Admissions
Applicant Qualifications
We evaluate applications based on transcript information, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters in order to develop an understanding of an applicant's likelihood of succeeding in our program. Most successful graduate students started with a strong background in all four sub-disciplines of chemistry, and many engaged in research during their undergraduate careers. Non-traditional students, such as those who worked in the chemical industry after graduation, have also been successful.
UVM undergraduates who will be graduating and wish to enter our graduate program are not admitted to the Ph.D. program. We feel that diversity of experience is important in professional development, so we encourage our undergraduates to go on to other nationally recognized programs. However, we do admit occasional UVM undergraduates to our master’s program for two reasons: to allow undergraduate biochemistry majors to take chemistry coursework to prepare them for a Ph.D. program in chemistry and to allow students who have significant ties to the Burlington area to remain for an additional time.
Placement Exams
- New grad students take exams in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
- Exams are standardized by the American Chemical Society.
- Appropriate course work is offered to strengthen any student weakness that may appear from the exams.
- Please check the PhD, MS (PDF), and AMP (PDF) Guidelines, as well as the IDP template (DOC) for more details.
Research Orientation
- Our faculty present a series of talks which describe their research interests.
- New graduate students attend these talks and then discuss specific research interests with individual faculty members.
- Students normally make a decision regarding their research direction and specific advisor around the end of November of the first year.
