Requirements

Admission Requirements to the Program

The candidate's entire application file is considered when making admissions decisions. This file includes a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, performance in previous studies, and scores on the Graduate Record Examination (aptitude and chemistry subject test). The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of almost all international students. Most students who are accepted into the program are supported by teaching or research assistantships.

A bachelor's degree equivalent to the A.C.S.-certified B.S. degree in chemistry at Baylor is the standard requirement for admission. In addition to the GRE General Test, the Advanced test in chemistry may be required of applicants, at the discretion of the department. For those applying with less than the standard requirement, the quality and adequacy of the work offered for admission will be evaluated by the Graduate Affairs Committee of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry after reviewing the application for admission. Students who are required to take any combination of CHE 4207, 4217, 4237, 4301, and 4316 may apply only one toward fulfilling their M.S. or Ph.D. degree requirements.

Placement Examinations and Selection of Research Advisor

At the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, placement examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and biochemistry are administered. The results of these examinations serve as a guide in developing an individual program of study. Under the guidance of the graduate director and faculty members, students plan a curriculum, explore the research interests of the chemistry faculty, and select a research advisor. Since research is the major component of a graduate degree in chemistry, the selection of a research advisor is of utmost importance. New graduate students are strongly encouraged to make appointments with several faculty members to discuss research opportunities prior to selecting a research advisor.

Teaching

Teaching is a vital and integral part of every graduate student's training and is required for both the Ph.D. and M.S. degrees Faculty members evaluate the performance of teaching assistants every semester, and outstanding teaching assistants receive special recognition from the Department.