Department Information

Chemistry plays a key role in solving economic, environmental and societal problems, which are intimately connected with the basic question how to guarantee the sustainability of our planet. By providing key tools, skills and knowledge, chemical research helps answer many of the important questions facing our society, including the origin of life, mortality, communication, energy, environmental sustainability, and national security. Indeed, an often defining characteristic of research in the chemical sciences is that problems are solved by making something, importantly, from the most basic of raw materials — atoms and molecules.

The Department of Chemistry here at SMU has a long history of excellence in research and teaching. Whether aspiring to a career in industry, medicine, or academia, the comprehensive curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and experience to excel in their future careers. The faculty maintain active research programs, attend numerous national and international meetings in their fields, and publish in major journals. The Ph.D. program, established in 2004, builds on the faculty expertise and emphasizes three major areas:

Organic, Medicinal, and Bioorganic Chemistry
Materials and Polymer Chemistry
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES

Experimental Facilities

In 2004, the chemistry research labs were relocated to fully remodeled facilities in Fondren Science at the north end of the SMU campus. These labs provide safe, modern, and flexible working space for all students and faculty as well as student office space separate from the laboratories. The department maintains a modern arsenal of research and teaching instrumentation that plays a vital role in research. Graduate students will obtain hands-on experience in any instrument needed for their research programs.

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry
GRE exam, with the Chemistry Subject Area suggested
80+ score on TOEFL iBT or 6.5+ on IELTS if English is not the primary language
3 letters of recommendation

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science
GRE exam
80+ score on TOEFL iBT or 6.5+ on IELTS if English is not the primary language
3 letters of recommendation

Deadlines for Admission

Program Specific Priority Deadlines for Fall Admission

Chemistry Ph.D. Program — January 15th
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Ph.D. Program — January 31st
Final Deadline for Fall Admissions — May 1st

Departmental Assistantships

All applications to be considered for department assistantships must be completed by the applicable priority deadline.

Note: Applications received after applicable priority deadline will be considered for any remaining funds and openings.

First year core courses
Two semesters of teaching undergraduate chemistry labs to enhance communication skills
Cumulative exams
Written and oral research progress report and dissertation plan
Research proposalSuccessful completion of a research program under the supervision of the faculty
Presentation at a professional meeting
Dissertation and oral defense of research

Eight core courses, two electives, and research (66 units in total), comprising a four-year degree plan
Two semesters of teaching undergraduate labs to enhance communication skills
Research Synopsis (written and oral)
Successful completion of a significant body of research under the supervision of the faculty (minimum of five peer-refereed articles are recommended)
Presentation at a professional meeting and attendance at the CATCO workshops
Dissertation and oral defense of research after four years

30 term hours of graduate work approved by the department, including a research project
Preparation, presentation, and defense of a thesis
Completion of all general requirement of the graduate faculty