Janice Lozano
Chemistry is a popular subject for PhD students, with an average of 2,097 PhD theses being completed each year between 2019 and 2021 in the US. In Germany, chemistry has the highest PhD ratio, with the number of successful doctorates almost as high as the number of Master's degrees. In the US, there are 129 universities that offer PhDs in chemistry, with a wide range of specializations including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry. PhD programs in chemistry typically require students to have strong chemistry knowledge and laboratory skills, as well as well-developed critical thinking, oral and written communication, and teamwork abilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of PhD programs in chemistry | 196 |
| Number of PhD chemistry students | 13,280 |
| Number of PhD programs with 0-40 students | 44 |
| Number of PhD programs with 41-105 students | 46 |
| Number of PhD programs with 106+ students | 49 |
| Number of PhD theses completed in Chemistry between 2019 and 2021 | 2,097 |
| Number of PhD theses completed in all subjects in 2021 | 28,000 |
| Number of universities offering PhDs in Chemistry in the US | 129 |
| Number of PhD recipients in the US in 2015 | 55,006 |
| Percentage of PhD recipients in the US in 2015 who were US citizens or permanent residents | 64% |
| Percentage increase in the number of PhD recipients in the US from 2014 to 2015 | 1.9% |
| Number of Hispanic and Latino PhD holders produced by American universities from 2011 to 2015 | 11,000 |
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What You'll Learn
PhD ratios and admission restrictions
Chemistry has the highest PhD ratio of any subject, with 85% of graduates going on to complete a doctorate. This is almost as high as the number of Master's degrees awarded in the subject. In Germany, around 200,300 people were enrolled as doctoral students in December 2021, with approximately 28,000 doctorates completed that year. Of these, 2,097 were in chemistry, making it the third most common subject for PhD theses, after medicine and biology.
In the United States, there are 129 universities offering PhD degrees in chemistry, with over 957,000 international students choosing the country for their studies. The admissions process for PhD programs in chemistry varies depending on the university. For example, the University of Pennsylvania requires applicants to first apply and be accepted into the Graduate Program in Chemistry. The majority of admitted applicants have a GPA of above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The admissions committee considers various aspects of the application, including letters of recommendation, personal statements, research experience, test scores, and GPA. International applicants whose native language is not English must also submit proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL scores.
PhD programs in chemistry typically require students to have strong knowledge in the field, as well as laboratory skills. In addition, developing skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, and teamwork are important for PhD chemists. Most programs require students to create and defend original research proposals and make presentations beyond their thesis defense. Some programs may also require placement exams, cumulative examinations, oral and written preliminary exams, and comprehensive exams.
The size of PhD programs in chemistry can vary significantly, ranging from small programs with 0 to 40 students to large programs with over 106 students. The number of students in PhD programs can range from 0 to 394, with the 30 largest programs accounting for almost 50% of graduate students. Monetary support for PhD students can come from teaching or research assistantships, with stipends ranging from $18,000 to $20,000 per year on average.
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PhD program requirements
Chemistry is a popular subject for PhD students, with an average of 2,097 PhD theses being completed each year between 2019 and 2021 in the US alone. Germany also reported a high number of chemistry PhDs, with the number of successful doctorates being almost as high as the number of Master's degrees. There are 129 universities in the US that offer PhDs in chemistry, and there are also many chemistry PhD programs available in other countries.
The requirements for a chemistry PhD program vary, but there are some general guidelines and commonalities. Most programs require students to have a strong background in chemistry or a related field, such as biochemistry. Many programs require applicants to submit proof of earning a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in chemistry or a related field from an accredited institution. International applicants may need to meet additional standards, such as providing proof of English language proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.
In addition to academic qualifications, some programs may require applicants to have research or teaching experience. This could include involvement in undergraduate research projects, internships in commercial labs, or teaching experience as a lab teaching assistant. Applicants may also be asked to describe their research interests and how they align with the research groups at the university. A résumé or CV outlining work experience, research, and volunteer work is usually required.
Once enrolled in a chemistry PhD program, students can expect to develop a range of skills beyond just chemistry knowledge. These skills include critical thinking, oral and written communication, and teamwork. Most programs require students to create and defend an original research proposal, and many also require students to make presentations to audiences outside their research group. In addition to coursework and a dissertation, the majority of programs will require students to take exams, which may include cumulative examinations, oral preliminary exams, comprehensive oral or written exams, or language exams.
Overall, the requirements for a chemistry PhD program are designed to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of the field.
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PhD student funding
There are a variety of funding opportunities available for PhD students in Chemistry. The type of funding and the amount vary depending on the university and the program. Here is some information on funding for PhD students in Chemistry:
University Fellowships
Many universities offer fellowships for PhD students in Chemistry, providing full or partial financial support. These fellowships may cover tuition, fees, stipends, and other expenses. For example, the University of Notre Dame offers full-tuition scholarships with a stipend of $31,057. Princeton University also provides full financial support, including tuition, health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses. Stanford University has the Stanford Graduate Fellowship, which provides full tuition support and a competitive stipend. Additionally, Stanford's Knight-Hennessy Scholars program offers full funding for up to 100 high-achieving students pursuing a PhD in Chemistry.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Teaching and research assistantships are common sources of funding for PhD students in Chemistry. These positions provide a stipend, tuition remission, and sometimes additional benefits like medical insurance. For example, the University of Birmingham in Alabama offers a graduate teaching assistantship with a competitive monthly stipend and full tuition coverage. The University of Los Angeles requires doctoral students to serve as Teaching Assistants for a minimum of three academic quarters and provides funding for tuition, fees, health insurance, and an annual stipend.
External Fellowships and Scholarships
There are also external fellowships and scholarships offered by organizations and companies to support PhD students in Chemistry. For instance, IBM offers fellowships for students interested in solving problems related to computer science, engineering, physical sciences (including chemistry), and more. The Foundation provides scholarships for LGBTQ students pursuing graduate degrees in any field within the U.S. Additionally, there are scholarships and fellowships specifically for women from developing and emerging economies who wish to pursue PhD studies in STEM disciplines.
Grants and Loans
Some universities offer grants and loans specifically for PhD students in Chemistry. For example, Stanford University has the Lowy Fund, which provides interest-free, short-term loans to help graduate students with living expenses and unexpected financial hardships. The university also has a program to support doctoral students facing financial difficulties, offering grants to continue their studies.
Variation in Funding Sources and Amounts
It is important to note that the availability and amount of funding for PhD students in Chemistry can vary significantly between universities and programs. According to a survey by the American Chemical Society, teaching assistantships are a more common source of funding for small and medium-sized programs, while research assistantships are more prevalent in larger programs. Stipends can range from $18,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the program size and location.
Overall, there are a variety of funding opportunities available for PhD students in Chemistry, including fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and grants. Prospective students should research the specific funding options offered by their universities and programs of interest to navigate the financial aspects of their doctoral studies effectively.
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PhD graduate demographics
Chemistry has one of the highest PhD ratios of any subject, with 85% of graduates going on to pursue doctorates. In fact, between 2019 and 2021, Chemistry was the second most common subject for PhD theses completions, with an average of 2,097 PhD theses completed per year.
In the United States, there are 129 universities that offer Chemistry PhDs, with over 957,000 international students choosing the country for their studies. The locations with the highest concentration of Chemistry degree recipients in the US are San Diego, New York, and Chicago. The University of California, San Diego, awards the most degrees in Chemistry, but California Institute of Technology has the highest percentage of degrees awarded in Chemistry.
In Germany, the number of doctorates completed in 2021 was approximately 28,000, with around 200,300 people enrolled as doctoral students. Chemistry is a popular subject for PhDs in Germany, with almost as many successful doctorates as there are Master's degrees.
A survey of PhD programs in chemistry in the United States by the American Chemical Society (ACS) provides insight into graduate student demographics. The survey received responses from 139 PhD programs, with a total of 13,280 students. The programs were divided into three groups based on size: small (0-40 students), medium (41-105 students), and large (106+ students). The number of students in each program ranged from 0 to 394, with 18 departments having more than 200 students. The 30 largest programs accounted for almost 50% of graduate students.
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Top universities for Chemistry PhDs
Chemistry is a popular subject for PhD students, with the number of successful chemistry doctorates almost matching the number of Master's degrees awarded. The United States is a great choice for pursuing a Chemistry PhD, with 129 universities offering PhD degrees in the subject. The country is home to some of the world's most advanced research facilities and laboratories, providing students with the opportunity to engage in high-level studies and make significant contributions to diverse subfields of chemistry.
According to PhDportal.com, some of the top universities in the US for Chemistry PhDs include Kent State University, the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), the University of Memphis, Binghamton University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Cincinnati, Kansas State University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. These universities offer a range of specializations within the field of chemistry, such as organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry.
The QS World University Rankings for Chemistry in 2025 also provide insight into the top universities for Chemistry PhDs globally. While the specific rankings are not provided, the website highlights that nearly 700 universities from around the world were included in the rankings, with two universities each from Singapore and Switzerland in the top 10. Additionally, two Asian universities, Zhejiang University and Seoul National University, climbed into the top 20 for the first time.
When choosing a university for a Chemistry PhD, it is important to consider various factors, including the quality of education, research facilities, faculty expertise, and financial aid options. It is also worth exploring the career prospects and industry connections offered by the university, as strong links between institutions and chemical industries can enhance job prospects for graduates.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 129 universities that offer PhD degrees in Chemistry in the United States.
There were 13,280 students enrolled in PhD Chemistry programs in the United States, as per a survey conducted in 2007.
On average, 2,097 PhD theses are completed in Chemistry each year.
