Graduate Program

The PhD Program

This page covers the highlights of our PhD degree.  Full details are spelled out in our "."

Orientation Week

All entering graduate students need to attend Orientation the week before classes start in the Fall. A detailed schedule for the 2012 Orientation Week is posted here.  Orientation includes:

• Introduction to Chemistry Department policies and procedures.
• Meet with staff to arrange payroll, insurance, and related matters.
• Attend the GTA Workshop (required for teaching assistants).
• Take the four Proficiency Exams (ACS exams in instrumental analysis, organic, inorganic, and physical).  Your scores on these exams will determine whether you need any additional courses as described in the next section.
• Meet individually with the Graduate Program Director to arrange your initial course schedule.
• Attend initial GTA Meeting with General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry lab instructors.
• International students: Attend a special orientation session organized by the Cranwell Center.
• International students: Take a "speak and teach" test to determine if you need a special English course for GTAs.  This exam is typically held on Tuesday evening of Orientation Week.
• International students:  Take an English writing test (EPT) to determine if you need a special writing course organized through the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute.

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Choosing Your Courses

The courses you will take as part of your Chemistry PhD program at Virginia Tech may be divided into four general categories:

• Foundation Courses.  ACS Proficiency Exams are administered during Orientation Week. Performance on one (or more) Proficiency exam(s) below a certain threshold (national 60th percentile) triggers additional course requirements to ensure that all of our students have a "Foundation" of knowledge in the four major areas of chemistry.
• Core Courses.  Students choose four courses from an approved list.  The Core can be amended after the first term in consultation with the Research Director.  
• Electives are chosen by students, in consultation with their Research Directors and Advisory Committees, to enhance knowledge needed for their individual research programs or for their future career development.
• Programmatic courses are required of all doctoral students.  These courses include CHEM 5004 Orientation to Graduate Research, CHEM 5914 Literature Review and Research Plan, CHEM 6904 Generating Research Ideas, CHEM 6914 Original Research Proposal, and CHEM 5944 Graduate Seminar.

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The First Year

While most of your effort during your first semester will focus on your courses and your obligations as a GTA, the following vital tasks must also be completed.  (1) First Semester; (2) Second Semester.

• (1) Interview several faculty members and nominate one to serve as your Research Director.
• (1) Undertake and pass a comprehensive safety, first-aid, and waste management training course.
• (1) Complete the "second part" of the GTA Workshop.
• (1) Complete CHEM 5004 Orientation to Graduate Research.
• (2) Choose your Advisory Committee in consultation with your Research Director.
• (2) Submit a Plan of Study (POS) to the Graduate School.
• (2) Begin your research project.  Note that under certain conditions research can begin earlier.

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Summer Sessions

Virginia Tech does not require graduate students to enroll during the summer months. If you completed your second semester in "Good Standing," you will still be a student and remain eligible for assistantship support.  During the Summer months, it is expected that you will accomplish the following:

• Remain on campus and make progress in your dissertation research.
• Complete any GTA duties to which you are assigned.

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The Second Year

During your second year of study the following accomplishments are expected (1) First Semester; (2) Second Semester:

• (1) Preliminary progress in research leading to the establishment of a dissertation-worthy Research Plan.
• (1) Completion of the written Literature Review and Research Plan (CHEM 5914).
• (2) Completion of all remaining Foundation and Core course requirements.
• (2) Successful defense of the Literature Review and Research Plan in a formal Oral Preliminary Exam.

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The Third Year

During your third year of study the following accomplishments are expected:

• Significant progress in the dissertation research.
• First departmental seminar (usually replaced by an external seminar at a scientific meeting).  This requirement is sometimes delayed until the fourth year of study without penalty.
• Complete CHEM 6904 Generating Research Ideas (first semester).
• Preparation and oral defense of your written Original Research Proposal (CHEM 6914, second semester).

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The Final Years

During your fourth and fifth years of study the following accomplishments are expected:

• Second (not external) departmental seminar. This seminar is used by your committee to establish your Fourth Year progress evaluation and to help you establish a clear plan for completing the dissertation.
• Completion and defense of your dissertation in a formal exam before your Advisory Committee. 
• The Chemistry Department does not guarantee assistantship support beyond the fifth year in residence.