UMass Boston

Chemistry PhD

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Pursue the highest level of academic achievement in chemistry and become an accomplished scientist.

UMass Boston's Chemistry Department offers a comprehensive Doctor of Philosophy degree, dedicated to cultivating creative and conscientious scientists. The department offers educational opportunities in five doctoral tracks: Biological Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical/Analytical Chemistry, with a special emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students immerse themselves in research labs early in the program and tailor their academic plan in accordance with their research interests.

Students are required to complete 60 credits of coursework, consisting of two core courses, three elective courses, a graduate seminar course and a dissertation research course. The set of core courses is dictated by the student’s track. In addition, the department’s emphasis on Green Chemistry permeates the curricula of all of its doctoral tracks. Our PhD program culminates in a public defense of the student’s research and the publication of the dissertation.

The specialty of the Department is in the field of Green Chemistry, and we are proud to be the first school in the country to offer a doctoral degree via the PhD in Chemistry/Green Chemistry Track. It focuses specifically on preparing chemistry doctoral students to direct, design, and implement chemical research using strategies that reduce or eliminate the impact on human health or the environment. It provides experiences, tools, and skills needed for conducting research in a more environmentally sustainable fashion. The strength of the green chemistry curriculum lies in its overlapping interdisciplinary themes of research. Our faculty is committed to research designed to benefit society, and this emphasis is reflected in our course selections at all levels of education.

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Chemistry PhD (Biological Track)

Students in the Biological Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core biological chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

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Chemistry PhD (Green Track)

The Green Chemistry Track in the Chemistry PhD Program is the first such program in the world. Students obtaining a degree from this program will be prepared for conventional chemistry jobs in industry, government, and academia. In addition to traditional training in the chemical sciences, required and elective courses in the Biology Department and School for the Environment provide graduates with the tools and experience to assess human impact on health and the environment.

Green chemistry involves an ecologically sustainable view of chemical research, development, and manufacture. Toxicological understanding and environmental fate are necessary components to understanding the entire "molecular life cycle" of any commercial endeavor.

Typically, universities and academic departments lack the appropriate personnel and facilities to pursue a program of this kind. The unique complement of Chemistry, the School for the Environment, and Biology Department faculty has allowed the University of Massachusetts Boston to create such a program.

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Chemistry PhD (Inorganic Track)

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

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Chemistry PhD (Organic Track)

Students in the Organic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core organic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

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Chemistry PhD (Physical/Analytical Track)

Students in the Physical/Analytical Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core physical/analytical chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

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Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

  • Test Scores: GRE recommended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: April 1 (priority deadline) or June 15 (final deadline, if space available) for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or November 1 (final deadline, if space available) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum - Biological Track

Coursework (Complete 60 credits)

Students in the Biological Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core biological chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Core Course in Chemistry PhD for All Tracks (Choose one)

  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

Core Courses in Biological Chemistry Track (Choose two from list)

  • CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry

Elective Courses (Choose three from list)

  • CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis
  • CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research
  • CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
  • CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry
  • CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation
  • CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics
  • CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry
  • CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry
  • CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 696 – Independent Study
  • CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Extra-Departmental Electives

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

  • BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry
  • BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
  • BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture
  • BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

  • PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital
  • PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory
  • PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab)
  • PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging
  • PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics
  • PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials

School for the Environment

  • EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics
  • EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters
  • EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry
  • EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

Seminar Courses (Minimum of 6 credits)

  • CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall)
  • CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

Dissertation Research (Complete 20 credits)

  • CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Curriculum - Green Track

Coursework (Complete 60 credits)

Students in the Green Chemistry PhD track are required to take two core courses, four elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the four elective courses, at least two must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to the two remaining courses can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Core Courses (Required)

  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

Elective Courses (Choose four from list)

  • CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis
  • CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research
  • CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
  • CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry
  • CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation
  • CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics
  • CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry
  • CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry
  • CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 696 – Independent Study
  • CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Extra-Departmental Electives

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

  • BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry
  • BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
  • BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture
  • BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

  • PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital
  • PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging
  • PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory
  • PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics
  • PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials
  • PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab)

School for the Environment

  • EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics
  • EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters
  • EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry
  • EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

Seminar Courses (Minimum of 6 credits)

  • CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall)
  • CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

Dissertation Research (Complete 20 credits)

  • CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Curriculum - Inorganic Track

Coursework (Complete 60 credits)

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Core Course in Chemistry PhD for All Tracks (Choose one)

  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

Core Courses in Inorganic Chemistry Track (Choose two from list)

  • CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis
  • CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

Elective Courses (Choose three from list)

  • CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis
  • CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research
  • CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
  • CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry
  • CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation
  • CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics
  • CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry
  • CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry
  • CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 696 – Independent Study
  • CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Extra-Departmental Electives

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

  • BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry
  • BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
  • BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture
  • BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

  • PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital
  • PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging
  • PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory
  • PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics
  • PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials
  • PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab)

School for the Environment

  • EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics
  • EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters
  • EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry
  • EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

Seminar Courses (Minimum of 6 credits)

  • CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall)
  • CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

Dissertation Research (Complete 20 credits)

  • CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Curriculum - Organic Track

Coursework (Complete 60 credits)

Core Course in Chemistry PhD for All Tracks (Choose one)

  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

Core Courses in Organic Chemistry Track (Choose two from list)

  • CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry

Elective Courses (Choose three from list)

  • CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis
  • CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research
  • CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
  • CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry
  • CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation
  • CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics
  • CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry
  • CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry
  • CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 696 – Independent Study
  • CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Extra-Departmental Electives

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

  • BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry
  • BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
  • BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture
  • BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

  • PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital
  • PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging
  • PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory
  • PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics
  • PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials
  • PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab)

School for the Environment

  • EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics
  • EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters
  • EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry
  • EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

Seminar Courses (Minimum of 6 credits)

  • CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall)
  • CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

Dissertation Research (Complete 20 credits)

  • CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Curriculum - Physical/Analytical Track

Coursework (Complete 60 credits)

Core Course in Chemistry PhD for All Tracks (Choose one)

  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

Core Courses in Physical/Analytical Chemistry Track (Choose two from list)

  • CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation
  • CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry

Elective Courses (Choose three from list)

  • CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis
  • CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology
  • CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research
  • CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
  • CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry
  • CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation
  • CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics
  • CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry
  • CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry
  • CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry
  • CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry
  • CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 696 – Independent Study
  • CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Extra-Departmental Electives

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

  • BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry
  • BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
  • BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture
  • BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

  • PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital
  • PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging
  • PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory
  • PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics
  • PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials
  • PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab)

School for the Environment

  • EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics
  • EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters
  • EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry
  • EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

Seminar Courses (Minimum of 6 credits)

  • CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall)
  • CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

Dissertation Research (Complete 20 credits)

  • CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate competency in several major sub-fields of chemistry through completion of a series of graduate-level courses and a literature presentation.
  2. Students will become experts in a narrowly focused area of chemical research.
  3. Students will be trained to plan, conduct and report results from original chemical research, including the importance of adhering to the principles of scientific ethics, with regard to use of sources, generating and reporting of data, and collaborating with colleagues.
  4. Students will be able to comprehend and communicate advanced chemical principles in both oral and written forms as applied to at least one of the major sub-fields of chemistry: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical education.
  5. Students will develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
  6. Students will become adept at communicating and promoting their research activities with the broad scientific community in the form of publications and presentations at national/international conferences.
  7. Students will be trained to think independently and develop their own ideas for planning, funding, and conducting original research in a specialized area of study.
  8. Students will develop an understanding of Green Chemistry and environmental responsibility.
  9. Students will receive training in good teaching practices.

Graduation Criteria

Complete a minimum of 60 credits from at least 15 courses including one core course, five track courses, six graduate seminars, and a minimum of 20 credits in dissertation courses.

Students must pass a literature seminar in the first year of study.

Track: Students must select a track from green chemistry, biological chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or physical/analytical chemistry.
Doctoral candidacy: Pass four written qualifying exams (at least two of which are in the track), and an oral qualifying exam.
Dissertation: Candidates must complete and defend a dissertation based on original research.

Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Plan of Study

Year 1

  • Four Courses
  • Choose advisor
  • Literature seminar
  • Dissertation Committee

Year 2

  • Two courses
  • Continue research
  • Begin WQEs
  • Teaching & research evaluations

Year 3

  • Continue research
  • Complete WQEs
  • Teaching & research evaluations

Year 4

  • Continue research
  • Complete QQEs
  • Teaching & research

Year 5

  • Finish research
  • Write dissertation
  • Defend dissertation

Contact

Graduate Program Director Marianna Torok (Green Chemistry)
marianna.torok@umb.edu
(617) 287-6199

Graduate Program Director Neil Reilly (Physical/Analytical Chemistry)
neil.reilly@umb.edu
(617) 287-4065

Graduate Program Assistant Mica Green
graduate.chemistry@umb.edu
(617) 287-6190

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