Fall 2024 Application Information

We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2024.

The priority deadline for Fall 2025 applications is December 15th, 2024.  Applications submitted after December 15, 2024 must have all information in the portal by February 1, 2025.  

Filling out and submitting an application form is the first step toward becoming a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  For important information about the application process, please contact Doreen Brown at doreen.brown@montana.edu

Important Information

Admission decisions are determined by review of applicant's transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, research experience, and strength of chemistry/biochemistry undergraduate background (including general, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry courses; mathematics through calculus; and college level physics).  Although applications are accepted throughout the year, most offers are made for admission in the fall semester.  

The following criteria should be used as a guide to help you as you apply to our graduate programs. 

  • Undergraduate GPA must be 3.0 or above on a 4.0 point scale.  
  • GRE scores are NOT required. 
  • Evidence of English Language Proficiency. At the time of applying, MSU requires applicants from countries where English is a second language to present evidence of proficiency in the use of the English language. For the countries waived, please see the list ; if your country is not on the list - the English proficiency exam will not be waived. Minimum test scores from acceptable testing agencies are: TOEFL: 90-internet-based [iBT], the speaking component must be 26 or above; IELTS: 7.0 with a speaking component of 7.5-8.0; or 130-135 Duolingo (We are not accepting Pearsons PTE). 
  • Certificates of completion with official grade reports and the instructor's recommendation from accredited alternative English as a Second Language programs may be considered and can be uploaded into the application for review, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis . MSU reserves the right to request students to submit additional proof of English proficiency, even if they meet the above-listed requirements. 
  • Transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate study from each international and U.S. college/university. Copies of transcripts are fine initially for the application file but the committee reserves the right to request a student to submit an official transcript or WES evaluated transcript if necessary.   
  • Your personal statement should include your short term academic goals and long term professional goals and why our department is a good fit for you.  Include in your statement, any research you experienced as an undergraduate and the names of 3 professors in our department you would like to research with and why.  Faculty who accept graduate students can be found at the following website.
  • In additon your your personal statement, there are 3 additional questions in the application that you must respond to. 
  • You do not need to contact faculty to apply or be accepted into the program.
  • You do not need to hold an MS degree to apply to our PhD programs.
  • Review of applications begin in early January and continues until our class is full. Priority is given to early applicants.
  • Applicants will be notified about acceptance and financial awards no later than April 1st. Completed applications should be in our office by January 15th. Applications received after January 15th are still eligible for acceptance if space is available, however, no waivers will be provided.
  • If accepted into the PhD program, support in the first year for a PhD student will be in the form of a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) and a tuition waiver.  Subsequent support will be determined in consultation with your research advisor as either a GTA or Graduate Research Assistant.

To apply, click here. 

If you have any questions, email doreen.brown@montana.edu.