The Ph.D. curriculum combines rigorous coursework, research training, teaching experience, and professional development to prepare students for careers in scientific leadership. Degree requirements include a minimum of 90 credit hours, 18 credit hours of approved graduate coursework, continuous enrollment in research, participation in graduate seminars, training in the responsible conduct of research, and three semesters of teaching experience. Students must also complete a qualifying examination, advance to candidacy, and conduct original research culminating in a written dissertation and public thesis defense.
The summary below outlines the requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Chemistry. Students who have completed coursework equivalent to that required for a B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry may apply for admission to the Ph.D. program; the department does not normally admit students seeking a standalone M.A. degree.
- 18 credit hours of approved graduate coursework
- Continuous research enrollment (CHEM 800) and dissertation research
- Graduate seminar participation and presentation (CHEM 600) every semester
- Three semesters of teaching experience (CHEM 700)
- Responsible Conduct of Research (UNIV 594) training
- Qualifying Examination and advancement to candidacy
- Doctoral dissertation and public thesis defense
- Minimum 90 credit hours toward the Ph.D. degree
For complete details, please refer to the Rice University General Announcements and the Chemistry Graduate Student Handbook.
Requirements for the M.A. in Chemistry
Although students are not normally admitted to study for a Master’s degree, graduate students may earn the M.A. after obtaining Approval of Candidacy for the Ph.D. The M.A. may also be earned by students who have completed all requirements of Ph.D. candidacy but did not pass the Qualifying Exam. Instead, students must complete the following requirements:
- Produce a Master’s thesis that presents the results of a program of research approved by the department.
- Pass a final Master’s thesis defense and submit the thesis to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
- Follow the university requirements for the thesis Master’s degree.