How to Apply

Application Process

Applications to the Michigan State University Department of Chemistry Ph.D. program must be submitted online through the MSU Graduate Application portal. To begin, select Start a Graduate Application under Graduate Degrees.

Please submit only one university application. Duplicate applications may delay processing. For questions regarding the application system, contact the MSU Office of Admissions at 517-355-8332 (Option 2).

Applicants may reference the Graduate Applicant Slate Instructions PDF for step-by-step guidance on completing the application. Please note that some sections of the application may not apply to graduate applicants. The Department of Chemistry does not provide application fee waivers.

Application Deadlines

The Department of Chemistry accepts applications for Fall semester admission only to the Ph.D. program. Applications for Spring or Summer admission, as well as applications to stand-alone Master's degree programs, are not accepted.

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Domestic and International Applicants: December 1, 2026

Applications completed by the priority deadline will:

• Receive priority review by the admissions committee.
• Be considered for nomination for competitive merit-based fellowships offered through the College of Natural Science and Michigan State University.

Applications submitted after December 1, 2026 will be reviewed as space and funding permits. Application files will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received.

Applicants will be notified of admission decisions through their MSU Graduate Application portal

Required Application Materials

Applicants must upload the following materials through the MSU Graduate Application portal.

Transcripts

• Upload unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes.
• If admitted, the MSU Office of Admissions must receive official degree-granting transcripts.
• Failure to provide official transcripts may delay enrollment. 
  Students who have not yet received their final degree-granting transcript at the time of admission must submit it to the Office of
• Admissions by the end of their first Fall semester. 

Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of (3) three letters of recommendation is required.

Recommendations are submitted electronically through the MSU Graduate Application system. Applicants must register each recommender by providing the recommender's first name, last name, and email address. Recommenders will automatically receive instructions for submitting their recommendation.

Important: Email addresses cannot be edited after submission. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that recommender information is entered correctly.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Upload a current resume or CV summarizing your academic, research, professional, and other relevant experiences.

Academic Statement – Upload an Academic Statement. Please review the department's FAQ webpage for guidance on required content.

Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose - Upload a Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose. Please review the department's FAQ webpage for guidance on required content.

GRE Scores (Optional) 
• GRE scores are not required for admission consideration but may be submitted if desired.
• GRE General Test 
Please review the department's FAQ webpage for additional information.

English Language Proficiency Scores (International Applicants Only) 

International applicants whose degree was earned from a non-U.S. institution must submit English language proficiency scores.

• Accepted examinations include:
• TOEFL (ETS Institution Code: 1465)
• IELTS
• Duolingo English Test 

Please review the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements webpage for score requirements, waiver eligibility, and additional information.

Additional Information

Admissions decisions are made using a holistic review process. While applicants may choose to submit GRE scores, they are not required and are not a determining factor for admission consideration.

The Department of Chemistry accepts applications only for:

• Fall semester admission
• Ph.D. program admission 

The Department does not accept applications for:

• Spring admission
• Summer admission
• Stand-alone Master's degree programs