Why should you apply to earn a graduate degree from Auburn University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry?

1 Learn about both chemistry and biochemistry from an award-winning team of researchers.
2 Engage in cutting-edge research including interdisciplinary collaborations.
3 Benefit from financial assistance and fellowships including tuition waivers and stipends.
4 Prepare for a successful career in a wide variety of professions.

Letter from the Chair

Welcome to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Program.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University offers programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees. Our department comprises a wide range of experimental and computational research programs directed by renowned scientists, many of whom are international leaders in their fields.

Housed in state-of-the-art facilities, faculty and students collaborate on research ranging from the traditional sub-disciplines of chemistry to highly multidisciplinary investigations focused on energy, catalysis, chemical biology, and materials science. Due to the favorable graduate student-to-faculty ratio, opportunities for extensive hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation and computational resources abound. Graduate students, under the guidance of their advisors, are encouraged to pursue highly individualized programs of study. We are proud of the fact that Auburn is listed in the top 100 of Carnegie R1 universities – a classification reserved for institutions with the highest levels of research activity. Our department consistently receives high rankings, including the No. 4 program in the country on the Top Chemistry Graduate Programs list that was released by GraduatePrograms.com in 2016.

Regardless of the path you take during your graduate studies, your experiences at Auburn University will prepare you well for traditional careers in industry, academia, and national labs, as well as for many non-traditional careers that require advanced training in science.

I hope you find the research taking place in our department exciting, and that it inspires you to apply to the graduate program. If you think Auburn might be a good fit, we invite you to contact us at your earliest convenience to arrange for a campus visit!

Sincerely,
Doug Goodwin
Professor and Chair

Admissions Process

In the first stage, you will download and complete the online application form that can be found at: Upon completion of the application, submit it by e-mail to the Graduate Admissions Committee in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (chgrcom@auburn.edu). In addition, you are asked to send a copy of your official transcripts as well as TOEFL scores (if applicable) to the same e-mail address. Please send each document as a separate Microsoft Word or PDF file. Finally, have the three references you identify in your application send their letters of recommendation to the Graduate Admissions Committee (chgrcom@ auburn.edu).

Once your complete application is received, it will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. If your application is favorably reviewed and you are extended an offer from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, you will be given instructions for the second stage of your application to the Graduate School. Importantly, once you are accepted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, your application and acceptance to the Graduate School is typically a mere formality.

Student Spotlights

Julie Niklas

Graduate Student

“I can honestly say that pursuing chemistry in graduate school is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—I’ve loved chemistry since I was an undergraduate, but being able to fully immerse myself in research has been so much more rewarding than I could have imagined. It’s challenging, of course, but that’s the thrill of it. Being part of this kind of scientific community means there’s always something to learn, a problem to tackle, or a new and interesting tidbit of information, and it’s pretty satisfying when you can start fitting pieces together and getting a glimpse of something larger.”

Alexandria Bredar

Graduate Student

“The community of chemists that attend the Gordon conference are very personable and collaborative,” said Alex. “I really enjoyed this aspect of the conference and I wanted to find a way to stay involved in this network, beyond just researching in this field. Gordon Research Conferences and Seminars are really immersive experiences, and since it was the first conference I had attended, I jumped at the opportunity to put my name in for chair. People tend to think of scientists as reclusive, but it’s actually incredibly important that science is discussed and shared with our scientific communities. I’m glad to contribute to that important process in this small way and continue to meet and learn from incredible researchers.”

Research and Lab Facilities

Areas of Research

Organic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Biochemistry

Life in Auburn

Why Live in Auburn?

This vibrant college-town is a unique place. You will enjoy a smaller community filled with nature areas, restaurants, shopping and more. Additionally, the city of Opelika is just a few minutes away, and Atlanta, Birmingham and the entire Gulf Coast are within a short drive.

Residents have access to one of the largest areas of biodiversity in the entire Southeastern United States. You can relax in Auburn’s Arboretum, ride 15 miles of bike trails in Chewacla State Park, meet friends at local coffee shops, enjoy dinner outside for most of the year, and see an array of amazing flora including the exclusive Auburn Azaleas.

COSAM is committed to cultivating culturally competent professionals. COSAM’s Office of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity provides resources to enhance awareness and appreciation of cultural and individual diversity, promote community, and prepare students to have a global impact in STEM.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION/EMPLOYER.