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College of Science & Engineering

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

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Graduate Programs

students working with beakers

Advance your education through a graduate degree in chemistry.

Pursuing graduate work in chemistry at TCU combines the best of both worlds. You can work on problems of contemporary interest — from medicine to materials science — in a setting that allows for intimate mentorship from your Ph.D. advisor.

That is, the average research group size here is two graduate students – far less than that of R1 institutions. This environment is ideal for students that come to graduate school with a broad liberal arts background or little research experience, but with a passion for science.

While pursuing your degree, opportunities for professional development abound.  Your training in communication will form a foundation for presentations at regional, national and international conferences as well as your first job talks.  Working hands-on with your Ph.D. advisor in the design of experiments or preparation of manuscripts will hone your abilities as an independent investigator and clear communicator.  Teaching and working in a laboratory with undergraduate researchers will develop your leadership skills.

Students graduating from the program have opportunities to enter industry or academia.  Many pursue post-doctoral work at some of the most prestigious laboratories across the world.

Master of Arts (MA)

Courses & Requirements

Master of Science (MS)

Courses & Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Courses & Requirements

Application Process

Application deadlines for the College are flexible, but apply by January 1 for maximum consideration for Fall and Summer admission and by September 15 for maximum consideration for Spring admission for most programs.

  • Students need to fulfill the general TCU admission requirements.
  • A completed online application (see below.)
  • Three letters of recommendation (the online application will prompt you for information regarding your references.)
  • Transcripts of all colleges attended (upload unofficial copies via the online application. If you are admitted to the program a single copy of all official transcripts will be required – see address below) [When applicable, student needs to submit English translations of transcripts. We do not provide this service.]
  • Personal Statement of Purpose (upload via the the online application. Essay – 1,000 words or less, that describes your motivation and goals for graduate study, career ambitions, and the specific ways TCU may fit those.)
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (input scores in Testing Information section in the online application, then request official scores to be sent to TCU Graduate Studies, ETS institutional code 6820)  for evidence of proficiency in English a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet based) or 550 (paper based) is required or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5].
The GRE is not required for any Department in the College of Science & Engineering. Any submitted GRE score is part of a holistic review of each application, and original documentation of the scores will be required if admitted.
Fee of $60 through the online application
  • TOEFL is required of all international students – applicant may request a telephone interview with the department for possible waiver of the TOEFL.
  • For U.S. permanent resident: Please confirm that you are a permanent resident of the United States by emailing a scanned copy of your green card to csegradapp@tcu.edu.
  • For non-permanent residents, please upload the completed International Student and Scholar Form with your application.
International Student and Scholar Form

Admitted students will also be required to provide proof of financial support by filling out and returning the International Student Financial Statement. Students on full Teaching Assistantships (see below) do not have to use this form. 

Financial Statement for International Students


For additional information for international students, refer to International Student Services 

Graduate Application Frequently Asked Questions