Graduate programs
We have a long and outstanding reputation at the national and international levels for our accomplishments in research.
Our masters and doctoral programs are offered in a number of research areas:
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Energy
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Biomedical/Natural Products
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Synthesis
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Materials Chemistry
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Chemical Physics/Computing
Our graduate programs prepare you for a career in a broad range of industries including:
- healthcare
- pharmaceuticals
- pulp and paper
- petroleum
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government or university laboratories
Graduate students in chemistry will generally pursue a research program under the direction of a single faculty member, but co-supervision is also possible.
Our programs emphasize research leading to a thesis and include supporting course work.
A master's degree typically requires two to three years and a PhD requires three to five years of full-time study.
The overall graduate program of each student is under the direction of a Program Advisory Committee which includes the student’s supervisor and at least two other faculty members.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Valid Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification is required for all graduate students. These workshops will be provided by the Department of Chemistry.
Graduate admission
Our graduate degree programs are research-based and require supervision by faculty members.
We encourage potential applicants to contact faculty members with expertise in their area of interest and ask about openings in specific research groups.
New students usually begin their program at the start of the Fall, Winter or Summer terms. If you plan on beginning the program in September, we recommend applying between January and March to maximize your eligibility for scholarships and other funding.
We accept applications at any time. We assess these as soon as they are complete.
Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for questions about our programs and admission procedures.
Admission requirements
Candidates should have:
- a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry with honours
- a minimum average of B (3.0 cumulative grade point average) or its equivalent from another recognized university
Applicants from universities using the British System need first or upper second division standing.
Applicants with academic backgrounds in other disciplines with an academic performance that matches the requirements may be considered for admission to a qualifying period.
Language proficiency
If you are an international applicant and your first language isn’t English, you will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English prior to your admission.
This is normally done by completing one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and a minimum of 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the internet-based test
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and a minimum overall band score of 7
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) and a minimum score of 85
- Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTest) and a minimum score of band 4.5.
Students may be required to take supplementary English courses if admitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
Applications processing
Applications are processed through the School of Graduate Studies. Admission decisions are made by the dean, associate dean or assistant dean of the School of Graduate Studies following a recommendation from the Chemistry graduate academic unit.
Admission is competitive and may be limited by factors such as the availability of a suitable supervisor, lab space and research funding. Meeting the minimum academic requirements is not a guarantee of admission.
International students
If you apply from outside Canada, we recommend doing so at least six months in advance.
