Graduate Programs

Welcome to the Graduate Program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Kent State University.

Before applying to our program, please be sure to read our admissions requirements page, which will also discuss the submission of your materials.

Student success is at the core of our graduate program that serves an ethnically diverse and highly talented student body. Students who have received their M.S. or Ph.D. degree from our program are employed in a large variety of industrial settings, including Fortune 500 companies; or work at colleges and universities around the globe.

Our outstanding faculty conduct world-class research in biochemistry as well as analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Many of the research topics that are being pursued by our exceptional graduate students are built around interdisciplinary themes in the areas of biomedical research (bioanalytical chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, biophotonics, nanomedicine, and molecular/cell biology), and materials science (nanomaterials, liquid crystals, photonic materials, spectroscopy, separations, and surface science). The research of our faculty is funded through grants from federal (e.g., NIH, NSF, NOAA, DOE) as well as state agencies.

Our doctoral program offers generous stipends, a student health insurance plan and modern family leave policies. The suburban setting of our campus provides a safe and inspiring environment to pursue your educational goals.

We are pleased that you are interested in learning more about our graduate program and hope that you will find these web pages informative.

Doctoral Program Information

The Ph.D. degree in Chemistry provides students with opportunities for research in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Many of the research topics are built around interdisciplinary themes in biomedical research (bioanalytical, bioinorganic and biophysical chemistry) and materials science (nanomaterials, liquid crystals, photonic materials, spectroscopy, surface science).

Doctoral Program Information and Requirements

Master of Science Program Information

The Master of Science degree in Chemistry provides opportunity in research in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Many of the research topics are built around interdisciplinary themes in biomedical research (bioanalytical, bioinorganic and biophysical chemistry) and materials science (nanomaterials, liquid crystals, photonic materials, spectroscopy, surface science).

Master of Science Program Information

Master of Arts Program Information

The Master of Arts degree in Chemistry is for students interested in gaining additional knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry beyond the bachelor’s degree. This non-thesis degree program is flexible and can be taken on a full-tine or part-time basis. Several course sequences have been designed for students interested in career advancement. The biochemistry interest area is recommended for students seeking to further develop their academic background in biochemistry and chemistry prior to applying to medical school or dental school. The industrial chemistry interest area is ideal for students seeking additional preparation for employment in the chemical industry. Current and future K-12 educators may pursue the chemical education interest area for advance chemical instruction including chemistry pedagogy.

Master of Arts Program Information

Combined B.S./M.S. Program Information

Persons with outstanding undergraduate records may be eligible for this combined degree program. The following grades are required:

  1. GPA (overall and in chemistry)
    • 3.50 after 60 semester hours
    • 3.40 after 75 semester hours
    • 3.30 after 90 semester hours
    • 3.20 after 105 semester hours
  2. The Combined Baccalaureate and Master's Program form needs to be completed. This includes:
    • a listing of undergraduate courses to be taken for completion of the baccalaureate degree
    • the beginning date for graduate enrollment
    • a listing of graduate courses to satisfy the undergraduate degree requirements (up to 9 graduate hours may be used). The selection of courses to be applied toward the undergraduate degree requires the approval of the Coordinator of Graduate Studies and an appropriate undergraduate dean in the College of Arts & Sciences.
  3. At least three letters of recommendation from Instructors who are familiar with the achievements in coursework are also required.

Graduate courses in chemistry that could satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree will usually have the form 4/5XXXX or 4/5/7XXXX, but other graduate courses may be deemed as appropriate substitutions by the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.

Financial support for graduate study (if available) will only commence after satisfactory completion of all required courses for the Bachelor of Science degree other than those taken for combined graduate credit.