Graduate Program
Overview
The graduate program in Chemistry at MU is the oldest and most well-developed of any public institution in the state of Missouri. The first two PhD degrees granted by the department occurred in 1909. Today, we continue a tradition of educating highly competent scientists with the vision, creativity and resourcefulness necessary to meet the ever-changing challenges of their professional environment. Doctoral students are admitted and graduate degrees, master's (MS) and doctoral (PhD), are awarded through the department. Both degrees are based upon a program of course work leading to independent research and completion of a thesis. For the doctoral degree, the thesis will be of greater scope and will demonstrate creativity and originality. Therefore, our graduates have the skills to adapt to new challenges, using experience, intellect and imagination to solve problems as they arise. Furthermore, the chemist with an advanced degree takes pride in the profession and is determined to continue intellectual growth and education to maintain professional fitness. As a result, the overwhelming majority of our graduates find productive and fulfilling careers in their fields.
As a prospective graduate student, you can be confident that our faculty is committed to helping you achieve these goals. Graduate work in chemistry is demanding, but the rewards are well worth the time and effort. Our curriculum is designed to bring you a desired level of independence and knowledge, taking into account your specific needs and interests. The specific requirements are listed individually for the PhD and MS degrees and describe more fully our program of study.
Research Advisors
Graduate study in chemistry involves, above all, research. Therefore, the most important decision you will make during your graduate career is the selection of a research adviser. It is important that this be done carefully and that your choice is an informed one. You will be spending a great deal of time and effort on your research project; it is crucial that it be a problem that interests you. In almost all cases, the specific research project is developed by the student and research adviser, working together within the scope of the professor's research program. This Website includes a list of the faculty and brief research descriptions of their current research activities. As you will see, there is a great diversity of interests represented in the department. You should have no trouble finding someone with the necessary expertise to help you make significant contributions in your area of interest. These outlines, of course, only provide general areas of research activity; it is important that you talk with faculty individually to discuss more specific proposals.
Under most circumstances, selection of a research adviser should be made by the end of the first semester—only then can progress toward the thesis commence. Your adviser will help to assemble a doctoral program committee, whose purpose is to help guide your development, to suggest elective courses, and to provide advice as needed to help focus your research result into a cogent thesis. (Formal appointment of the committee requires the approval of the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.) This same committee also serves as the examining committee for the oral comprehensive examination, which is usually taken during the third year. The working relationship among student, adviser and committee is one that can grow and flourish with benefit to all.