Requirements
Guide for First-Year Students (PDF format)
Cumulative Exams and Second-Year Oral Exams
Thesis Preparation
Current Student Information (Certificates Required)

The Department does not have any formal subject requirements for the Doctoral degree. Each student, with the advice of a graduate advisor or their research supervisor, pursues an individual program of advanced study which is pertinent to his or her long range research interests.

All students are required to serve as a teaching assistant for two semesters in their first year. Fellowship holders receive a supplement for their services and whenever possible, will be able to select their teaching assignment.

Written examinations are cumulative. Examinations in inorganic, organic, physical, and biological chemistry are scheduled once a month during the academic year. Of the six examinations which must be passed, at least three should be related to the student's major area of study. Most students begin the examination series during their first semester at MIT. It is expected that this requirement will normally be completed within four semesters of residence. These written examinations may include material taken from the current literature, from seminars, and from graduate or advanced undergraduate chemistry courses. It is the intent of this examination system to encourage independent study by the student at the same time research is being carried out.

No other general written examinations are required. In particular, no qualifying (or entrance) examinations are given.

In addition to the written cumulative examinations, each student is required to pass an oral examination during their second year. A final oral presentation of doctoral research is scheduled after the thesis has been submitted and evaluated by a committee of faculty.