Applying to the Graduate Program
Applications for graduate study in the Department of Chemistry are submitted through the Clemson University Graduate School. Applications submitted electronically are most efficiently processed and are highly recommended. The department does have some requirements, however, as to what is included as part of your application.
Application Details
Prerequisites
Most students who apply to the Clemson graduate chemistry program have completed a B.S. or B.A. undergraduate degree in chemistry, or have acquired the equivalent background. In most cases, the undergraduate program will include at least two formal courses each in general chemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry and at least one formal course in biochemistry and inorganic chemistry, along with the associated labs. Experience in research is also highly desirable. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Application procedure
Applications for graduate study in the Department of Chemistry are submitted through the Clemson University Graduate School. After completing the application, students will need to supply the additional materials listed below before an admissions decision can be made. Applications will be processed most quickly if all materials are sent directly to the Graduate School.
Materials
To apply to the Clemson University graduate chemistry program, you must complete an application form and supply the following materials:
- Transcripts from the undergraduate program and any prior graduate programs.
- GRE general exam test scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) are recommended but not required if taking this exam presents a hardship.
- At least two letters of recommendation from people familiar with your background.
- A personal statement.
- Resume/CV.
International students must also supply a test score for the TOEFL or IELTS exam. When sending a TOEFL score, be sure to include the score on the spoken English portion of the test. A TOEFL score of 80 or above is required of international students whose native language is not English. IELTS, PTE Academic or Duolingo can be taken in lieu of the TOEFL exam. A overall score of 6.5 or above is required for the IELTS exam, a score of 54 or above is required on the PTE Academic, and a minimum score of 115 is required for Duolingo. The Department of Chemistry strongly recommends a minimum score of 20 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL exam (or the equivalent for the IELTS, PTE Academic or Duolingo).
All supporting documents should be uploaded as digital files in the application portal.
Application Deadline
Complete applications, including letters of recommendation and English language test scores, must be received by December 1.
Application Fee
There is no fee to apply to the program.
English Language Proficiency for International Students
All newly admitted graduate students who are not native English-speaking students with a TOEFL speaking score below 26, an IELTS speaking score below 8.0, a PTE score below 74, or an overall Duolingo score less than 130 are required by South Carolina state law to pass an English-speaking exam upon arrival at Clemson. The Verification of English Skills Test is administered by the English Language Programs Department at Clemson University. The test consists of two sections: an interview and a teaching sample. Students must pass this exam before they can be certified to teach as laboratory teaching assistants. It is expected that students will pass this exam sometime during the first year of study. If a student does not pass the exam by the end of the first year of study, then that student may become ineligible for continued departmental support as a teaching assistant.
GRE Scores
GRE scores are recommended, but not required if taking the GRE presents a hardship. There are no minimum GRE score cutoffs for applications. For currently enrolled students, the average GRE score is approximately 150 for the quantitative portion of the exam and 155 for the verbal portion. Explore additional information regarding GRE scores of Clemson students across all disciplines. Students who wish to gather authentic information and practice material related to standardized test GRE may find the following links helpful:
