Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at Emory University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a robust foundation in chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and critical thinking skills essential for careers in science, industry, or graduate study. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing graduates for diverse pathways including research, education, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. The curriculum encompasses core courses in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, complemented by advanced electives and interdisciplinary options that allow students to tailor their education to specific interests. Laboratory coursework emphasizes hands-on experience with modern instrumentation and techniques, fostering skills in data analysis, experimental design, and problem-solving. Emory’s state-of-the-art facilities enable students to engage in meaningful research projects alongside faculty members who are leading experts in their fields. The program also offers opportunities for undergraduate research internships, collaborative projects, and participation in scientific conferences, enriching the educational experience. Emory is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment, encouraging diversity in STEM fields. The Department of Chemistry supports students with dedicated advising, academic resources, and career development services to prepare them for successful careers or graduate studies. Graduates of the program have gone on to earn advanced degrees in top institutions, enter industry positions in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and environmental firms, or pursue careers in academia and science communication. Overall, Emory’s Chemistry program combines rigorous coursework, innovative research opportunities, and a collaborative community to empower students to become leaders in science and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our curriculum is designed to foster the intellect, curiosity, and creativity of our outstanding students. Through a rigorous program with a range of requirements and course options, we provide our PhDs with a well-rounded Chemistry education that lays the foundation for a variety of career trajectories.

Below is an overview of the major features of the Emory Chemistry doctoral program. Each provides students the experience, tools, and guidance to find successful and rewarding careers upon graduation. First year students  are immersed in the various roles and perspectives of a chemistry graduate student. They learn about and explore the research being conducted in the department through a research rotation program, begin coursework in their areas of interest, and act as a teaching assistant. After completing 3 rotations, students select a research advisor and are assigned a research group, by mid-December.

Students should also begin taking their cumulative exams in the first year of graduate school. Beginning in the 2nd year, students will participate in an annual review of their research performance and knowledge. This comes in the form of a 2nd year Report, Annual Reports, Research Proposal, Dissertation and Defense. These reviews are completed in coordination with a student's advisor and research committee.

All students entering in full standing must take 6 courses (3-units each) for a PhD degree. Four courses are taken in the first year, and the remaining courses are generally special topics courses taken during the second year. Some courses may be taken in other science departments, including biochemistry and biological sciences, physics, and mathematics. Students who hold a Master's degree may enter in advanced standing and must only take 4 courses for a PhD. To be moved from full to advanced standing, a student must earn 24 credits of a B- or better in 500+ level courses.

Each division maintains its own requirements regarding course distribution, seminar attendance, and evaluations.

• Inorganic Requirements
• Organic Requirements
• Physical Requirements
• Biomolecular Requirements

Teaching

Scientists are also teachers. Whether instructing students in a formal classroom, presenting research to colleagues or informing the public, scientists must be able to communicate their knowledge to a range of audiences. 

During the first year, graduate students assist the faculty in teaching undergraduate laboratory or lecture courses after completing the 2-day workshop associated with the Laney Graduate School's Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity Program (TATTO). As a teaching assistant, students can expect to spend 8-10 hours per week fulfilling their responsibilities, which may include: aiding in course material preparation, helping with lab sections, proctoring and grading homework, lab, quizzes, and exams, and other assignments in support of University instruction. First year students will be given their TA assignments in mid-August, prior to the fall semester.

Additional teaching and training opportunities are also available after the first year. Students who excel at teaching and are interested in academic positions after graduation are encouraged to apply for the Dean's Teaching Fellowship, PRISM, ORDER, Curriculum Development Fellowships, and IOS Program.

Formal Evaluations

Cumulative Exams
During the first few years, students are asked to take cumulative examinations, which test their knowledge of current chemical literature and general problem solving abilities in their general area of chemistry. The exams help students assimilate material from scientific literature, seminars, and other resources and to apply that knowledge, logic, and reason to solving scientific problems.

This requirement must be completed by the middle of the third year. However, most students successfully complete cumulative exams by the end of the second year. Students receive 0-2 points for each exam (0=no pass, 1=half pass, 2=full pass). The requirement is completed when students have accumulated 10 points with at least 3 full passes. 

Exams are given in both the Fall and Spring semesters. There will be 24 departmental cumulative exams given each academic year (Each division offers three per semester). The topic will be given no later than one-week prior to the exam date.

2nd Year Report (Qualifying Exam)
The 2nd Year Report is an important milestone in the early career of a graduate student to reveal basic research skills and knowledge of literature as well as work ethic and motivation. In the Fall semester of the second year, students prepare a research report that outlines their progress to date and presents it to a committee of three faculty members in the student's general research area. The presentation is followed by an oral examination. Satisfactory completion of the exam endorses the graduate student as a PhD candidate.

Original Research Proposal
In the fourth year of study, students must present and defend an original research proposal on a chemistry topic unrelated to research ongoing at Emory. Students are advised to discuss the proposal outline with their committee.

Annual Report 
From the third year on, students are expected to complete an annual report on his/her own research each year to present to their faculty committee. A student in his/her 5th year who is not graduating will also need to submit a plan for graduation to their committee for approval

Dissertation

The major requirement for a PhD degree at Emory is the preparation and defense of the student's dissertation, which makes an original and significant contribution to existing knowledge in chemistry. The dissertation is presented in a public seminar and a private defense with the student's committee. Most Emory chemistry graduate students complete their dissertation within 5 years of entering graduate school.

It is a formal requirement of both the Laney Graduate School and the Department of Chemistry that dissertation defenses be announced to the community. To add your defense to our departmental calendar, fill out this form.

The Laney Graduate School requires that all dissertations be submitted to the Emory Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Database. Authors may select access restrictions for up to six years post-degree.

• Statement of Purpose. The statement of purpose need not be extensive. However, you should indicate your motivation for pursuing graduate studies at Emory as well as the research area(s) and faculty members that you are most interested in.
• Letters of Recommendaton. We require three letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic performance or professional scientists in whose lab you have worked. Contact your recommenders well ahead of time, to make sure they are aware of and can meet your application deadline. Your application is not complete until the letters have been submitted.You request the letters as part of the online application process, and recommenders can submit them online. You can send requests for letters of recommendations before you submit the final application. If a recommender is unable to use this system, please contact the program you are applying to for instructions.
• Transcript(s). As part of the online application, upload a scanned transcript from each post-secondary institution you have attended, present school included. The transcripts must be issued by the registrar's office, but unofficial copies issued to the student are fine. Please do not mail paper transcripts with your application. 

Scholarships

All students admitted to the PhD program in Chemistry receive a support package that includes

• Stipend support (currently $26,000)
• Tuition Scholarship (currently $19,400 per semester)
• 100% health insurance subsidy

Students will be responsible for some university enrollment fees, generally around $300 per semester.

Unless students are exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRS) Section 117, scholarships, fellowships, grants, stipends and awards are generally considered taxable income. Students are required to report these amounts on federal and state income tax returns and are advised to consult tax advisers or the IRS and state revenue authorities for additional information.

A number of special fellowships are available for top applicants. No separate application is required. Applicants who meet the January 3rd deadline will be eligible. Decisions about fellowships occur concurrently with admissions decisions.

Cherry L. Emerson Award

Internal (departmental) awards offered to incoming students with the highest potential for independent research. Students receive a $4000 supplement to their first paycheck in September.

George W. Woodruff Fellowship

Awarded to exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and who show promise as future leaders in their fields. The fellowship covers up to five years of tuition and fees and provides a $5000 supplement to the current base stipend. Approximately fifteen fellowships are awarded each year among all academic departments with incoming graduate cohorts.

Laney Graduate School Fellowship

The Laney Graduate School Fellowship is awarded to entering doctoral students in all fields. The Department of Chemistry, Laney awards recognize outstanding academic achievements as well as a student's potential to excel as a research scientist. The fellowship covers tuition up to five years and provides a $2,500 supplement to the base stipend, for a total annual stipend of $27,500.

The Department of Chemistry at Emory University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of modern chemistry. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry, preparing students for graduate studies, professional careers in chemistry, or related fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. Emory's chemistry program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills, with state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities for undergraduates to engage in innovative projects under the mentorship of distinguished faculty members. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and critical thinking, fostering a deep appreciation of chemistry's role in various scientific and societal contexts. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in research experiences, internships, and collaborations with industry partners to gain real-world applications of their knowledge. The department also supports student organizations, seminars, and career development events to enhance the educational experience. Graduates from the program have a track record of successful careers in academia, industry, and government agencies, reflecting the program's commitment to excellence and student success. The university’s location in Atlanta provides additional networking and employment opportunities in a vibrant scientific community. Emory University’s chemistry program is dedicated to preparing students to become innovative thinkers and responsible scientists who contribute to advances in health, technology, and environmental sustainability.