510.

Chemistry Research

Conduct research in an environment tailored to help you achieve your goals.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional graduate education opportunities.

Department Contact
Guodong Du
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.2241

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