Applying for Admission
Applications for admission to the Chemistry graduate program should be made online through the Graduate School. All documents should be submitted to the Graduate School, which will make them available to the Chemistry Department after the application fee has been paid.
At this time, the only application fee waiver options at the Graduate School are for the following scenarios:
- IRT Scholars will receive an application fee waiver.
- McNair Scholars will receive an application fee waiver.
- Current and former US Armed Forces members/dependents will receive an application fee waiver.
- Alumni from a University of Maine System institution will receive an application fee waiver.
The following application materials are required:
- Application
- Student’s CV
- Transcripts from all previous universities for coursework leading to a BS/BA in Chemistry or related field.
- Transcripts from all previous universities for coursework leading to a MS in Chemistry or related field.
- Letters of recommendation – from three persons (faculty or supervisors) familiar with your scientific ability. At least two of the letters should be from your chemistry professors or research advisors.
- GRE scores – GRE scores are not required for admission. They are, however, recommended for international students. If an international applicant has GRE scores, it is helpful to our admissions committee to have them for review.
- TOEFL, IELTS, DuoLingo exam scores – English proficiency exams are required for International students only. A minimum score of 98 TOEFL (Internet), 7.0 IELTS, or 130 for DuoLingo are the required scores for Teaching Assistantship (TA) support.
The department offers both fall and spring admissions. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Financial support is offered in the form of both T.A.’s (teaching assistantships) and R.A.’s (research assistantships) – see below for further information.
Financial Support
Students are supported by teaching assistantships, fellowships, or research assistantships (the last provided by a research advisor). Every student in good standing will be supported for two and one-half years for an M.S. and four and one-half years for a Ph.D. by some combination of department and grant funds. An additional semester of support may be granted by the graduate committee of the department on petition by a student and his or her advisor. The current stipend for a teaching assistantship is $20,000 for 9 months for a PhD student ($17,000 for an MS student); a full tuition waiver and 50% of health insurance premiums is also included. Many second- and third-year students are supported by their advisors on research assistantships, which can range in value up to $30,000 per year. Preference in funding is given to students pursuing a PhD versus MS program.
It is the policy of the University of Maine to comply with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran’s status. The University’s policy shall include, but not be limited to, the requirements of Executive Order 11246 and 11375, as amended in Department of Labor, Office of Federal Compliance Programs, 41 CFR, Part 60-2, October 20, 1978; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974.
For further information: