Graduate

Duke's Chemistry Ph.D. program emphasizes research and most of our students' time is spent directly pursuing their own original research. Student research is routinely reported in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is also documented in a comprehensive Ph.D. dissertation document which is formally presented and defended before each student's supervisory committee. Our doctoral students pursue their professional career goals in a challenging and supportive environment.

Our students will:

  • Learn to formulate and contribute to solving grand challenges which are fundamentally molecular in nature
  • Receive intensive, one-on-one research training with faculty mentors from the department and 8 other affiliated departments across campus
  • Enjoy Duke’s rich culture for science that has produced two recent “home grown” Chemistry Nobel Prize winners
  • Learn in a collaborative environment that integrates state-of-the-art theory, modeling, and simulation with cutting-edge experimentation
  • Collaborate at the interfaces with research from our top-ten School of Medicine and Pratt School of Engineering departments
  • Enjoy an outstanding quality of live in a diverse, green and culturally booming environment, enriched by two additional research universities nearby
  • Hone “soft skills” of scientific communication in an environment that encourages purposeful development of this essential talent
  • Go on to successful careers in academia, industry or government.

Our Doctoral Program

two students in lab

Our doctoral course and examination procedure emphasize research and research accomplishment as early as possible. Your Ph.D. supervisory committee, coursework, and your path through the examination process are individually designed by you and your advisor and planned according to the particular research area and topic involved. An M.S. degree is not required for admission.

Students generally remain in residence during the summer. Since graduate courses are not offered during the summer session, this time is exclusively used for research.

We do not admit students to a master's degree program in Chemistry.

See Program Requirements

For Prospective Students

Learn more about our degree, our university, and our community. We'll explain the application process, financial support, and more.

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For Current Students

We've compiled resources to assist you while working toward your Ph.D. – from requirements and fellowship opportunities, to financial support, useful Duke links, and more.

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Learn more about the application process, deadlines and other resources for our candidates.

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