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Fargo-Moorhead Information

The department of offers programs leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Chemistry and in Biochemistry. The department also participates in the interdisciplinary program in Cellular and Molecular Biology.

At the start of the first year of study, entering graduate students take entrance examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. These exams are used by the graduate student progress committee for advisory purposes in recommending graduate coursework during the first year. As a consequence, programs are individually tailored to the needs of each student. Typically, coursework is completed in 1-1.5 years for M.S. candidates, and two years for Ph.D. candidates, leaving later years for full-time thesis research. The time to complete a graduate degree averages 2-3 years for the M.S. degree and approximately 5 years for the Ph.D.

Each student chooses a thesis adviser within 6 months of beginning graduate school. As this is one of the most important decisions made in graduate school, students are strongly urged to visit multiple faculty members to discuss research opportunities. In addition, faculty seminars during the fall semester are designed to acquaint new students with the available research programs.

By the end of the first academic year, each student selects an advisory and examination committee, which consists of the thesis advisor, two other faculty members in the chemistry department, and one faculty member from a department outside the College of Science and Mathematics.

Admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree is accomplished by satisfying three requirements:

1. Satisfactory performance in coursework with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
2. Satisfactory performance in cumulative examinations (administered six times per year).
3. Satisfactory defense of an original research proposal on a topic approved by the student's advisory committee.

Following completion of dissertation research, the candidate must complete a written dissertation and an oral presentation to the department and advisory committee. The following chemistry and molecular biology departmental courses are available for graduate credit toward advanced degrees in chemistry. With the approval of the advisory committee, advanced courses in related departments may be used toward degree requirements as well. Numbers in parentheses are semester credit hours. Each course is offered at least once every other year. 600 level courses are cross-listed with 400 level undergraduate courses.