Message from Department Chair Cynthia Dowd
Read a welcome message from incoming chair Cynthia Dowd, who steps into the role following 18 years with the Chemistry Department.
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Pairing academic rigor with rich research in the nation’s capital
Who We Are
The GW Columbian College's Department of Chemistry provides a hands-on approach to modern laboratory practices and instrumentation supported by curricula in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
In a collaborative environment where faculty invite mentoring relationships and foster learning and discovery through engaged classroom and research experiences, students graduate with the expertise to pursue careers in academia, professional programs, industry and government.
Annual Caress Lecture: October 1
Dr. Rigoberto Hernandez (Johns Hopkins)
Join the Chemistry Department online or in person for a seminar titled "Theory, Modeling and AI Advancing Sustainable Nanoparticles, Neuromorphic Materials and Energetic Materials."
Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 19–30
Registration is now open for GW's 2026 Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The virtual event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
The Chemistry Department will host a virtual information session for prospective graduate students on Thursday, October 22, at 2 p.m.
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"GW is a great place to be a scientist. I had access to great faculty, world class facilities and leaders in government research labs. Best of all, my fellow graduate students became my family."
Maggie Teliska
PhD '04, Sustainable Energy Scientist
Chemistry Graduate Programs Info Session: November 18
Join us for an online info session discussing the GW Master of Science in Chemistry and Environmental Green Chemistry programs and the PhD in Chemistry program.
Our Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Learn about our majors, minors and American Chemical Society-certified tracks.
Graduate Programs
Find out why our master’s and PhD opportunities are unlike any other.
Research Opportunities
From first-year students to PhDs and faculty, explore research options at our renowned facilities.
Message from the Chair
Seminar Series
We welcome visiting speakers on Fridays throughout the school year. Hear chemists from top agencies and research universities as well as GW’s own chemistry graduate students discuss their scientific breakthroughs.
View Upcoming and Past Speaker Events
