Overview
Kent State University Academics: Department of Chemistry Graduate Programs
Kent State University's Department of Chemistry graduate programs include Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in the traditional divisions of chemistry: analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. In addition, interdisciplinary studies are covered in bioanalytical chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, biophysics, and molecular/cell biology.
Kent State University graduate students are required to complete a program of core courses in their area of specialization and at least one (for M.S. candidates) or two (for Ph.D. candidates) elective courses in other areas of chemistry. The Department of Chemistry graduate programs give students considerable flexibility in curriculum design, ensuring a modern and dynamic graduate education.
At the end of the second year, doctoral students must pass a written examination in their fields of specialization and defend an original research proposal for their dissertation. Those Kent State University students working toward a Ph.D. typically complete the Department of Chemistry's graduate program with their thesis defense after 4.5 years.
Department of Chemistry Research Facilities
Kent State University is home to world-class research facilities. Department of Chemistry graduate students have access to advanced NMR, x-ray, mass spectrometry, and proteomics core facilities. Research laboratories are located primarily in Williams Hall and the attached Science Research Laboratory. Additionally, students have access to excellent materials' characterization facilities and one of the largest academic clean-room facilities in the nation, which are housed in the nearby Liquid Crystal Institute. A confocal microscopy core facility located in the biology department is also available to Department of Chemistry graduate students.
Williams Hall houses two large lecture halls, classrooms, undergraduate and research laboratories, the Chemistry-Physics Library, chemical stockrooms, and glass and electronic shops. A machine shop, which is jointly operated with the physics department, is located in adjoining Smith Hall.
Kent State University students have various spectrometers available to them, including 500-MHz, 400-MHz (solids), and 300-MHz high-resolution NMR instruments. An X-ray facility includes a Siemens D5000 Powder diffractometer and a Bruker AXS CCD instrument for single-crystal structural elucidation. Additional equipment is available in specialty areas.
The Department of Chemistry has advanced molecular modeling facilities, as well as facilities for performing ab initio calculations of molecular properties and molecular dynamics. A 3-D immersive classroom that generates 6'x7' three-dimensional images when viewed with shutter glasses is available in Williams Hall and is frequently used for a variety of graduate classes. The Chemistry/Physics Library in Williams Hall provides online access to virtually all chemical and biochemical journals as well as a broad variety of chemical databases, including the Chemical Abstracts SciFinder Service.
Kent State University Financial Aid
Kent State University Department of Chemistry graduate students are supported through teaching and research assistantships as well as university fellowships. Students in good academic standing are guaranteed appointments for periods of at least 4.5 years (Ph.D. candidates) or 2.5 years (M.S. candidates).
Stipends for 2009-2010 range from $18,000 (M.S.) to $20,000 (Ph.D.) for a twelve-month appointment. A $1,010 credit is made toward the university's health insurance plan. First-year bonuses and renewable merit fellowships providing an additional $2,500 per year are available to outstanding doctoral applicants. First-year bonuses of $1,250 are available for highly talented students pursuing their Ph.D. in physical chemistry.
Advanced Ph.D. students are typically funded through research assistantships ($20,000 or higher) provided by their respective advisors.
Kent State University Campus in Kent, Ohio
Department of Chemistry graduate students live and study on a campus of about 820 acres of wooded hillside that includes an airport and an eighteen-hole golf course. There are approximately 100 buildings on the main campus in Kent. There are approximately 23,000 students enrolled at Kent State University's main campus, and 12,000 additional students enrolled at the seven regional campuses.
Kent, Ohio is a college town of about 28,000, located 35 miles southeast of Cleveland and 12 miles east of Akron in a peaceful suburban setting. Kent State University Department of Chemistry graduate students have access to a number of fine and performing art groups at the university and in the community. Cleveland is also the home of the world-renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and several professional sport teams.
Nearby Lake Erie and its beaches offer a broad range of recreational activities. Department of Chemistry graduate students enjoy winter activities including ice skating and downhill and cross-country skiing. Kent State University's state-of-the-art recreation and wellness center is available for graduate students free of charge.
