Graduate Curriculum

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry is awarded at the Florida State University in each of the following areas: Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Materials, Organic, and Physical. While a student can officially major in only one distinct area of chemistry, their research and even coursework can involve more than one area of interest. Although courses are required to achieve a high level of proficiency in one’s field, the primary emphasis of the degree program is in the completion of an original research project that makes a substantial contribution to science. The requirements for Ph.D. candidacy for all programs are listed below.

Unified Doctoral Program for Chemistry and Biochemistry

• The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry requires that all students pass a minimum of eighteen hours of graduate coursework (6 classes). The cumulative grade point average for the courses must be a 3.0 or higher.
•  Students must pass a PhD Oral Competency Exam that focuses on the student’s current research (i.e research prospectus) by the end of their second year in the program..
• No later than end of their ninth semester (third calendar year) in the program students must submit a written proposal and completed a presentation to their advisory committee. 
•  Ph.D. Candidacy is granted after completion of all the above requirements.
•  Finally, a minimum of 24 dissertation hours must be completed after candidacy along with successful defense of the written dissertation before the doctoral degree can be conferred upon a doctoral candidate.