Applications for admission to the graduate program in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry are reviewed by the School's Graduate Admissions Committee. The committee is appointed by the School Chair. The committee is chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies and includes faculty members from each of the divisions in the School. Admission decisions are based on the review of the applicant's research experience, undergraduate transcript, GRE scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Students are encouraged to submit complete applications for review from November to January 15th. Late applications will be reviewed if space permits.

While there are no formal minimum requirements for GPA or GRE scores, it is expected that the application materials demonstrate that the applicant has a broad training in core areas of chemistry and is equipped to succeed in research, coursework, and additional program requirements. Core areas of chemistry include analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.

In addition to students who have completed a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry, the School also accepts students with training in biology, chemical engineering, physics, and other disciplines, who may not have completed study in all of the core areas, but who have completed a rigorous program in an allied discipline and have sufficiently strong training in chemistry. Prior research experience and relevant work experience are considered favorably in the admissions process.