Pathway to a Ph.D.
Guiding Principle of the Ph.D.: Graduate Research
The degree Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree conferred by the University. It is a research degree. It is never conferred solely as a result of study, no matter how faithful, extending over any prescribed time period or for any amount of course work or research accumulated. The degree represents more than merely the sum of semesters in residence and of credits for courses taken. The amount of residence and the plan of study are of secondary importance. The degree is granted solely upon evidence of general proficiency and of distinctive attainment in the special field of the candidate. The degree is granted particularly upon a recognized ability for independent and insightful investigation as demonstrated in a thesis based upon original research combined with creative scholarship and presented with a high degree of literary skill. (Adapted from a statement of the Graduate Program.)
Basic Steps
The average time to complete the Ph.D. degree in our graduate program is 5.3 years. The basic steps are as follows:
Summer Before First Year
Research opportunity supported by the department
First Year
Fall/Winter: Take two courses per semester and perform research rotations in two different labs
Spring/Summer: Identify lab for Ph.D. research, full-time research
Second Year
Fall/Winter: Take one course per semester, perform research in Ph.D. lab, give departmental seminar
Winter/Spring: Assemble candidacy committee, prepare for and pass the candidacy exam*
Spring/Summer: Full-time research
Third and Fourth Years
Continue full-time dissertation researchFourth/Fifth Years
With the dissertation committee have the Data Meeting. The Data Meeting is like a "pre-defense" and ensures student is on track to graduate within six months
Write and defend thesis
Note: students in the Organic program are required to pass five cumulative exams before advancing to candidacy. These exams are offered once per month, and students begin writing them during the first fall semester. Students in the Organic program are also required to submit and defend an original research proposal during years 3-4. Other programs may have slightly different requirements for presentations.
*Candidacy Exam: Students become Ph.D. candidates once they have successfully passed this exam which consists of a brief presentation on the research they plan to accomplish during their Ph.D.. During and after the presentation students will be asked questions related to, but possibly beyond the scope of the specific research. The goal of this exam is to ensure that students have the necessary formal background to successfully implement their proposed Ph.D. research project(s).
How to Apply
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Michigan provides research opportunities at the frontiers of modern chemistry, and we are excited to welcome new students to our program. Please apply online through the Rackham Graduate School, and do not hesitate to contact us with general questions about applying (grad_admissions email). Students interested in particular research groups are encouraged to contact the faculty members directly.