Ph.D. in Chemistry and Nanoscale Science

The Ph.D. in Chemistry and Nanoscale Science at UNC Charlotte is an interdisciplinary program that addresses the development, manipulation, and use of materials and devices on the scale of roughly 1-100 nanometers in length, and the study of phenomena that occur on this size scale. The program prepares students to become scholarly, practicing scientists who possess the critical thinking, methodological, and communication skills required to advance and disseminate knowledge of chemistry and applied nanoscale science. The many challenges and opportunities that chemistry and nanoscale science presents to society require collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to research. Students enrolled in UNC Charlotte’s Ph.D. program in Chemistry and Nanoscale Science learn about these exciting fields from the perspectives of faculty members of a variety of disciplines and develop an advanced knowledge base of a selected science or engineering discipline. CHEM and NANO courses are team taught andor co-developed by teams of faculty members from multiple disciplines. This approach provides students trained in a specific science or engineering field at the undergraduate or master’s level with the tools needed to work effectively with scientists and engineers from other disciplines on cutting-edge research projects. Students in the program acquire the knowledge and skills needed to compete effectively for positions in academic, industrial, or government settings by completing interdisciplinary nanoscale science courses and elective courses, participating in program colloquia and seminars, working as a member of a team on projects and research proposals, and making research contributions independently and as part of a team.

The following are general guidelines for successful admission into the Ph.D. program in Chemistry and Nanoscale Science – Note: GRE scores are no longer required for application to the program. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a science or engineering discipline relevant to nanoscale science is required for admission to full standing in the Chemistry and Nanoscale Science Ph.D. program. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or, if the applicant is currently enrolled in a graduate program or has earned a master’s degree, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in a relevant science or engineering master’s program. Three strong, positive letters of recommendation, at least two of which should come from faculty in the applicant’s current or previous academic program. All letters should be written by individuals in a position capable of judging the applicant’s likely success in a Ph.D. level program. Letters should address the applicant’s suitability for a Ph.D. program and ability to complete the program in a timely manner.