Graduate Overview
Advance chemistry through discovery
The Department of Chemistry at UB offers a graduate experience grounded in strong research support, active mentorship and a collaborative academic culture. Graduate students work closely with internationally recognized faculty on research that advances chemical science and addresses challenges that matter to society.
On this page:
Graduate study in chemistry at UB offers a research focused environment that supports advanced training, discovery and professional growth. What sets our programs apart:
- Engage in original research that advances chemical science and addresses real world challenges
- Work with faculty who are active researchers at an R1 institution
- Access state of the art laboratories, instrumentation and computational tools
- Develop the skills and experience needed for research roles in academia, industry or government
- An active graduate student community, including an ACS student chapter that hosts year-round events, such as a long-standing research symposium
Life in Buffalo
A city with energy, culture and room to grow
Buffalo offers the culture and opportunity of a major city without the cost or congestion. You get professional sports, a nationally recognized orchestra, a vibrant theater district and one of the country’s leading art museums, all in a city that is easy to navigate. Restaurants, coffee shops and local markets make it easy to settle in and feel at home.
Love the outdoors? Lake Erie, the Niagara River and nearby state parks offer hiking, skiing, skating, camping and beaches throughout the year. Winter is part of life here and so is the energy that comes with it.
Buffalo is affordable, connected and growing. Toronto is just 90 minutes away, and the region’s expanding economy means new ideas and opportunities are always within reach.
Photographer: Douglas Levere
- PhD in Chemistry: A research-focused doctoral program combining advanced coursework, broad chemistry proficiency, and original dissertation research.
- PhD in Medicinal Chemistry: A doctoral program centered on drug discovery and development through advanced coursework and original interdisciplinary research.
- MS in Chemistry: A flexible graduate program offering thesis and non-thesis options that build advanced chemical knowledge
- MS in Medicinal Chemistry: A thesis-based graduate program emphasizing coursework and research in drug-related chemical sciences
- BS Chemistry/MS Medicinal Chemistry: Five-year combined program to prepare graduates as laboratory scientists for the pharmaceutical industry.
- BS Chemistry/MS Materials Design and Innovation: Study the composition of matter, then apply your knowledge in the field of engineering.
- Apply chemical theory and methods across degree paths through graduate level coursework and research
- Design, conduct and interpret original research using advanced laboratory and computational techniques
- Communicate research findings clearly through written proposals, oral examinations, public lectures and thesis or dissertation defenses
The department has a strong history of grant funding and faculty are among the top-researchers at UB. As a student, you'll learn from professors who have studied and worked around the globe in a range of positions, and have been widely recognized for their groundbreaking work. Their expertise spans:
- Analytical chemistry
- Bioorganic and medicinal chemistry
- Computational and theoretical chemistry
- Environmental chemistry
- Medicinal chemistry
- Organic and Inorganic chemistry
With questions about the graduate chemistry programs, please contact chemgrad@buffalo.edu.
