DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
Graduate Degree Programs
Mission
The purpose of our graduate programs is to train students to work independently in chemistry and interdisciplinary areas through a broad, flexible base of coursework and research experience. The Department of Chemistry is part of UMKC's unique interdisciplinary PhD program and also offers a Master of Science degree. Note: UMKC does not offer a program in chemical engineering.
APPLY ONLINE FOR GRADUATE WORK IN CHEMISTRY (PhD or MS).
The Chemistry Ph.D. Program at UMKC is interdisciplinary and places emphasis on original research. In this approach to graduate education, your PhD degree is split across two (or more) academic divisions roughly corresponding to the traditional academic disciplines. These divisions may be closely related (for example, Chemistry and Physics) or diverse (for example, Chemistry and Education). This gives you a greater degree of flexibility in course selection and allows you to utilize the expertise of our faculty to the fullest extent.
The School of Graduate Studies administers the interdisciplinary PhD program.
The MS Program in Chemistry is geared toward local professional chemists interested in furthering their chemistry knowledge and expanding their research experience. We encourage qualified international applicants to consider the PhD program
Admission and Degree Requirements
Applicants are expected to have the equivalent of an ACS-approved bachelor’s degree in chemistry, which includes coursework in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and one year of upper division physical chemistry and laboratory requiring calculus and physics as a prerequisite.
See our Bachelor of Science degree program for comparison.
- Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Detailed information on the general and discipline-specific admission and degree requirements may be found in the School of Graduate Studies Interdisciplinary Ph.D. web page. The School of Graduate Studies section of the UMKC catalog lists general graduate academic regulations and information for all graduate degree programs.
- Master of Science (see Catalog Section). Detailed information on the admission and degree requirements, either research or non-thesis, may be found in the Department of Chemistry section of the UMKC catalog.
Support
The Department of Chemistry awards its graduate teaching assistantships on a competitive basis, with preference given to Ph.D. applicants. In addition, individual faculty members with research grants may be able to offer graduate research assistantships. Assuming that both their performance as graduate assistants and their academic progress are satisfactory, GTAs and GRAs normally receive reappointments for up to five years. Assistantships pay a monthly stipend plus in-state educational fees for the first six credit hours of the fall and winter semesters, and non-resident fee status is waived for graduate assistants who are not Missouri residents.
The Graduate Teaching Assistantship Application may be requested from the Dept. while an application is in process ( umkc-chemdept@umkc.edu ).
To Apply, start here.
All applications are now processed online.
At this point, using old paper application forms will slow processing of your application. If you still plan to submit a paper application packet, you must still initiate the online application to alert the department you are applying to, your co-Discipline selections, the IASO and the School of Graduate Studies. International applicants must have a general GRE and TOEFL scores. Domestic applicants must have a general GRE score.
Fees
There is a $35 application fee for domestic students and a $50 application fee for international students that cannot be waived or deferred.
Deadlines
Application deadlines are April 15 for fall and summer terms (February 15 to be considered for financial aid, however), and October 15 for winter term. Applications are reviewed once they are complete. It takes approximately four weeks for a decision to be made on Ph.D. applications after complete; usually less time is required to reach a decision on M.S. applications. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the application is complete. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
Application Inquiries
You may direct questions to our Department; please e-mail, middletonf@umkc.edu. Alternatively, write to us at:
- Graduate Recruiting Committee
Department of Chemistry
University of Missouri - Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
Frequently Asked Questions
Please Note: Information below is not official program information; applicants are referred to the detailed graduate program documents.
Applications and Admissions
1. What is the deadline for application to start in the Fall Semester?
UMKC must receive a completed application by April 15 for a student to be considered for admission in the following Fall semester. If you are applying for a GTA, March 15 is MUCH better. All applications are reviewed on a revolving basis when all documents are complete.
2. What is the deadline for application to start in the Spring Semester?
UMKC must receive a completed application by October 15 for a student to be considered for admission in the following Spring semester. If you are applying for a GTA, September 15 is MUCH better. All applications are reviewed on a revolving basis when all documents are complete.
3. Can I start in the summer?
In some cases, admitted Fall applicants may be offered a starting date in the summer, but Fall and Spring starts are the normal scenario. Qualified international applicants are encouraged to apply early in the year (January - February) for a possible start in the Summer term.
4. Should I apply online or through the mail?
Starting 2008, all applications must be online…
http://www.umkc.edu/isao/graduate_admission.htm
5. How do I apply online?
You will create a login name and password; and need to complete an initial and supplementary application process. We will not see your entry until you finish the initial application. We will try to communicate with you shortly after this, and monitor your application for completion. Please see this link to start the process:
http://www.umkc.edu/isao/graduate_admission.htm
6. Do I submit letters of recommendation online as well?
Letters of recommendation may be FAXed directly from the recommender's office (high resolution, please!) to:
International Applicants: 0-1-573-884-4894
Domestic Applicants: 1-573-884-4898
7. What documents should I send via mail?
You should arrange to have official transcripts sent directly from your educational institutions. All other documents and items for application may be inputted directly into the online system or electronically sent to the Department or ISAO.
Do not send paper applications without also applying online.
8. Is official submission of GRE and/or TOEFL scores required?
Yes. We must receive these scores directly from the testing services.
9. Is there any financial help available for the application fee?
Unfortunately no. The fee is $50 for international applicants and $35 for domestic applicants and is non-refundable. Currently, if you reapply to a different program, or apply a second time, you do not have to pay the application fee a second time.
10. What are the minimum GRE scores required for admission?
Preferred minimum of 1000 combined verbal/quantitative GRE score on the computer portion and 4.0 on the TWE analytical writing portion.
To be considered for an assistantship, we prefer a minimum of 1200 combined verbal/quantitative GRE score on the computer portion and 4.0 on the TWE analytical writing portion.
11. Do I need to take the GRE subtest in chemistry?
No, this is not required. The general GRE test is required by the program. The GRE subject test in Chemistry is optional, but you are welcome to submit this score if you feel it would strengthen your application, e.g., when your undergraduate degree was not in Chemistry, etc.
12. What is the minimum GPA needed I need to be admitted?
All applicants must have a GPA of 3.00 and a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or the equivalent (2 semesters of general chemistry, 2 semesters of organic chemistry, 2 semesters of physical chemistry, 1 semester of physical chemistry laboratory, 1 semester of inorganic chemistry, 2 semesters of analytical chemistry, 2 semesters of calculus-based physics, and 3 semesters of calculus). The Physical Chemistry component is especially important. All incoming students take Physical and Organic exams for placement in academic coursework.
13. What kind of degree do I need to be considered for admission to graduate study in chemistry?
All applicants must have a GPA of 3.00 and a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or the equivalent (2 semesters of general chemistry, 2 semesters of organic chemistry, 2 semesters of physical chemistry, 1 semester of physical chemistry laboratory, 1 semester of inorganic chemistry, 2 semesters of analytical chemistry, 2 semesters of calculus-based physics, and 3 semesters of calculus). The Physical Chemistry component is especially important. All incoming students take Physical and Organic exams for placement in academic coursework.
14. What is the minimum TOEFL score I need to be admitted?
TOEFL score for admission is 550 (213 computer-based test). To be considered for an assistantship, we require a TOEFL of 585 (238 cbt). A good solid score is 600 (250 cbt). A minimum of 92 out of 120 is considered the minimum score for the iBT; 100 or greater (out of 120) is a good solid score. Pay close attention to the speaking portion of this exam; for GTA consideration, we would like a score of 23 or higher (out of 30) on this section.
15. Under what conditions can the TOEFL be waived for a foreign student?
If you complete your BS or BA degree at a U.S. institution, or if you are from a country listed as "TOEFL not required." See: http://www.umkc.edu/isao/fyi/
Graduate Programs
1. Which is best for me, an MS or a PhD?
The answer to this question largely depends on your career goals and how much time and resources you are willing to commit to graduate study. In general Masters degrees are useful for advancing employment opportunities in industry and education. They are usually not considered to be primary research degrees. PhDs ARE primary research degrees and result in the widest access to career choices, including industry, academia and education. People with PhDs are usually qualified to start are a higher level, rise higher and make more money that MS or BS chemists. Some key differences include:
Masters PhD
Time 2-3 years 4-5 years
Courses 31 credit hours varies
GTA support Not generally offered Possible
You can obtain more information of research masters, non-thesis masters and interdisciplinary PhD degrees by clicking on the links.
2. Are there advantages to getting an MS and THEN a PhD?
Not really. Pausing for an MS will usually cost time on your progress toward a PhD.
3. What is the “Interdisciplinary” PhD?
Our interdisciplinary degree program offers you the opportunity to formally train in more than one discipline. It will no longer be enough to know one area, one discipline, one field. Inquiry and discovery are crossing disciplines, and we at UMKC are preparing you for the future. Take a look at the details of the program here.
As a student in the program, you will choose a coordinating unit and a co-discipline. Since you are obviously interested in Chemistry, we assume that will be your coordinating unit. There are a number of other disciplines that work well as co-disciplines, depending on your interests. Here are links to a few that we suggest: curriculum and instruction, computer engineering, geosciences, mathematics, pharmaceutical sciences physics and pharmacology.
UMKC does not have a program in Chemical Engineering.
4. What are some good co-disciplines?
Here are links to a few that we suggest as especially compatible: curriculum and instruction, geosciences, mathematics, pharmaceutical sciences physics and pharmacology.
In considering your selection of co-discipline, think about your experience, training and future interests. Also evaluate the basic requirements of the co-Discipline(s) in which you are interested. If you have a minor or a strong suite of coursework in a particular area, that might be a good area to select.
5. Is there a “regular” PhD program?
There is a traditional PhD program in several disciplines, but not chemistry. Our graduates have had no trouble obtaining employment. “Cross-training” in another discipline is often viewed as a clear positive.
6. Where can I get more general info about the graduate programs at UMKC?
See the School of Graduate Studies website:
7. Can I apply to work for a specific professor?
You can choose to work for a specific faculty member once you have arrived on campus and are part of the degree program. But, you must first be admitted to the University before that can happen. Individual professors are not closely involved with the admissions process. The Chemistry Graduate Recruiting Committee assesses your credentials and recommends admission.
Financial Aid
1. What scholarships are available for graduate study in Chemistry?
There are a number of sources of financial aid and scholarships available. Take a look at the School of Graduate Studies scholarship page.
2. Are teaching assistantships (GTAs) available?
Students who qualify can obtain a teaching assistantship in their first terms at UMKC. Some professors may elect to give highly qualified students a research assistantship.
3. How do I apply for a teaching assistantship?
These applications are made through the Chemistry Department, not the University. You can request one of these applications from middletonf@umkc.edu.
4. When will I know that I have been awarded a teaching assistantship?
A teaching assistantship will generally be offered by the Chair of the Department to qualified students with an admission offer.
5. Are research assistantships (GRAs) available?
Some professors may elect to give highly qualified students a research assistantship. These funds are dependent on the particular professor’s funding situation. Research support is NOT guaranteed.
6. How much does a GRA or GTA get paid?
Our Department strives to match regional average teaching and research assistantships. Included in the financial assistance is a stipend (10 months), educational fees (tuition), and wavier of out-of-state fees. Summer teaching assignments (2 months) may also be available.
7. Do I have to pay tuition if I have a GTA or a GRA?
Assistantships pay a monthly stipend plus in-state educational fees for the first six credit hours of the fall and winter semesters, and non-resident fee status is waived for graduate assistants who are not Missouri residents
8. Do I have to pay out-of-state fees if I have a GTA or GRA?
Assistantships pay a monthly stipend plus in-state educational fees for the first six credit hours of the fall and winter semesters, and non-resident fee status is waived for graduate assistants who are not Missouri residents
After Acceptance and Admission
1. When do I need to be on campus for the Fall semester?
For your first semester, please be on campus at least two weeks before classes start. If you are a GTA, you will need to be on campus at least 2 weeks before classes begin OR the contracted day of your assistantship (Aug. 1 for Fall semester, Jan. 1 for Spring semester, whichever date comes earlier.)
2. When do I need to be on campus for the Spring semester?
For your first semester, please be on campus at least two weeks before classes start. If you are a GTA, you will need to be on campus at least 2 weeks before classes begin OR the contracted day of your assistantship (Aug. 1 for Fall semester, Jan. 1 for Spring semester, whichever date comes earlier.)
3. What are the graduate placement exams and do I have to worry about them?
These exams must be taken before your class schedule and plan of study can be completed. They consist of the American Chemical Society’s standardized tests in organic, physical, analytical and inorganic chemistry. The organic and physical are especially important, and you must obtain higher than a 50%ile (percentile), or additional remedial courses in the area may be required. These exams are offered the week before classes begin.
May 18, 2008
