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College of Arts and Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry

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Our doctoral students rave about McNulty Hall, our state-of-the-art research and teaching center, where they learn from some of chemistry’s brightest minds and work beside them in cutting-edge STEM-designated research programs.

The research opportunities extend to our neighbors, too. The department is committed to collaborative research with other institutions, particularly the chemical industry in northern New Jersey, and boasts strong corporate partnerships with companies like Bristol Myers Squibb. 

These partnerships provide chemistry program students with valuable industry connections and research opportunities. Students work closely with faculty, mirroring the collaborative mentorship model common to both academic industry settings. These collaborations and research experiences prepare students with the transferable skills – and confidence – to move into related chemistry industry positions or academic roles.

Accreditation & Awards

STEM Programs at Seton Hall University
Reader's Choice Workforce Diversity Ranking- Top 10 Graduate School for Fostering Diversity and Inclusion

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Admissions Requirements

Applicants are required to complete our online graduate application and submit the following:

  • Required application fee ($75, waivers available)
  • Personal statement (750-1,000 words)
  • Resume
  • Official academic transcripts

In addition to the general University requirements, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry requires the following:

  • A minimum of 30 credits in undergraduate chemistry, including physical chemistry
  • A one-year course in physics
  • Mathematics through differential and integral calculus
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation

Applicants for whom English is not their native language must also submit TOEFL score results. The department normally requires a total score of 550 (80 IBT) or higher to be considered for admission.

Deadlines

  • Fall Semester

    July 1

  • Spring Semester

    November 1

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International Students Welcome!

Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.

Curriculum Overview

Doctoral students complete a dissertation and 70 credits, spread across research, course work and seminars. The program supports both full- and part-time pathways, enabling busy professionals to balance work while earning their doctorate.

Students can customize their studies, choosing from courses in analytical, organic, physical, inorganic and biochemistry, including Chemical Kinetics, Quantum Chemistry and Proteins. Faculty mentors guide students through key milestones, including matriculation exams and dissertation research.

In your final year, you’ll present a full seminar on your research contributions. Students who enter the program with an M.S. must complete at least 40 additional credits to earn their Ph.D.

  • 4

    Research Centers

  • 1st

    Doctoral Degree Offered by Seton Hall (in 1965)

  • 46

    Average Enrolled Students

Career Opportunities

With a Ph.D. in Chemistry, you’re ready to stand at the forefront of chemical innovation and research, prepared to lead groundbreaking projects and studies.

In New Jersey, which boasts a rich history of collaboration between academia and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, Ph.D. holders can drive advancements in drug development, materials science and environmental solutions.

A Ph.D. in Chemistry provides the credibility and expertise to influence policy, establish startups, or even shape educational curriculums, leveraging New Jersey's vibrant industrial ecosystem to bridge academic knowledge with practical applications.

Engaging in cross-industry partnerships, they might lead teams in pharmaceutical companies, offer consultancy based on cutting-edge research, or collaborate with established chemical firms to develop novel products.

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$12.7 Billion

Amount Invested in Research and Development of Chemistry in the United States

$84,000

Median annual wage for chemists (BLS)

86.5%

Increase in Earnings for Graduates with an Advanced Degree (National Association of Colleges and Employers)

Our alumni work at the best organizations around the world.

The Pfizer logo
The Johnson and Johnson logo
The Novartis logo
The Merck Logo
The Bristol Myers Squibb Logo

Our Faculty and Students

National Science Foundation Program Advances Students’ Entrepreneurship

Two graduate students took their research to the next level, learning how to commercialize their work through the highly selective Innovation Corps training program.

SHU MS Chemistry students

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance their graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.

  • 50%

    Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of funding, scholarships or grants are available for Ph.D. students?

In addition to federal aid and Seton Hall-offered scholarships and graduate assistantships, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers teaching assistantships for students in the Ph.D. program to provide teaching and research support for Ph.D. degree candidates. Teaching assistants assist professors with instructional duties during their studies in return for tuition benefits and a stipend.

A number of research fellowships also are available to students at the beginning of their second year of graduate study.

How long do I have to complete the Ph.D. in Chemistry?

You must complete the program in no less than three years after entry to no more than five years after matriculation. This gives students time to complete coursework, research and dissertation.

Where can I access additional FAQs?

Additional Resources

Facilities and Instrumentation

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

STEM Connect

Request More Information

Office of Graduate Affairs

(973) 275-2892

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About Seton Hall

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One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.

Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interpro­fessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.

  • 1856

    Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley

  • 14

    Miles from New York City

  • 90+

    Career-Building Graduate Programs

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