Saint Louis University's chemistry Ph.D. program offers specializations, including traditional areas of analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as cross-disciplinary areas of materials and biological chemistry. Students must complete intensive research culminating in a dissertation.

Chemistry
About
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate advanced level knowledge in both
- synthesis and materials chemistry and
- analytical and physical chemistry methods, with a higher level of knowledge expected in the student's area of research.
- Graduates will be able to use standard search tools and retrieval methods to obtain information about a topic, substance, technique, or an issue relating to chemistry and assess relevant studies from the chemical literature.
- Graduates will be able to communicate scientific findings from literature and original findings from the student's own independent research in written publications and oral presentations.
- Graduates will be able to acquire the basic tools, including chemical practices and theories, needed to conduct advanced chemical research. Students will become proficient in their specialized area of chemistry and complete an advanced, independent research project resulting in peer-reviewed publications.
- Graduates will be able to adhere to accepted ethical and professional standards in chemistry.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
- Completed application
- Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
- Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
- Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 54
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Career
Doctoral graduates pursue different paths, including teaching, postdoctoral studies, or careers in industry or with government agencies, such as the FDA.
Past students from SLU's chemistry Ph.D. program have gone on to careers as research scientists, teachers, university faculty, and in various capacities in pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.
Fee Information
How to Apply
Step 1: Accept or decline your admission
If you applied using SLU’s online graduate application, you can notify us about your decision to accept or decline your admission by logging in and clicking on “Manage Your Account.” From there, you can access the decision form.
If you’ve used a third-party, centralized application to apply — such as SOPHAS for public health programs or CASPA for physician administration programs — you’ll need to email us directly at [email protected] with your decision.
Step 2: Set up your SLU Net ID
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up your SLU Net ID.
Step 3: Log into MySLU
Log into mySLU at auth.slu.edu. Use your SLU Net ID and SLU Net Password, then click "Login." Click on the "Tools" tab to find links to systems, such as Banner Self-Service and other SLU applications and systems.
When logging in for the first time, you will be directed to set up your multi-factor authentication. You will need to log in upon completing that process.
Step 4: Check with your academic department
Contact your department in order to receive enrollment directions, important dates and other information specific to your graduate program. You can also check the University calendar.
Step 5: Read the Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog
Step 6: Submit your immunization and health insurance forms
If you decide to attend SLU, you will need to submit your immunization records and health history. You will also need to submit a health plan enrollment/waiver form.
Step 7: Visit parking and card services to obtain your SLU ID card
You’ll use your SLU ID card to access student services and campus buildings such as the library. Make sure to bring a photo ID, along with a copy of your class schedule.
Chemistry
Saint Louis University
United States of America, Saint Louis