Graduate Program

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers research-oriented programs culminating in the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The faculty in the department have expertise over a broad range of specialty areas including synthesis, structure, spectroscopy, and mechanism. In each of these fields, the strength of MSU Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has been recognized at the international level. MSU is a dynamic university of 11,000 students with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry being the strongest and best-funded department in the University. Doctoral students who emerge from our program have superb career opportunities.

Graduate programs in chemistry and biochemistry are designed to provide students with a solid and broad foundation on which to base their careers. An appropriate combination of coursework and independent investigation is planned with individual faculty advisors. In consultation with their graduate advisor, graduate students can tailor their program to their own needs and interests. We believe that at the conclusion of their graduate education at Montana State University, students should have a professional command of the fundamentals of their disciplines. We cultivate the ability to think independently and to critically analyze scientific problems that span disciplinary boundaries. A high level of creativity and originality in research is expected of candidates for the Ph.D.

Why choose MSU?
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montana State University has about 25 faculty members and 15-20 incoming graduate students per year. Thus, MSU is the perfect place for students who prefer a more intimate learning environment with frequent interaction between the students and the faculty. Our goal is to do world-class research in a world-class setting. If you check out the professors, research projects, and facilities in our department, we think you will agree, big things are happening in Bozeman.

Applying to our department
Filling out and submitting an application form is the first step toward becoming a graduate student in the MSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

To apply online, click here.

If you have any questions, email debrown@chemistry.montana.edu or call the main office at: 1-877-472-3776 (or, outside the US, 406-994-4802)

or write to:
Doreen Brown
Graduate Program Assistant
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717-3400

Please note that, although you can apply through the MSU College of Graduate Studies, we prefer that you send your application directly to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This saves time in the review process (as the Graduate Dean's Office immediately reroutes your application to us anyway) and allows us to waive the $50.00 application fee. Along with your application form, you'll also need to arrange for your GRE scores, three letters of recommendation and an official transcript to be sent to the address given above.