Chemistry, Ph.D.

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Major Code: 9031	Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy
Delivery Mode(s): Classroom	Admission Status: Graduate
Admission Materials: letters of recommendation, résumé, objectives, transcripts	Location(s): Main Campus - Melbourne

A candidate for the doctoral program will typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry with outstanding performance. Students enrolled in the master’s program can apply to change their status to work directly toward the doctorate after completing nine credit hours of graduate coursework at Florida Tech with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2.

Admission Requirements

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented under Graduate Academic Information . GRE scores from both the general and subject tests in chemistry are recommended but not required.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral degree is primarily a research degree and is conferred in part in recognition of research accomplishments. Each student must complete an approved program of coursework, pass the cumulative written examinations, pass the comprehensive oral examination, write an acceptable research proposal and file a petition for admission to candidacy, complete a significant original research study, prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research, and present a seminar on the dissertation research.

Each new doctoral student is required to comply with the specific program guidelines. A doctoral student must have an advisory committee and a program of study appointed by his or her advisor with the approval of the department head by the end of the first semester in residence. The advisory committee is responsible for oversight of the student’s progress within the program and for verifying adherence to the program guidelines, as well as for approving the research proposal. The program is based on the student’s goals and background. The proposal presents the research plan to be followed in the dissertation work. Areas of specialization are included under research activities.

After the research project is completed and approved by the advisory committee, the dissertation is submitted to the advisory committee for critical evaluation. The student then orally defends the dissertation.

General degree requirements are presented under Graduate Academic Information .

Curriculum

In developing a program of study for the doctoral degree, considerable latitude is allowed to accommodate research interests. The following guidelines apply to students entering with a bachelor’s degree:

Coursework and Dissertation Summary

Formal Courses (minimum) Credit Hours: 18
Research Courses Credit Hours: 3-27
Dissertation Courses (minimum) Credit Hours: 15

Minimum Credits Required Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree: 72

For students entering with a master’s degree, coursework completed for the master’s degree can fulfill a significant proportion of the 18 credit hours of formal courses. The student should be prepared to complete some additional coursework.