Analytical Chemistry

chemical formula
Our department tackles a diverse range of research problems in the four sub-disciplines of chemistry and also offers many multi-disciplinary options, such as materials chemistry, forensics, and biophysical chemistry.
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Our research faculty at ISU Chemistry guide students to think critically and creatively about solutions to important and challenging scientific problems. Our department’s 27 active research groups receive >$30M annual funding by federal and state agencies and by industry to support our research. Our graduate students develop their full potential here at ISU by working closely with faculty in individual and collaborative research projects in a beautiful chemistry building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization:  (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Biomolecular Science (Ph.D.)
  • Chemical Education (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Chemical Instrumentation (Ph.D.)
  • Forensic Chemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Industrial Chemistry (Ph.D.)
  • Materials Chemistry (Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.0 year (Methods)

Graduate Student Services

chemgrad@iastate.edu
515-294-7810
Chemistry Graduate Admissions
1605 Gilman Hall
2415 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA 50011-1021

Learning Goals

  • Have an understanding of the literature in your discipline
  • Identify problems relevant to the sub-field of chemistry
  • Learn to gather, organize, analyze, and report data
  • Develop the skills to test hypotheses and solve research problems
  • Communicate research effectively, in both written and oral forms

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Departmental on-line application
  • TOEFL scores are REQUIRED for international applicants.
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 573
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 89
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 60
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

The Chemistry program at Iowa State University has a pre-application process. Apply ONLY to Chemistry initially using the departmental online application found on our webpage at www.chem.iastate.edu or above under the Apply Now button. We review your file in house and if you receive an offer of admission and accept, we will pay your application fee to the University.

Application Deadlines:

International deadline: January 15. Domestic deadline: February 1 We do not offer spring admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions