Do I need a Master of Science Degree for Admission to your Ph.D. programs?
Absolutely not.  We accept students directly into our Ph.D. programs with undergraduate degrees in chemistry or biochemistry.

Can I earn just a Master of Science Degree at Maryland?
Applicants who plan to pursue a Ph.D. are given preference in admission to those who seek the M.S. degree.  The Department does not generally provide financial assistance to domestic students seeking the M.S. degree.  International students earning a M.S. degree do not receive financial assistance.

What is the University of Maryland's institutional code for GRE and TOEFL scores?

Our institutional code is 5814. There is no need to include a department code.

Please note:  The Department's Graduate Admissions Committee requests that the GRE and TOEFL or IELTS scores be official before they will review the application.  To be official, the GRE and TOEFL or IELTS scores must be sent directly from the testing center to the University.

What are the minimum GRE and GPA requirements for admission?

Strictly speaking there are no minimum GRE and GPA requirements that will guarantee admission to the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Research experience and letters of recommendation are significant factors in the decision to admit students. Graduate School guidelines for admission suggest that only applicants with GPAs above 3.0 and GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile (Verbal and Quantitative) be admitted. In general, the GPA and GRE scores for the applicants accepted to the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry consistently exceed these minimum requirements. The actual minimum requirements are determined based on the pool of applicants in a given year during the application review process. In rare cases, it is also possible that students with exceptional research experience and recommendations, but a Verbal/Quantitative GRE score slightly less than 50%, will be admitted.

Do I have to take the GRE Subject test?

The GRE Subject test is NOT required for admission to the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. You must still take GRE general test.

What is the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission?

Strictly speaking there are no minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirements that will guarantee admission to the graduate programs in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Graduate School guidelines for admission require that only applicants with scores above 233 (computer version) or 100 (internet version) are considered for admission. Certain sectional scores must be achieved to avoid having to take an English proficiency exam.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/94.

However, the TOEFL scores for the applicants accepted to the graduate program in Chemistry and Biochemistry consistently exceed these minimum requirements and vary from year to year. The actual minimum requirements are determined based on the pool of applicants in a given year during the application review process.

Are the  letters of recommendation important?
Recommendation letters from three recent research advisors, instructors or employers are needed to establish your potential for independent research.  

Is financial assistance available to support my graduate education?
Financial assistance is provided to all Ph.D. students in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TA's) and Research Assistantships (RA's).  These assistantships pay tuition and provide a stipend to cover actual living expenses.  Typically, a student serves as a TA in his or her first one- two years of graduate school and then as an RA in subsequent years.

What is the stipend for living expenses?
The base stipend for Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants during the nine-month academic year of 2008-2009 $18,519. If a student is awarded a fellowship, the stipend amount will increase. Fellowship award amounts vary. 

How do I apply for a fellowship?
You do not need to apply for a fellowship.  Applicants who submit their applications by the application deadline are automatically considered, and will be notified if they are awarded a fellowship.

For the biochemistry graduate program application deadline for the upcoming Fall term, please visit:  http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/catalog/programs/bchm.htm

For the chemistry graduate program application deadline for the upcoming Fall term, please visit: 

http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/catalog/programs/chem.htm

How do I check my application status?

To check the status of your application to the chemistry (CHEM) or biochemistry (BCHM) graduate programs, please go to http://www.testudo.umd.edu/, the University of Maryland's online records and registration site. You will login with your University ID (probably your social security number) and the PIN will be your birthdate. By clicking on "Admission Status Check," you will find out whether you have been Admitted, Rejected, or if your application is Pending. By clicking on "Graduate School Application Document Status Check," you can find out which documents (transcripts, letters, etc.) have not been received by the University.