Graduate Admissions & Aid
Being in the heart of Washington, D.C., means GW Chemistry students have unparalleled access to career-changing opportunities in governmental agencies, national laboratories, institutes and NGOs. On campus, graduate students enjoy the very best in lab research, technological tools and instruction for a balanced, personalized education.
How to Apply
Applicants to our MS EGC, MS and PhD in Chemistry programs must hold a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering that includes a background in the fundamental areas of chemistry. The GRE is recommended but not required. Applicants do not need to be a chemistry major to be admitted; however, at a minimum, candidates must have completed:
- Two semesters of general chemistry
- Two semesters of organic
- One semester of inorganic (PhD)
- One semester of quantitative and/or instrumental analysis (recommended)
Applicants to our graduate programs do not require the GRE, it is recommended but not required. For international students applying to the PhD program, the minimum score of TOEFL is 100, IELTS (band/subscores) is 7.0 with no individual band score of less than 6.0, Duolingo is 130, PTE Academic is 68. For international students applying to the MS program, the minimum score of TOEFL is 80, IELTS (band/subscores) is 6.0, Duolingo is 110, PTE Academic is 68.
An applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering that includes a background in the fundamental areas of chemistry. Two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose and an academic writing sample are required. Applicants do not need to be a chemistry major to be admitted; however, at a minimum, candidates must have completed:
Application Deadlines
MS Chemistry
- Fall Admissions: April 1
- Spring Admissions: October 1
- Any Admissions or application questions can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]
MS Environmental and Green Chemistry
- Fall Admissions: April 1; however, if you would like to be considered for merit funding you should apply by February 1.
- Spring Admissions: October 1
- Any Admissions or application questions can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]
PhD Chemistry
- Fall Admissions: December 15, but will accept late applications if space is available.
- Spring Admissions: October 1
- Any Admissions or application questions can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]
Graduate Application FAQs
Do I need a sponsor?
You do not need a program sponsor. We encourage you to apply. This linked page, has pertinent information related to the Statement of Purpose: "In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application. If you are applying for an assistantship or fellowship, you should also describe any teaching experience you have had."
What is the possibility of getting funding after securing admission?
In general, students who are offered admission to the PhD program are also offered "full" funding packages (full tuition coverage for up to 5 years, plus assistantship, plus stipend). Students offered admission to the MS program can work with the admissions office to find out more about funding for graduate programs. Please sign up for one of the Graduate Information Sessions. You can find information on funding opportunities for prospective students here. No additional application is necessary for any CCAS award. Simply check the box on the application for admission to indicate that you would like to be considered for an award. Awards are made on a competitive basis to the most highly qualified eligible applicants. Awards outside CCAS may have separate application forms and application deadlines.
Are there opportunities to obtain application fee waivers?
While we do not offer fee waivers on the basis of financial need, we do *occasionally* offer fee waivers (or waiver codes) to individuals who attend information sessions. The relevant information sessions generally take place in October and/or November, in the lead-up to the application deadline. Please check and refresh the linked information session page frequently to see the latest listing of upcoming events.
Can I get a link to subscribe to the school newsletter so I can be aware of any upcoming webinar?
Once you apply or reach out to us you are in our system and on our email list. We encourage you to start your application as soon as you are able. If it is not open yet, check back in a week to see if it has opened. We encourage you to monitor your email and reach out if you have questions.
Please feel free to email the Chemistry Department or the GW CCAS Graduate Admissions Office if you have additional questions about the program and the application process.
Online Pre-application Form for Domestic and International Students
If you are a student who has received or expect to receive a degree in chemistry from a four-year college (or the international equivalent) and has a 3.0 or higher GPA we want to hear from you! Please complete our simple online form. We will contact you soon with information about our department and application details. Application fees can be waived for selected applicants.
"It was an easy decision. The atmosphere, the people, the discoveries ... the opportunities open for me. I can’t find this anywhere else."
Sylwia Stopka
MA ’17, PhD ’18
Vertes Research Team
Funding Resources
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour. For detailed cost information, visit the Student Accounts Office website.
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