About the Chemistry Graduate Program at WVU

Academic Program
Upon entering the program students must take and pass qualifier examinations to ensure they have the appropriate chemistry background to succeed in graduate coursework. Students generally complete a majority of coursework during the first year of attendance. Students in the Ph.D. program are required to take a total of 3 courses outside of their division and coursework within their chosen field of research (divisional or otherwise) that is necessary for training. Details of courses offered in the Chemistry Department are in the chemistry course summary.
The student selects a research advisor near the end of the first semester of attendance. While engaged in research, students also must pass written and oral examinations prior to defending their thesis. Research proficiency is stimulated by a close knit faculty and individual mentoring. The average time to degree for the WVU chemistry Ph.D. program is five years.

Stipends
The department provides teaching stipends up to $20,000.00 during the first year. Beginning with the second year, students focus more fully on their research endeavors. Most students are supported on research assistantships. All students in good standing are supported through either teaching or research assistantships in the Department of Chemistry. Tuition is covered by the department for any full-time student who receives TA or RA support. West Virginia University provides health insurance for all graduate teaching assistants and research assistants at no cost to the student. Cost of attendance and cost of living estimates are helpful in determining living conditions in the area.