Graduate Programs
The goal of our department's graduate program is to educate individuals to have the capacity to work independently and the ability to define and investigate new problems. Graduate-level chemists are able to both advance the fundamental understanding of their discipline and communicate what they have learned to others.
The size of our graduate program allows us to maintain an informal environment that facilitates positive and creative interactions between graduate students and faculty while simultaneously addressing the needs and aspirations of each student individually.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Chemistry
About this Program
The University of Denver's PhD in chemistry is designed for students whose ultimate aim is to find a career in scientific research. The goal of the program is to train scientists capable of independently pursuing high-level research projects. In addition to rigorous coursework, students complete a dissertation of publishable quality. This degree can prepare students for careers in academic and industrial research environments. Additionally, if the PhD is pursued in conjunction with other professional training, students can go on to work in fields that combine science with public policy, business and law.
Each student in the chemistry PhD program has an advisory committee that monitors their progress and advises them on their research. The relatively small size of our chemistry graduate program ensures we maintain an environment conducive to close interactions between students and faculty, as well as collaboration between students. We also make sure our students can tailor their programs of study to meet their specific interests and career needs.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Chemistry
About this Program
The University of Denver's master of science in chemistry is designed for students who wish to work towards an advanced degree primarily for the purpose of conducting research. Students in the program will complete, present and defend a research thesis of publishable quality, and will focus their research in an area of their choice. Current faculty research includes efforts in biophysical, organic, analytical and environmental chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Students also may pursue research topics of their own devising.
As a relatively small graduate program, at least in terms of population, we're able to offer a personalized experience with close collaboration between students and faculty. Each student in the program will have an advisory committee that will monitor their academic progress and help provide guidance. Students who complete the program can go on to further graduate education or pursue careers in research or industry.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Chemistry
About this Program
The University of Denver's master of arts in chemistry aims to instill students with the ability to learn independently and to define and help solve new problems. Chemists in our graduate programs work to contribute to the fundamental understanding of their discipline and help others understand their contributions and those of their contemporaries. Intended for students already working full time in industry or secondary education, the MA is an advanced degree with an emphasis on coursework as opposed to research, and a research thesis is not required.
The goal of this programs is to realize the full development of each student's talents and ensure they can develop skills that will serve them through their lives and careers. The relatively modest population of our graduate program allows us to maintain small class sizes with high levels of interaction between students and faculty, as well as frequent collaboration with other students. That tight-knit nature also helps ensure students are able to get all the support they need, and can tailor their educations to meet their specific needs and wants.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
About this Program
The University of Denver's PhD program in molecular and cellular biophysics provides students a core foundation in biophysical theory and practice, along with flexibility and individualized attention. Participation of faculty from the departments of biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, and physics and astronomy enhances the strength and breadth of our program by incorporating cross-disciplinary and collaborative approaches to research. Areas of research include super resolution microscopy, developmental dynamics, protein folding, protein network analysis, signal transduction cascades, single molecule biophysics, cellular physiology and the development of novel imaging techniques.
Students with strong quantitative undergraduate backgrounds in fields such as physics, chemistry and mathematics who desire to apply these skills to biological problems are encouraged to apply, as are those with backgrounds in cell or molecular biology and solid foundations in mathematics and physics. We particularly encourage projects in the traditional disciplines of physics, biology and chemistry, as well as those using methods of mathematical analysis and computer modeling.
