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Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

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The doctoral program focuses on developing students' abilities to plan, execute, evaluate, and communicate original chemical research. This research-intensive program requires students to make a significant contribution to their field, as assessed by their advising committee.

The program encompasses a broad range of research areas, including analytical, inorganic, materials, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. The student will participate in state and federally funded research projects at the forefront of these fields. A comprehensive approach to research will equip the student with the expertise needed for an academic or industrial career.

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Degree Requirements

To earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry, students must meet the requirements of both the Graduate School and the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences. It is the student's responsibility to understand these requirements and complete them within the specified time frame. Detailed requirements and procedures for the doctoral program will be provided upon starting the program. A summary on this page is provided for convenience. Students should also consult the graduate catalog for comprehensive information and updates.

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Admissions

To be considered for the Ph.D. degree program in chemistry, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in science, mathematics, or engineering. A chemistry major is preferred, with coursework including one year each of organic chemistry, calculus-based physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with paying an application fee (currently $65) and submitting academic transcripts. Students with deficiencies in any identified areas may still be admitted but may face restrictions on research areas and require additional remedial coursework.

Applicants should provide a personal statement that details previous research experience, future research interests, and the names of possible faculty members in the school who match their research interests. Prospective students are advised to submit GRE test scores. International students must prove English proficiency with scores from one of the recognized tests by the SIU Graduate School.

Committee

For the Ph.D. in Chemistry, students must select a research advisor and form an advising committee by the end of their second semester, including the research advisor, a major division member, a member outside their major division, and an external member from outside the school. The committee, which includes the School Director as an ex-officio member, plans and approves the student’s study program, reviews academic and research progress, evaluates the dissertation, and conducts oral examinations. During the student's studies, the student may petition for, or the committee may advise, the student to transition to an M.S. degree track.

Seminar Requirement

Doctoral students must register for and attend two credit hours of weekly seminars each semester while enrolled. They must also present three seminars: a literature review, an original research proposal, and a dissertation defense, earning three credit hours of CHEM 593. The literature review seminar must be completed by the end of the second year, and the research proposal seminar by the end of the third year.

Examinations

Cumulative Examinations: Students must pass four cumulative exams out of ten annual offerings, starting from their third semester, with exams in major or cross-divisional areas. Failure to complete within ten trials results in movement to the M.S. degree track or termination from the program.

Original Research Proposal: Students must write an original research proposal different from their dissertation research and defend it in front of their committee by the end of their third year.  After completion of this requirement, the student may advance to candidacy.

Final Examinations: Doctoral students must schedule and present a seminar (designated CHEM 593) on their research, pass a final oral exam (dissertation defense). The completed dissertation needs to be submitted to the committee a week prior to the defense.

Contact Information

Lichang Wang
Director of Graduate Studies
Neckers 142 C
1245 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-6476
lwang@chem.siu.edu

Qingfeng Ge
Director
Neckers 223
1245 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-6406
qge@chem.siu.edu

Research and Dissertation

Doctoral students must complete a research project, earning at least 32 credit hours in research and dissertation, with a minimum of 24 hours in dissertation (CHEM 600). The dissertation must be approved by both the Graduate Committee and the Graduate School.