Graduate Program
Welcome to the Department of Chemistry at the University of Maine. We are proud to be the only university in the State of Maine to offer Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in chemistry. Our faculty and graduate students are actively engaged in research that spans a broad range of chemistry. The smaller size of research groups in our department allows for a high degree of student-faculty interaction. Many groups have interdisciplinary research projects that provide opportunities for collaboration with engineers, materials scientists, biological scientists or disciplinary based education researchers.
The majority of our graduate students are enrolled in the Ph.D. program and all students are typically supported as teaching assistants in their first year. Research assistantships are also available, usually starting in the second year. All students in good standing are guaranteed financial support through the completion of their degrees.
See our the FAQ button below for specific questions. If you are interested in learning about the admission process to the University of Maine, please visit the UMaine Graduate school.
Any other questions about the Chemistry Department graduate program can be directed to:
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.
UMaine does not provide fee waivers at this time.
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 – Graduate examination scores (GRE and/or GMAT) are not required. However, the admissions committee gives preference to students with a strong performance on these examinations if the results are provided.
- 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.
The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity institution committed to nondiscrimination.
For further information:
General Information
The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study and research leading to thesis based M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. A wide range of research projects are available in analytical, inorganic, materials, organic, physical, polymer, and sustainable materials chemistry. In addition, many of our faculty are actively engaged in interdisciplinary research projects. Check out our FAQ menu below for answers to specific questions.
The general requirements for admission to programs leading to advanced degrees are described in the general section of the Graduate Catalog (http://gradcatalog.umaine.edu/index.php). Candidates for advanced degrees in the Department of Chemistry typically are expected to have completed the minimum undergraduate program established by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training.
The graduate program in Chemistry has graduate courses that include advanced analytical techniques, synthesis, and reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, molecular modeling and computer simulation methods, physical inorganic and inorganic reaction mechanisms, organometallics, quantum mechanics, molecular spectroscopy and statistical thermodynamics, sustainable materials chemistry, and polymer science. Special topics courses and seminar courses are also offered. Thesis-based research is an integral part of the student’s training. Research comprises the majority of the work in both the master’s and doctoral programs where students are strongly encouraged to publish their research in peer reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
Entrance Examinations
Every entering graduate student must take qualifying examinations during the week prior to the first semester of classes. Examinations measure the students’ undergraduate preparation in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, and are used to guide placement of students in the proper courses. Each student must demonstrate undergraduate level competency in three of these four areas by achieving scores in the 40th percentile. If a student does not earn a satisfactory score in three of the four areas, the student’s advisory committee will decide how the student will demonstrate competency.
Research
Each student must complete sufficient research to write a thesis (M.S.) or dissertation (Ph.D.) of publishable quality. The dissertation particularly should give evidence of an exhaustive study of a specialized field and should be an authoritative statement of knowledge on the subject, as well as an original contribution to modern chemistry. In the work leading to, and in the preparation of, the thesis or dissertation, each student is advised by a committee consisting of the individual faculty member directing the work (and possible co-advisor) and additional faculty to have at least a total of three (M.S.) or five (Ph.D.) faculty on the student’s advisory committee. This committee is selected by the student in consultation with his or her research advisor and is subject to approval by the faculty of the Department and the Dean of the Graduate School. All students must select a research advisor and advisory committee by the end of the first semester of graduate study, and thereafter meet with the committee at least once each year.
Coursework
Coursework requirements for both M.S. and Ph.D. programs are designed to satisfy the modern, interdisciplinary nature of chemistry. Students can select from appropriate science, math, and engineering courses University-wide as approved by the student’s advisory committee. Students are required to take 21 and 16 classroom hours, including seminars, for the Ph.D. and M.S. programs, respectively. The Graduate School also requires course work in Responsible Conduct of Research and thesis credits (CHY 699), see the Graduate Rules for more specifics. The M.S. program requires a minimum of 30 credits to graduate (coursework and thesis) while no credit hour total exists for the Ph.D. program.
Advancement to Candidacy
Ph.D. students must successfully complete 3 out of 5 comprehensive examinations by the end of two and a half years of the student’s entry to the program. The student’s advisory committee approves the exams prior to the student taking them and helps the student schedule them. After passing the comprehensive examinations, the student prepares an original research proposal, which is not closely related to his or her research and approved by the student’s advisory committee. The proposal should be written in the format of those for the National Science Foundation and is defended in an oral presentation before the advisory committee within three years of entry to the program.
CHY 502 Chemistry Instructional Laboratory Leadership (1 Credit)
For chemistry teaching assistants to learn how to effectively communicate, supervise laboratory work, and facilitate group interactions with students in the general laboratory.
CHY 523 Advanced Polymer Chemistry (3 Credits)
Polymer types, synthesis kinetics and mechanisms, characterization techniques, and molecular structure and applications in contemporary polymer science concepts and literature. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHY 252 or equivalent; or permission. Note: Because of overlap, CHY 423 and CHY 523 cannot both be taken for degree credit.
CHY 525 Physical Chemistry of Polymers (3 Credits)
Exploration and description of the underlying molecular scale structure, physical behavior, thermodynamics, flow properties, and chemical interactions of polymers and chain macromolecules with each other, matter, and light. Because of overlap, CHY 425 and CHY 525 cannot both be taken for degree credit. Prerequisite: permission
CHY 531 Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry (3 Credits)
Examination of biosynthetic pathways, structure and function of enzymes including metalloenzymes, methods of structure determination and synthetic pathway elucidation, mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 252 and CHY 254 or equivalent.
CHY 541 Topics in Advanced Analytical Chemistry (1-3 Credits)
Topics may include advanced techniques in bioanalytical separation, Fourier transform, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and other vacuum technologies. Influence of hard- and software computers such as analyzers, detectors, sources and digital/electronic filters for noise removal and improved detection limits. Prerequisite: permission.
CHY 551 Topics in Advanced Organic Chemistry (variable)
Recent advances in stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, heterocyclic compounds, natural products, and other graduate level topics. Prerequisite CHY 555 or CHY 556. Credits arranged.
CHY 555 Intermediate Organic Chemistry (3 Credits)
Detailed study of preparation of complex organic compounds and newer synthetic methods. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHY 252..
CHY 556 Theoretical Organic Chemistry (3 Credits)
Includes topics in electronic theory and reaction mechanisms. Prerequisites: CHY 252.
CHY 559 Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry (1 Credit)
Discussion and solution of problems in mechanism, synthesis, and structure determination taken from current chemical literature. Required of all graduate students in organic chemistry once each year for a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: CHY 252 or equivalent or permission.
CHY 560 Physical Methods of Inorganic Chemistry (3 Credits)
Applications of the principles of group theory and modern spectroscopic techniques, including X-ray diffraction and photoelectron, infrared and Raman vibrational, electronic, and magnetic resonance spectroscopies in inorganic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHY 461 or CHY 575 or permission.
CHY 562 Advanced Organometallic Chemistry (3-4 Credits)
An introductory course for graduate students covering the principles and applications of organotransition metal chemistry. Topics include coordination chemistry, group theory, organometallic reaction mechanisms, electrochemistry, photochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis, and applications to organic synthesis. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: CHY 252 and CHY 461 or equivalent or by permission.
CHY 583 Advanced Wood Chemistry (3 Credits)
Fundamental chemistry of carbohydrates, lignin, and extractives. Prerequisite: CHY 252 or permission.
CHY 661 Topics in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (2 Credits)
Advanced level topics such as chemistry of the representative elements, transition metals, organometallic compounds, group theory and chemical bonding in inorganic compounds. Prerequisite: CHY 461 or CHY 575 or permission.
CHY 693 Graduate Seminar (1 Credit)
Reports and discussion of recent developments in chemistry and related fields based on the literature or on current laboratory investigations. Required of all graduate students every year.
CHY 698/699 Graduate Research/Graduate Thesis (Arr. Credits)
Graduate thesis or research conducted under the supervision of student’s advisor.
FAQs for Chemistry Graduate Program
- I don’t have enough money to pay the application fee. Can I get a fee waiver?
Unfortunately, UMaine does not provide fee waivers at this time.
- Are GRE or GMAT scores required?
Graduate examination scores (GRE and/or GMAT) are not required. However, the
admissions committee gives preference to students with a strong performance on these
examinations if the results are provided.
- I come from an English speaking school. Is a TOEFL required or English proficiency exam?
The department of Chemistry generally admits students on a T.A. (teaching assistantship); therefore, if you wish for T.A. funding then yes, you must provide proof of an English proficiency exam either in the form of a TOEFL, IELTs, or a DuoLingo exam. In order to be considered for T.A. funding there are minimum scores that a student must meet. TOEFL = 98; IELTs = 7; DuoLingo = 130
- What is the application deadline for review of applicants?
For the department of Chemistry, we like to receive all application materials by Jan 15 for a fall admission with decisions forthcoming throughout the months of February and March. For a spring admission, application materials should be received by September 15 with decisions forthcoming in the months of October and November.
- Must I choose a research advisor to work with prior to starting my program?
No, you do not have to choose a research advisor prior to being admitted. Students will begin meeting with potential research advisors during their first semester. They will complete a form of preferred research advisor and submit it to the graduate program coordinator who will then in turn present student’s choice to the graduate faculty committee who then approve (or not) the student’s choice.
- Is preference given to Ph.D. or M.S. students?
At this time, students in the doctoral program are given a preference when considering
research and teaching assistantships. If you have doubts, contact the graduate
coordinator.
PhD Program Learning Objectives
After graduate training, the Chemistry Department’s doctoral degree program will enable students to:
Design and execute research plans (GSLG 1)
Demonstrate application of chemical knowledge to solve problems and generate new knowledge (GSLG 1)
Critically evaluate previous findings (personal and published) to develop new avenues of investigation (GSLG 1)
Communicate scientific knowledge professionally in oral and written form (GSLG 2)
Professionally lead while teaching, mentoring, collaborating, and working as part of a team (GSLG 2 and GSLG 3)
MS Program Learning Objectives
After graduate training, the Chemistry Department’s masters degree program will enable students to:
Execute research plans and modify and adapt based on results (GSLG 1)
Apply chemical principles to solve problems and explore new knowledge (GSLG 1)
Communicate scientific knowledge professionally in oral and written form (GSLG 2)
Professionally lead while teaching, mentoring, collaborating, and working as part of a team (GSLG 2 and GSLG 3)
These Program Learning Objectives are linked to the Graduate School Learning Goals (GSLGs) found at this link.
Peter Abimbola
Marangoni research group
peter.abimbola@maine.edu
Nuraia Afreen
Battigelli research group
nuraia.afreen@maine.edu
Fatemeh Aghamoosa
Gramlich research group
fatemeh.aghamoosa@maine.edu
Sara Biel
Cole research group
sara.biel@maine.edu
Don Bones
Gramlich research group
don.bones@maine.edu
Chayton Boucher
Frederick research group
chayton.boucher@maine.edu
Peng Cheng
Gramlich research group
peng.cheng@maine.edu
Ayan Dutta
Gramlich research group
ayan.dutta@maine.edu
Chris Emmerling
Brichacek research group
christopher.emmerling@maine.edu
Avery England
Smith/Marangoni research group
avery.england@maine.edu
Christian Geci
Frederick/Muelenberg research group
christian.geci@maine.edu
Autumn Greene
Battigelli research group
autumn.greene@maine.edu
Kevin Guzman
Brichacek research group
kevin.guzman@maine.edu
Nancy Khattar
Bruce research group
nancy.khattar@maine.edu
Jack Kucine
Marangoni research group
jacqueline.kucine@maine.edu
Logan Harkins
Battigelli research group
logan.harkins@maine.edu
Malka Kariyawasam
Frederick/Schwartz research group
malka.kariyawasam@maine.edu
Alyson Manley
Tripp research group
alyson.manley@maine.edu
Rihab Masmoudi
Tripp research group
rihab.masmoudi@maine.edu
Jacob Mensah
Bruce research group
jacob.mensah@maine.edu
Marlon Moorer Jr.
Frederick/Schwartz research group
marlon.moorer@maine.edu
Akongseh Ngwana
Gramlich research group
na.atehmankeuh@maine.edu
Allen Park
Astumian research group
allen.park@maine.edu
Kyle Pease
Frederick/Schwartz research group
kyle.pease@maine.edu
Mamoona Raheem
Tripp research group
mamoona.raheem@maine.edu
Anjana Ranasinghe
Marangoni research group
meegasmullage.ranasinghe@maine.edu
Isaiah Rosal
Frederick/Schwartz research group
vian.rosal@maine.edu
Kalani Samarasekara
Battigelli research group
hettikankanamge.samarasekara@maine.edu
Dominic Sclafani
Bruce research group
dominic.sclafani@maine.edu
Viraji Senevirathne
Tripp research group
ellapolla.senevirathne@maine.edu
Yanni Sholla
Brichacek research group
yanni.sholla@maine.edu
Sam Warshauer
Bruce research group
samuel.warshauer@maine.edu