Thank you for your interest in graduate education in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UNLV. Our graduate programs (Ph.D., M.S. and M.S. in Biochemistry) offer exceptional research opportunities for advanced training in a wide variety of chemistry related disciplines including Organic, Physical, Analytical, Computational, Materials, Biochemistry, and Chemical Education. The graduate student to faculty ratio in the department is nearly one-to-one. Consequently, our diverse student body receives a high level of individualized interaction with excellent faculty through customized research projects, specialized course work, professional development, and graduate seminars. In addition, many of our research programs offer exciting interdisciplinary collaborations with local scientists, as well as with scientists nationally and internationally.
The department offers the following graduate degrees:
Graduate Degrees
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Description of Programs
M.S. in Chemistry
Six tracks of specialization available:
- Biochemistry
- Environmental and Analytical Chemistry
- Organic, Organometallic and Polymer Chemistry
- Physical Education
- Chemical Education
- Materials Chemistry
In consultation with their advisor and thesis committee, students select a program of study consisting of at least 30 graduate credits from Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offerings with possible course additions from other departments and programs (e.g., Biology or Physics). A thesis is required (which again must be approved by the thesis committee) and teaching experience is strongly recommended for full-time students. The program is designed to be completed in two years with dedicated effort; actual graduation times for full-time students have ranged from 1.5 years to 3 years.
Ph.D. in Chemistry
The program places a special emphasis on materials and molecular science and on a broad range of applications in energy, research, materials science, nuclear materials, environmental sciences, biology, and biochemistry.
Admission to the Ph.D. degree program in chemistry will require a B.S. degree or an M.S. degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, or related discipline. A minimum GPA of 3.00 for all undergraduate or graduate work will be necessary for admission to the program. The Department of Chemistry will require a statement of interest from the applicant. In addition, three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the academic record of the applicant should detail the potential of the applicant for advanced graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry.
Ph.D. in Radiochemistry
The Radiochemistry program is a student-driven research intensive program stressing fundamental aspects of radiochemistry science. Graduate students receive unique training and educational opportunities with hands-on experience in handling, manipulating, and detecting unsealed radioactive material.
Admission to the Ph.D. program requires a B.S. degree or an M.S. degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Health Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum GPA of 3.00 for all undergraduate or graduate work is necessary for admission to the program. Application for admission includes a personal statement of interest and three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the academic record and/or research efforts of the applicant.
Affiliated Programs
M.S. in Water Resources Management
This program is an interdisciplinary degree that includes several members of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry on the faculty. Credit and thesis requirements are similar to the Chemistry M.S. degree. The program is administered through the UNLV .