Maryanne Collinson, Ph.D.
Professor and chair

Suzanne Ruder, Ph.D.
Professor and associate chair

Soma Dhakal, Ph.D.
Associate professor and graduate program director

chemistry.vcu.edu

The Department of Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University is a thriving community of scholars committed to providing sustained STEM research, learning and growth opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. These scholars offer unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study and scientific discovery at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and seek to create independent thinkers capable of addressing and solving the next generation of scientific and technological problems. Furthermore, they are committed to the dual mission of teaching and research and are dedicated to the success and well-being of students, faculty and staff. Diversity, inclusion and the desire to educate the next generation of students to solve complex scientific problems are among the department's greatest assets.
 
The chemistry department offers programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Unique opportunities for an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree in chemistry and an accelerated bachelor's in chemistry to master's in forensic science are also offered.
 
For undergraduate students, the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry offers concentrations in biochemistry, chemical modeling, chemical science, professional chemist and professional chemist with honors.
 
For graduate students, both a thesis and non-thesis Master of Science in Chemistry program are offered, as well as both thesis and non-thesis Doctor of Philosophy programs, that provide opportunities for research in the traditional areas of chemistry and including materials chemistry, nanomaterials, chemical biology, and biochemistry. Graduate students may also participate in an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology program.

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.

Students who complete the requirements for any of these concentrations will receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Biology.

Students who complete the requirements for either of these concentrations will receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry.

Students who complete the requirements for this degree will receive a Master of Science in Chemistry.

Students who complete the requirements for this degree will receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.