PhD in Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry here at SMU has a long history of excellence in research and teaching. Whether aspiring to a career in industry, medicine, or academia, the comprehensive curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and experience to excel in their future careers. The faculty maintain active research programs, attend numerous national and international meetings in their fields, and publishes in major journals. The Ph.D. program, established in 2004, builds on the faculty expertise and emphasizes three major areas:

Organic, Medicinal, and Bioorganic Chemistry Materials and Polymer Chemistry Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

Our programs both have the goal of maximizing each student's knowledge in the chosen field of study and preparing him or her for research and a future career in academia and/or private industry.

Chemistry, Ph.D.

• First-year core courses
• Two semesters of teaching undergraduate chemistry labs to enhance communication skills
• Cumulative exams
• Written and oral research progress report and dissertation plan
• Research proposal
• Successful completion of a research program under the supervision of the faculty
• Presentation at a professional meeting
• Dissertation and oral defense of the research

SMU's Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields across four different colleges and schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Meadows School of the Arts, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. These programs help students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to both academia and industry.

• 32 Doctoral degrees
• 120+ Masters degrees
• 47 Fully-funded Ph.D. fellows

Thinking about studying at SMU? Welcome!

Southern Methodist University is a private, research-driven institution focused on providing innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful studies. Located in the international city of Dallas, TX, our graduate students get to live and learn in one of the 10 best business locations in the U.S. according to Fortune magazine.

The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, in partnership with five of SMU's Colleges and Schools, offers 32 doctoral degrees and over 120 master's degrees in addition to several professional degrees. These programs help our students pursue their passions and make significant contributions in their academic fields and beyond.

Diversity at SMU

Southern Methodist University is committed to nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually challenging environment for all of our graduate students.

We believe that a supportive community embracing individual viewpoints and backgrounds leads to a more rigorous academic environment and a more fulfilling experience for all.