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The Department of Chemistry is internationally recognized for our research and education.  As part of a commitment to continuing this tradition of excellence, the department provides a graduate program that integrates opportunities for cutting-edge creative research and study across a wide range of areas, including analytical, environment and atmospheric, chemical physics, organic, materials and nanoscience, and physical chemistry. Graduate students enjoy extensive scientific collaboration with chemistry faculty and other departments, such as Biochemistry, Physics, and research institutes and agencies such as the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), Joint Institutes of Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Learn about the various research areas within the Department of Chemistry. As part of the application process you will be asked to select an area of interest based on these research areas. 

How to Apply

All Application Materials, including application, application fee, statement of purpose, transcripts, three letters of recommendation*, and English proficiency exam (if applicable), MUST BE RECEIVED by the application deadline. Applications are CLOSED for Fall 2025 admission. 

*Recommenders can receive an online link to complete the recommendation form.  Please select the option "send to recommender" while filling out the references portion of your application; this will generate an email and send it directly to your recommender. This can be done before submitting you application.

Opportunity for Underrepresented Students

The Colorado Advantage Graduate Preview Weekend provides an opportunity for underrepresented students to visit campus and preview doctoral programs in science, math, and engineering departments at ²ÊÃñ±¦µä. Additional information is available from the Colorado Advantage website.

CU does not admit students to a master's degree program in Chemistry.