One of the primary objectives for students of the Chemistry Ph.D. program is the successful completion of an original research project in close mentorship by their research adviser and the presentation and defense of the Ph.D. dissertation. This intense research experience provides the education and training necessary for the student to substantiate his/her expertise and develop the skills necessary to become an independent professional. By the end of their Ph.D. work, students will have exhibited and/or engaged in the following:

• Focused, Independent Research: Students will conduct advanced independent research in their focus of chemistry, either on-site or at the professional laboratories where they work.
• Mastery of Scientific Communication: Students’ Ph.D. research culminates in the writing and presentation of the dissertation for examination by a committee consisting of a minimum of five members, including the research adviser.
• Career Readiness: Graduates will exhibit thoroughness in their research and possess highly-advanced working knowledge in their specified field to compete for top positions in industry, government and academia.

In the Chemistry Ph.D. program, students will learn critical skills needed to pursue independent research investigations, collaborate on research projects or teach in an academic setting. Through the program, students will produce research articles that demonstrate a high level of knowledge and innovation in chemistry, as well as exhibit thoroughness in their research and honesty in their presentations to compete for positions in industry and academia. Overall we specifically aim for our Ph.D. chemistry students to meet the following learning outcomes:

• Complete their Ph.D. requirements in five years or less.

• The capability of learning and working independently.

• Ability to find positions in their areas of chemistry.

• Each Ph.D. graduate is expected to publish his/her research in respected refereed journals.

• Broad understanding of major concepts, advanced theoretical principles, as well as experimental methods and findings in the field of chemistry.

• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with professional conduct in a classroom and laboratory setting.

• Demonstrate efficient problem-solving skills and ability to think critically to address problems in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

• Demonstrate knowledge of lab procedures and adherence to ethical research conduct in order to properly conduct experiments, analyze data and interpret results.

• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, in order to communicate research and complex findings to specialist and general audiences.

• Demonstrate effective understanding and application of modern tools and equipment used for chemical analysis.

• Proficient use of computational methods used for chemical simulation.

• Demonstrate effective use of research tools needed to investigate and evaluate scientific journals for relevant findings or information.

• Demonstrate strict adherence to safety and chemical hygiene regulations and practices.