Graduate Program in Chemistry

A Chemistry graduate student working in a lab.

Welcome to the University of Iowa Department of Chemistry graduate program!  Our mission is to train the next generation of scholars to lead efforts in chemistry research and teaching. The University of Iowa is a top ranked research university and the faculty members in our department are recognized as world-class researchers, effective teachers, and engaged citizens.  While faculty members are listed on our website as part of traditional areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical), our research pursuits span a wide range of topics including atmospheric aerosols and nanoparticles, inorganic and organic synthesis, material and polymer science, drug discovery, environmental transport of contaminants, chemical education, and biological and enzymatic processes. 

One of our primary goals is to train students to become independent scientists, so our students actively engage in research with our faculty members their first year of graduate studies.  We also offer a wide range of advanced coursework to provide the foundational knowledge that will enhance their efforts in the laboratory.  Graduate students are supported through research assistantships with individual faculty members, departmental teaching assistantships, and numerous awards and fellowship opportunities.  We also have internship opportunities, teacher training sessions, graduate student institutes to guide outreach and engagement, and career development workshops to help decrease time to degree and improve job placement. 

We encourage undergraduate students with a science or engineering background to take a look at the information provided on our website, and welcome on-campus visits from anyone interested in our program.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our graduate admissions coordinator (chem-dept@uiowa.edu), or any of our faculty members and we would be happy to answer them.

More detailed information is contained in the Guidelines for Graduate Study in Chemistry.

  • Students who began the program in or after Fall 2022 should refer to the September 2022 version.
  • Students who began the program between Fall 2019 and Spring 2022 should refer to the June 2019 version.
  • Students who began the program between Fall 2016 and Spring 2019 should refer to the July 2016 version.
  • Students who began the program between Fall 2014 and Spring 2016 should refer to the June 2014 version.
  • Students who began the program between Fall 2011 and Spring 2014 should refer to the February 2012 version.
  • Students who began the program prior to Fall 2011 should refer to the March 2004 version.

Graduate Application