Chemistry at UMass Amherst is one of the oldest graduate degree programs at our institution, having granted masters degrees since 1898 and doctorates since 1915. We are the core chemical science graduate program of the Massachusetts public university system. We have strong interdisciplinary relationships with related departments such as Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology, Physics, and Polymer Science & Engineering. In a typical year, we have 120-130 graduate students in our program, as well as postdoctoral and other visiting scientists from various countries around the world. In addition to over twenty tenured or tenure-track faculty, we have adjunct faculty from other departments and from off-campus contribute significantly to our graduate level activities.

The Department offers courses of study leading to the Ph.D. degree in chemistry. Our interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to be independent researchers pursuing cutting-edge interests, by providing both breadth and depth in training in chemistry, as well as development of good communication skills. We recognize the importance of strong financial backing during the demanding period required to attain a graduate degree. For students judged to be making satisfactory academic progress, and whose teaching is competent, support is guaranteed for a five-year period of residence, consisting of a teaching or research assistantship for the academic year and a research assistantship for the summer. In addition, tuition and most fees are waived, and health and dental insurance provided.

Our research facilities are meant to keep pace with new research developments in a rapidly changing world and are run by experienced scientists who are specifically responsible for providing instrument service. Most facilities are open to use by graduate students.  In addition to constant visits by internationally renowned scientists to individual research groups, we provide an outstanding seminar program with strong support alumni and industrial donors. By lunching with the seminar-speakers, graduate students have an opportunity to interact and network with prestigious scientists on a more personal level.

Successful programs produce successful leaders. Our graduate program produces scientific leaders in academia, in private-sector industry, and the public sector.

The two major immediate paths upon graduation are postdoctoral positions and careers in industry.  Most of the postdoctoral positions are in prestigious research universities or national laboratories. Those hired directly into industry directly pursue careers as scientists/researchers in pharmaceuticals, synthesis, electronic materials, polymers, analysis, quality control, and biotech, among others. A number of our alums in industry have risen to become company presidents or vice-presidents, CEOs, research area directors, venture capital developers, or high-level consultants. Some of these well-placed graduates have continued their connection to the Chemistry Department and provide important an important pipeline to the chemical industry for students and faculty: career networking, funding for seminars, student programs, and research initiatives.Among the resources for students who choose teaching as a career are the ACS-funded Preparing Future Faculty Program (directed by Prof. Julian Tyson) and the NSF-funded Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Institute.