The tri-campus Graduate Department of Chemistry offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Our programs are research-based and require full-time attendance. Students may join a research lab at Scarborough, Mississauga or St. George campus.
Students who currently hold an appropriate Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree with an overall academic standing of A- or equivalent are encouraged to apply for direct admission to the Doctoral program.
Master of Science Degree
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an appropriate B.Sc. degree in Chemistry (or a related discipline) from a recognized university with an overall academic standing of at least B+ and demonstrate significant potential in research.
Program Requirements
- Usually 16 to 24 months
- Completion of two graduate half-course equivalents
- Presentation of a seminar
- Submission of a thesis
Students who elect to enter the Master's program first may transfer to the Doctoral program upon completion of one year of study with satisfactory performance. Courses from the first year of MSc program are credited towards the PhD requirements upon a direct transfer.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an appropriate B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Chemistry (or a related discipline) from a recognized university with an overall academic standing of at least A- and demonstrate significant potential in research.
Program Requirements
- Usually four (4) to five (5) years
- Completion of two (2) to four (4) graduate half-course equivalents; six for students in theoretical chemistry
- Completion of the comprehensive oral examination in the area of the major field
- Presentation of two (2) to three (3) seminars
- Completion of six (6) cumulative examinations for students in biological and organic chemistry
- Submission of a thesis and a final oral examination
Each subdiscipline has its own requirements.
For those who are interested in earning a doctorate at the University of Toronto and a recognized collaborator institution, the School of Graduate Studies offers the Joint Educational Placement Agreement. A student must designate one institution as the lead institution and the second as the collaborator institution. This decision must be made at the time of the signing of this agreement and is binding for its duration. This program provides a PhD student an opportunity to have a joint placement at a university in another country. Research will be conducted mostly at UofT but will require the student to work partially at the collaborating institution. Contact the Graduate Office at the time of your application.