Medicinal Chemistry Program

The Ph.D. degree program in Medicinal Chemistry is a degree program distinct from that of the Ph.D. degree program in Chemistry, although both are administered within the Department of Chemistry. Prerequisites and admission procedures are identical to those required for admission to the Ph.D. program in chemistry. Students should apply to this program through the chemistry department. Although a B. S. degree in chemistry is an optimal prerequisite, students with bachelor degrees in pharmacy, pharmaceutical, or biological sciences may qualify if their background in the chemical sciences is of sufficient scope and depth. Students in this program will be expected to develop a strong foundation in organic and medicinal chemistry but also will have opportunities to broaden their knowledge in areas such as drug discovery, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology.

The alternative Ph.D. track for training as a medicinal chemist is in Chemistry with a research focus in organic synthesis or bioorganic chemistry. Students in the Chemistry program would obtain a foundation in the four traditional areas of chemistry, organic, inorganic, analytical and physical, but would also be able to take medicinal chemistry courses as electives.

Entering students for either Ph.D. program take at least four placement exams (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical) administered by the chemistry department. These exams are used to help advise the student of appropriate choice of initial graduate courses.

For the Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry satisfactory proficiency in four of the areas including organic, is required. Students take four core courses. These are MCH 501, MCH 502, CHE 501, and CHE 502. Students are required to take a minimum of 3 elective courses: One required elective selected from MCH 524, MCH 525 or MCH 527 and two additional electives.

For the Ph.D. in Chemistry, satisfactory proficiency in organic, analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry is required. Students take three core courses, choosing between the four traditional areas of chemistry. Students are required to take a minimum of three elective courses.