Ph.D. Program
Chemistry and Computer Science Building Room 2.0704
(915) 747-5701 (ph)
(915) 747-5748 (fax)
ChemGradAdvisor@utep.edu
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
The Chemistry department administers the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry which consists of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s level (or at least 42 hours beyond the master’s level). The program will provide opportunities for education and research in areas consistent with the strengths of department faculty and established research initiatives. The program is designed to prepare professional chemists for careers in teaching and research in academic, industrial and public sector settings. It will contribute to meeting an anticipated need for doctorally-trained chemists, particularly Hispanics, in industry and in academy. The border region location also places the UTEP program to collaborate with locally-based industry to exploit the opportunities for commercialization of research results.
GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS
PhD Program Application Deadlines
Fall: May 5th (Priority deadline is January 5th)
Spring: November 5th (Priority deadline is August 5th)
Requirements for Admission to the Ph.D. Program
Admissions recommendations will be based upon a review of an applicant’s academic record and other relevant performance indicators, set out in the following list, as to the potential for academic success.
Learn about the admissions process, how to apply, requirements and deadlines.
Transcripts
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related science discipline from an accredited institution by the start of the first term of graduate study
- Must submit official transcripts of all previous academic work
- Current unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with your application
Statement of Purpose
- A personal essay detailing the applicant's academic preparation and research experience
- Explains the applicant's reasons for wishing to pursue a PhD in Chemistry at UTEP and future career plans
- Specifies research interests and those research groups the applicant would be interested in joining
- Generally one to two pages in length
Curriculum Vitae
- Must emphasize accomplishments such as research experience, conference presentations, publications, and other relevant academic achievements
Letters of Recommendation
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are qualified to assess the applicant’s potential for doctoral work
International Requirements for Admission to the Ph.D. Program
Admissions recommendations will be based upon review of an applicant’s academic record and other relevant performance indicators, set out in the following list, as to the potential for academic success.
Learn about the admissions process, how to apply, requirements and deadlines HERE.
Transcripts
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related science discipline from an accredited institution by the start of the first term of graduate study
- Must submit official transcripts of all previous academic work from foreign institutions
- An evaluation of the transcripts from a foreign credential agency is required only if the transcripts are not translated into English
- An approved evaluation requires a detailed course-by-course evaluation.
- Summaries will NOT be accepted
Statement of Purpose
- A personal essay detailing the applicant's academic preparation and research experience
- Explains the applicant's reasons for wishing to pursue a PhD in Chemistry at UTEP and future career plans
- Specifies research interests and those research groups the applicant would be interested in joining
- Generally one to two pages in length
Curriculum Vitae
- Must emphasize accomplishments such as research experience, conference presentations, publications, and other relevant academic achievements
Letters of Recommendation
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are qualified to assess the applicant’s potential for doctoral work
Test Scores
- Official TOEFL scores of 550 or higher (paper-based), 79 or higher (internet-based) or official IELTS score of 6.5 overall band
- Applies if English is not the first language of the applicant’s native country or if the applicant has not completed a university degree from an accredited institution in the United States
Requirements for Ph.D. Degree
- A total of 72 credit hours beyond a Bachelor’s degree
- Must pass 5 cumulative exams by the end of your fourth (4 th) semester
- Must successfully present and complete a Comprehensive Exam, in two parts:
- Comprehensive Exam A (Proposal A) on the student’s own research project
- Complete Comprehensive Exam B (Proposal B) on an original research idea which should be distinct from the student’s research project but may be in the same area of chemistry
- Must present research at a Chemistry Departmental Seminar
- Must complete and defend a dissertation (Dissertation Defense)
Credit Hour Requirements
At least 3 courses (9 hours) from the following:
- CHEM 6318 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM 6321 Advanced Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 6331 Advanced Biochemistry
- CHEM 6351 Advanced Physical Chemistry I
- CHEM 6361 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I
Two remaining core courses from list above or two courses from below (6 hours):
- CHEM 6322 Advanced Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 6352 Advanced Physical Chemistry II
- CHEM 6319 Contemporary Topics in Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM 6329 Contemporary Topics in Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 6339 Contemporary Topics in Biochemistry
- CHEM 6341 Analysis and Modeling of Biological Structures
- CHEM 6359 Contemporary Topics in Physical Chemistry
- CHEM 6369 Contemporary Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
1 hour graduate seminar course. The course is designed to promote professional development. The course includes a wide variety of topics in the areas of scientific information retrieval, laboratory safety, research ethics, oral and written presentation of research results, and writing grant proposals. Students are also provided with current information and advice on career opportunities, writing job applications, and how to conduct themselves at interviews.
- CHEM 6195-001 Graduate Seminar
All graduate students are required to enroll in and attend weekly seminars that feature accounts of current research by outstanding investigators in chemistry and related scientific areas. Must enroll in the course at least 5 times.
- CHEM 6195-003 Graduate Seminar
All doctoral candidates will be required to earn two hours of credit, team-teaching undergraduate (or graduate) courses with an experienced faculty member. Students will also be encouraged to participate in the professional development programs focusing on preparing future faculty and professionals offered through the Graduate School and the Center for Faculty Leadership and Development.
- CHEM 6281 Teaching Practicum - Chemistry
All doctoral candidates must earn at least 34 credit hours of original research in a recognized branch of chemistry. The candidate must work under the guidance of a faculty mentor/supervisor. The purpose of the program is to enable the candidates to develop the skills and knowledge to enable them to carry out an independent program of research.
- CHEM 6196 Graduate Research in Chemistry
- CHEM 6396 Graduate Research in Chemistry
Career Practicum: Credit may, with concurrence of the student’s research advisor, be given for students to spend a semester in another academic, industrial, or governmental environment to permit them to explore possible career options.
The required nine hours of elective courses may be selected from the graduate offerings of the Chemistry department or other UTEP departments and programs. With the approval of the student’s advisor and the program director, a student may take undergraduate courses in science fields (that have been approved for graduate credit) to fulfill this requirement. Graduate students that have approval to take undergraduate courses for graduate credit will be expected to do additional work appropriate to graduate-level training.
All doctoral candidates must complete and successfully defend a dissertation that is a substantial work of original scholarship. Candidates must defend their dissertations successfully. Part of the defense proceeding will be open to the public.
- CHEM 6398 Dissertation
- CHEM 6399 Dissertation
