Inorganic Chemistry

The Inorganic Chemistry program at Iowa State University offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles and advanced concepts of inorganic chemistry. Designed for students interested in the structure, bonding, reactivity, and synthesis of inorganic compounds, the program provides a rigorous curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience. Students will explore diverse areas including coordination chemistry, solid-state chemistry, main-group and transition metal chemistry, as well as specialized topics such as catalyst development, materials chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, government research, and further graduate study.

Throughout their studies, students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with modern instrumentation, such as NMR, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, enabling hands-on learning and research opportunities. The faculty team comprises renowned experts in various subfields of inorganic chemistry, providing mentorship and guidance aimed at fostering innovation and scientific inquiry. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and independent research, encouraging students to contribute to cutting-edge developments in inorganic chemistry.

In addition to core coursework, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and international exchange programs, enriching their academic experience and preparing them for diverse professional pathways. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical scientific practice and effective communication of research findings. Graduates of the Inorganic Chemistry program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees, enter industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and materials manufacturing, or contribute to scientific advancements through research and development. With a focus on fostering a robust understanding of inorganic systems and their applications, the program at Iowa State University aims to cultivate the next generation of innovative inorganic chemists.

• 72 semester hours of graduate (academic/research) credit which may include an optional minor or specialization.
• 17 credits of 500-level graduate coursework from Chemistry (or a closely related field)
• Pass courses listed on the Program of Study as determined by you and your Program of Study Committee.
• Pass the Preliminary Oral exam by the end of your fifth semester in residence.
• Give a public seminar before the end of the eighth semester in residency.
• Pass an Final Oral defense of your thesis research.

Proficiency in Chemistry

All new students will take a series of ACS diagnostic exams, one in each of the major disciplines. The results of these exams help to identify student's academic preparedness and choose the appropriate coursework to complete the Ph.D. Students have three chances to take these exams and pass before we require completion of a course in that area.

Proficiency in English

All International graduate students will take an English Placement Test. This test is for non-native English speakers who DO NOT have a prior Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree from a U.S. college or university. 

All International graduate students will also take the Oral English Certification Test (OECT). The purpose of these oral proficiency tests for new international teaching assistants (ITAs) is to find out how effectively they can communicate in English. 

Core Courses

Analytical

• Advanced Quantitative Analysis
• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Molecular and Anatomic Spectroscopy
• Analytical Separations
• Seminar

Inorganic

• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Inorganic Chemistry
• Seminar
• Selected Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Solid State Chemistry
• Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals
• Chemical Kinetics and Mechanisms

Organic

• Organic Synthesis I
• Organic Synthesis II
• Physical Organic Chemistry I
• Physical Organic Chemistry II
• Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds
• Seminar in Organic Chemistry
• Selected Topics in Organic Chemistry

Physical

• Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics or Quantum Physics
• Fundamentals of Atomic and Molecular Quantum Mechanics or Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure or Quantum Physics II
• Statistical Mechanics
• Chemical Group Theory
• Seminar in Physical Chemistry

Chemical Education

• Chemical Pedagogy
• Statistical Methods for Research Workers
• Statistical Design and the Analysis of Experiments
• Educational Psychology of Learning, Cognition and Memory
• How People Learn: Implications for Teaching Science.
• Advanced Pedagogy in Science Education.
• Advanced Cognition

• Iowa State requires a degree it considers comparable to a US bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to beginning graduate studies. (For foreign institutions, that would be recognition by the Ministry of Education.) 
• Our graduate application form is only available online. The $100 application fee for international students is nonrefundable. If you prefer not to pay the application fee by credit card, you may complete and print the online application, and attach your personal check. All checks should be in US dollars and made payable to Iowa State University.
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Statement of Purpose
• Online Recommendations
• Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) 79, Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) 550
• IELTS 6.5
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
• Financial Statement
• CV

Scholarships

Assistantships

The Department of Chemistry recognizes the need for adequate financial support during the period of graduate study and offers competitive stipends to all admitted students. Financial aid for first year students is normally available for 12 months; a 9 month teaching assistantships and 3 month research assistantship. Beyond the first year, continued support is provided through the major professor's group in the form of research assistantships or through the department in the form of teaching assistantships. Support will continue as long as the student remains in good standing in both academics (3.0 GPA) and in research.

Tuition waiver

All students in good standing receive a tuition waiver for all semesters in which they are enrolled.

• Mary Helen Merriam Stewart, Female Graduate Chemistry Major Scholarship
• The Cotton-Uphaus Award

The Bachelor of Science in Inorganic Chemistry at Iowa State University offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of inorganic chemistry. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the core areas of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding theories, coordination chemistry, solid-state chemistry, and transition metal chemistry. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills, preparing them for careers in research, industry, or graduate studies.

The curriculum includes fundamental courses such as General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry, complemented by specialized classes focusing on inorganic topics like main group and transition metal chemistry, organometallics, and materials Chemistry. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research projects under the guidance of faculty members, which fosters hands-on learning and can lead to undergraduate research presentations and publications.

Facilities available to chemistry students include modern laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation such as spectrometers, chromatographs, and X-ray diffraction equipment, supporting experimental learning and research endeavors. The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication, which are essential for success in scientific careers.

The faculty leading the Inorganic Chemistry program are accomplished researchers with expertise spanning various subfields, providing mentorship and fostering an innovative learning environment. Students are encouraged to attend departmental seminars, workshops, and conferences to broaden their understanding of current research trends and to integrate into the scientific community.

Graduates of the program typically pursue employment in chemical manufacturing, materials development, environmental chemistry, or continue their education through graduate or professional schools in fields such as chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering. The program supports students in achieving their career goals through internships, collaborations with industrial partners, and academic advising.

Overall, the Inorganic Chemistry undergraduate program at Iowa State University aims to cultivate knowledgeable, skilled scientists capable of contributing to advancements in inorganic chemistry and related fields, preparing students for diverse and dynamic careers in science and technology.