Department of Chemistry

Search

FourSquare

How to Apply

A virtual open house took place on Friday, Nov. 3.  You can view the video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg3zPjyR_Xk   


**Graduate applicants are eligible to be awarded one of our new student fellowships.  100% of our incoming class receives one of the listed fellowship and up to 25% receive the A&S Fellowship which reduces the teaching requirement to one-term during the first year. 

  • All of our students are fully funded while they are actively completing their degree in our program and are maintaining a good academic standing.  Intitial support offers given are for two terms only but support is guaranteed for the summer term and beyond as long as the student continues to meet milestones.  Support can be given in the form of a teaching (TA or TF) or research (GSR) appointment or a fellowship.  

Domestic Applicants

  • Complete an online application for Fall 2025Please make sure to submit the fee waiver survey and any supporting documents to receive an application fee waiver code which will remove the application fee.
  • A statement of purpose that addresses your specific interests and/or expertise in chemistry, and describes as specifically as possible the area of research you wish to pursue.
  • Transcripts for all college-level institutions attended. All (unofficial) transcripts must be uploaded onto the application Web site.
  • Three letters of reference. (Use the forms on the application Web site. They should be uploaded to the site by the reference.)
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, general and chemistry subject, are recommended but not required.
  • Application fee of $75.  Please make sure to submit the fee waiver survey and any supporting documents to receive an application fee waiver code which will remove the application fee.​  We encourage all of our applicants to submit the survey.  More information can be found on the Graduate Studies site and through the application system.  
    • In an effort to reduce financial barriers to attending graduate school, the Kenneth P. Dietrich Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers application fee waivers.  Please note that fee waivers are approved on a case-by-case basis and all requests will be reviewed and responded to within 48 hours during normal business hours: Monday - Friday 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. EST.  
    • 99% of the fee waiver applications that are submitted are approved.  If you receive a fee waiver rejection, please contact gradadm@pitt.edu to be given options. 

International Applicants

All of the above plus:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test scores. The minimum TOEFL score of 100 (with at least a score of 22 in all of the four sections of speaking, listening, reading, and writing), the required minimum IELTS of 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in each of its four sections), or the required minimum Duolingo score of 120.  Please have your scores sent to the University of Pittsburgh directly from the testing center so they can be marked as received. 
    • TOEFL scores will need to be sent electronically from ETS directly to the University of Pittsburgh.  A PDF copy of the score report can be uploaded to your application under "Academic History, Standardized Test for TOEFL" as an unofficial copy until your official scores are received.  You can also email a PDF copy of the report to gradadm@pitt.edu to be attached to your application.
    • IELTS report will need to be uploaded to your application.  A PDF copy of the score report must be uploaded to your application under "Academic History, Standardized Test for IELTS".  You can also email a PDF copy to gradadm@pitt.edu to be attached to your application.
    • Duolingo scores will need to be sent directly to the university:  University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.  A PDF copy of the score report must be uploaded to your application under "Academic History, Standardized Test for Duolingo" as an unofficial copy until your official scores are received.  You can also email a PDF copy to gradadm@pitt.edu to be attached to your application until the official scores are received..  

If you are having issues with any part of your on-line application for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, please reach out to the GradCas Applicant Help Center.  If you cannot find the answer to your question(s), you can also contact them by phone 857-304-2086 or email: gradcasinfo@liaisoncas.com.  For the quickest response, it is best to contact them via the Live Chat option on the Applicant Help center page.

If you are missing letters of recommendation, please send a reminder to your references.  If your references have any issues with uploading their letters, please direct them to Letters by Liaison Help Center - Liaison (liaisonedu.com)

Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as early as possible.

The application deadline is January 15.  All application materials must be received by this date.

Application review will begin on December 15, and proceed on a rolling basis until January 15.  Applications received and/or incomplete after January 15th will not be reviewed or considered.  

For more information please contact:

Graduate Administrator
Department of Chemistry
236 Chevron Science Center
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Phone: 412-624-8501
FAX: 412-624-8611
E-mail: gradadm@pitt.edu

Online applications may be started for the Chemistry Department's Fall 2025 graduate class beginning October 1, 2024.  All applicants will receive an e-mailed decision letter by February 1, 2025.