Graduate Admissions
We welcome your application and hope you can join our community of scholars!
The Department of Chemistry offers several degree options for graduate students: Master's-level students may pursue an MS in Chemistry or MS in Medicinal Chemistry. Doctoral-level students may pursue a PhD in Chemistry or PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. Undergraduate students are eligible for the combined BS/MS in Medicinal Chemistry.
Admissions Requirements
The University at Buffalo requires a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent for admission. Applicants should also demonstrate aptitude in the physical sciences and mathematics, as evidenced by their undergraduate transcripts.
Application Deadline
December 15: Priority deadline for all applicants who wish to be considered for departmental, College and University assistantships, fellowships and scholarships.
The department continues reviewing applications after the priority deadline until all positions are filled. In general, acceptance letters are sent to qualified applicants from February to April.
Application Instructions
Students who wish to pursue a PhD or MS degree in the Department of Chemistry must submit an online application. Use the link to access our online application system. You should begin by creating an account. Once created, you will be promoted to choose an application, select your term year and program. Please read the directions on your College of Arts and Sciences application carefully. Returning users can use this link to log in to their existing application(s).
Required Supplemental Materials
The following supporting materials must be included as part of the online application. Please carefully read the instructions on the online application for further details.
- Academic Transcripts. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, including the English translation, if applicable.
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation.* Request letters from three people who know your academic work or employment background. We suggest that you contact instructors or employers who know and will describe your unique qualities, especially relevant research experience and skills. These letters must be submitted electronically. Further instructions are included in the online application.
Optional Supplemental Materials
- GRE Scores. The Chemistry GRE subject test is optional. You may request an official electronic score report from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Use Institution Code: 2925 and Department Code: 0301. Official electronic scores will be automatically linked to your online application.
After an application has been submitted for formal review, applicants can view their application along with their supporting documents online by logging back into their application. For questions regarding how to access your online application, please email us at chemgrad@buffalo.edu.
*As of Fall 2011, Educational Testing Service (ETS) has introduced its Personal Potential Index (PPI) as part of the GRE package. While the PPI is strongly recommended, please note that it will not replace the three letters of recommendation needed. The three letters of recommendation are submitted by the applicant’s evaluators through our online application system.
Instructions for International Applicants
UB requires international applicants to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. In addition to the above application materials, international applicants must also submit the following:
- TOEFL Scores. Request an official copy from ETS and use Institution Code: 2925 and Department Code: 62. Official electronic scores will be automatically linked to your online application.
- Passport Bio-Page.
- International Applicant Financial Form (IAFF)
- Financial Documentation (Per the IAFF instructions).
A TOEFL paper score of at least 550 or an iBT score of at least 90 with Speak Sections above 24 is required for standard admission. Most of the accepted international students would have obtained a paper TOEFL score of at least 600 or an iBT score of 100.
TOEFL Standard Admission Minima for UB:
- 550 - Paper Test
- 213 - Computer Test
- 79 - Internet Test
Note: IELTS Score of 6.5 or above can also be accepted in lieu of TOEFL
Application Fees
The graduate application fee is $75 U.S. (payable online). After you submit your application, please return to your application status page to make your payment. Currently, UB accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
UB’s Department of Chemistry is home to students, staff, and faculty from around the world. We are proud of the extraordinary geographical and cultural diversity within the UB Chemistry Community! The map below highlights home towns of our graduate students, undergraduate majors, postdocs, staff, and faculty.
Click on the map for a detailed view!
Contact Us
Please email chemgrad@buffalo.edu with any questions about the application process.