The Department of Chemistry at Syracuse University hosts an outstanding faculty with research interests across a wide range of areas. Interdisciplinary programs in biological chemistry, materials science, and computational chemistry complement more traditional areas of study in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, and biochemistry.

At Syracuse, the opportunity to do cutting-edge research in a friendly, highly interactive atmosphere offers students an outstanding environment in which to pursue graduate studies.

Ph.D. Program
The requirements for a Ph.D. in chemistry consist of a combination of coursework, examinations, and original research. Entering students must complete 48 semester hours of credit for a Ph.D., of which 18 must constitute traditional coursework. Courses are selected with the assistance of a faculty advisor, and are generally completed by the end of the third semester in residence. Students complete breadth examinations during their first year to demonstrate general proficiency in three areas of chemistry, and a Ph.D. qualifying examination before the end of their second year of graduate study.

Students select a research advisor at the end of their first semester of study, and intensive research generally begins in the summer of their first year. Research progress is monitored annually through a series of research reports submitted to the student's graduate committee. The Ph.D. program culminates in the preparation of a research dissertation and a final oral examination.

M.S. Program
The Department of Chemistry offers an M.S. degree with both thesis and non-thesis options. Like the Ph.D., these programs of study contain both coursework and proficiency requirements. The M.S. with thesis option also requires the preparation and oral defense of a research thesis. Students who choose the non-thesis option participate in a final culminating experience that may take the form of a presentation, exam, or literature study.

M.S.in Forensic Science
For more informaiton, please visit the Forensic Science Degree Program website
M.S. in Forensic Science in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences is a 34-credit-hour program of study that offers students both a global perspective and an opportunity for in-depth study at the graduate level in forensic science. The general track is a flexible course of study appropriate for a wide variety of careers including law enforcement officer, paralegal, court psychologist, criminal profiler, forensic microscopist, medicolegal death investigator, etc., and for practicing professionals to gain forensic science knowledge. The Laboratory Track is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of forensic science careers, including analyst positions in crime laboratories, private companies, or federal agencies.