Graduate Students

UMass Amherst Chemistry has a strong and interactive group of faculty and graduate students with research expertise and focus in materials and biological chemistry, providing an ideal foundation from which to pursue cutting-edge applications in addition to traditional divisions in chemistry such as Analytical, Biological, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry.

Materials Chemistry

As a department, we bring expertise in synthesis, fabrication, characterization and theory of novel materials, especially in nanomaterials, for applications in sensors, devices, catalysis and as biofunctional materials. Our department is well known for having developed an impressive array of synthetic approaches for bottom-up assembly of organic, inorganic and hybrid nano-materials. We are also well known for innovative ways to characterize nano-materials using both spectroscopy and theory.

Biological Chemistry

Our department is well known for applying biophysical/bioanalytical approaches to uncover fundamental mechanisms of protein structure, folding and function. We apply an arsenal of tools, including spectroscopies, crystallography, calorimetry, and protein engineering, to systems that range from fundamental models to proteins involved in disease states. We are also well known for developing molecules and nano-assemblies to mimic or control biomolecules and systems.

How to Apply to the UMass Chemistry PhD Program

Fill out the online Graduate School application.

  • Application Deadline:  December 15  (Fall admission only)
  • The GRE exam is not required. It will not be used to assess applications. 
  • The Department requires a separate Research Interests Form to be filed with the graduate application.
  • Application Fee Waiver Request Form. Important Notes: Application fee waivers can NOT be offered retroactively or as a refund for application fee already paid.  Successful Application Fee Waiver recipients will be notified by December 1st. The Department of Chemistry /College of Natural Sciences has a number of application fee waivers it can grant to prospective students who have faced adversity, such as societal, economic or academic disadvantages. We will additionally consider application fee waiver requests from applicants who are first generation students and students who have been traditionally underrepresented in graduate education in Chemistry and / or have participated in the following professional organizations or conferences. Proof of membership or attendance should be submitted. Professional organizations or conferences: NOBCChE, APLU, SACNAS, ABRCMS, AISES, MARC U-Star.

Contact Rebecca David at chemgpm@umass.edu with program questions.

Submit an Inquiry Form for additional information on Chemistry’s Graduate (PhD) Program, application fee waivers, the Biotechnology Training Program, Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program, NIH-PREP (Post-Bac Program), or ACS Bridge (Post-Bac Program).

UMass Chemistry Bridge Program

male student in labUMass Chemistry BRIDGE program aims to increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing advanced degrees in the chemical sciences. The program is flexible to match the needs of each student, and applicants are admitted to one of two tracks. Learn More.