The general regulations of the university are followed along with the additional requirements listed below.
A background of undergraduate courses consisting of one year each in analytical chemistry or biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, calculus and physics is expected. A student not having all of the above courses may be accepted for graduate study if ability is shown in other courses. Deficiencies in undergraduate courses can be made up during the first year of graduate study, but no graduate credit will be earned from these courses. Admission of a student to the doctoral program normally requires at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a scale of 4.0) and a 3.0 grade point average in any prior graduate coursework (if applicable). Applicants with grade point averages less than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission if justified by other aspects of the application such as strong letters of recommendation and high GRE scores.
It is recommended (not required) that all applicants have the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) sent directly to the University. The general GRE exam is required and a minimum quantitative score of 45% or higher is recommended. Although the subject GRE is not required, candidates are encouraged to provide a subject GRE score to strengthen their file. Information about the GRE can be obtained by visiting their website. Our GRE University code is 1367; the departmental code is 0301.
We require three letters of recommendation and a CV/resume, as well as original academic transcripts and a statement of purpose. Please make sure that the statement of purpose includes your area of interest, as well as any faculty whose research interests you. While you do not need to have an advisor chosen in advance, including your research interests within your statement of purpose is advisable. Students may do their research in the following fields:
Additionally, many faculty have research interests in intra-divisional areas of separations, surface science or liquid crystals. Further information on our faculty members and their research can be found on the "Faculty Research" page of the website.
It should be noted that neither the University nor the Department is able to waive the application fee. The fee must be paid before a decision can be made on your admission. In addition, we cannot review your application until you have provided all of the requested information.
The online portal will allow applicants to upload their materials. Further information on the submission process and the transcript policy can be found at: https://www.kent.edu/admissions/graduate-degree-student-requirements. International applicants do not need to have WES or any other credential evaluations.
When your application is complete, the departmental Graduate Committee will review it and you will be informed of their decision as soon as possible.
The Teaching Assistantship for qualified first year doctoral students carries a stipend of $26,000 for 12 months and full payment of tuition is also provided. The normal period for Ph.D. level graduate support is 4 1/2 years (2 1/2 years for masters students). Renewal of the Teaching Assistantship will be contingent upon the student's satisfactory performance in both the academic program and assigned responsibilities, as well as the continued availability of funds and departmental need.
Students are expected to commit themselves to remain in our program until the completion of their degree.
To ensure full consideration, candidates for admission for the upcoming fall semester should ensure that all their application material is received by the University no later than our priority deadline: December 15th. However, applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. In the case that late applications cannot be considered for fall admission, they will be automatically considered for admission the following spring semester.
A limited number of positions are available for spring admission. Candidates should ensure that their application package is complete no later than September 15th.
Further information can be found on the Admissions FAQ page.