This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Maryanne Collinson, Ph.D.
Professor and chair

Julio Alvarez, Ph.D.
Associate professor and graduate program director

chemistry.vcu.edu

The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. For undergraduate students, the Bachelor of Science offers concentrations in chemical science, professional chemist, professional chemist with honors, biochemistry and chemical modeling.

For graduate students, the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs provide opportunities for concentrated study in analytical, inorganic, organic or physical chemistry, or chemical physics. A plan of study is worked out for each student to ensure a sound basis for research. In keeping with the university’s commitment as an urban institution, the department also offers part-time programs leading to these degrees.

Refer to the department’s website for more information.

Admission requirements for graduate study

In addition to the general requirements for admission to graduate programs in the Graduate School and the College of Humanities and Sciences, students are expected to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 30 semester credits in chemistry. Admission on a provisional basis is possible for a student temporarily lacking this expected chemistry background. Acceptance is based upon undergraduate performance, satisfactory scores on the GRE and letters of recommendation.

Graduate students in the Department of Chemistry may receive financial support via teaching or research assistantships or fellowships. Application forms and instructions for applying to all graduate programs are available on the Graduate School website.

General degree requirements for graduate programs

Entering graduate students are required to take proficiency examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. These examinations are at the level of sound undergraduate courses and are offered preceding the start of the school’s fall and spring semesters. These tests are used to evaluate the student’s strengths and weaknesses, and the student’s program is planned accordingly.