Graduate Programs

The Department of Chemistry at Stanford offers opportunities for graduate study in a wide range of contemporary areas of chemistry, including organic, chemical biology, inorganic, physical, and biophysical chemistry. In many instances, the research described in the following pages defies easy classification in terms of traditional labels and divisions, a characteristic which is instrumental in elevating Stanford's graduate program to one of the world's best. Faculty members and graduate students often collaborate with colleagues in chemistry and other disciplines on research problems.

Graduate study at Stanford stresses the unique needs of the students; basic course and examination requirements are deliberately kept to a minimum to allow each candidate maximum flexibility in fulfilling individual research interests. Graduate students are usually engaged in research by the second quarter of their first year. Generally, University and Department requirements for the Ph.D. degree can be met in less than six years of residence.

The research groups in Chemistry range from small (only two to three students) to large (twenty or more), including postdoctoral research fellows. Much of the advanced instruction, little of which is formally listed in the course catalog, occurs in group seminars organized within the individual research groups. Distinguished visiting scientists often participate in such special seminars, while research seminars of broader interest are arranged through weekly Departmental seminar programs in all areas of chemistry.

Due to the confidence the Department has in its selection of candidates for admission to graduate study, no Departmental or comprehensive examinations are required for the Ph.D. degree. Alternatively, scientific development in the second and third years is normally monitored through individual student discussions with the faculty advisor. The only formal test requirement for incoming students is to display proficiency and breadth in chemistry at the level of a traditional advanced undergraduate curriculum. Before the autumn quarter, a set of entrance examinations is taken by the incoming class of graduate students. Any deficiencies are identified and corrected by the student in conjunction with the appropriate faculty. As soon as the examinations are taken, possible research problems are discussed with individual faculty members. Subsequent course work and other requirements are largely determined by the student and research advisor(s). More detailed information concerning degree requirements and course offerings can be found in the Stanford University general catalog, Stanford Bulletin.

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