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
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.