About the Graduate Program
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at the University of New Mexico offers the Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry. Our students work on cutting-edge research projects in nationally and internationally recognized research laboratories. Click here for instructions to apply.
The Department has four primary research thrusts:
- Biological Chemistry/Chemical Biology/Medicinal Chemistry
- Catalysis and Synthesis
- Theoretical/Computational Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry/Energy/Materials
The faculty performing research in these areas are:
Matthew Aronoff
Susan Atlas
Dongchang Chen
Jeremy Edwards
William Sherman Garver
Jean-Hubert Olivier
Hua Guo
Terefe G. Habteyes
Yi He
Martin L. Kirk
Jeff Rack
Mark C. Walker
The inter-disciplinary nature of these thrusts provides students with a well-rounded background and many of our graduates obtain top positions upon graduation. Please visit faculty members' pages for specific information regarding their research interests.
Our close proximity to both Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories as well as the Air Force Research Laboratory at nearby Kirtland AFB offers yet another unique experience to students through collaborative projects with UNM faculty. Several of our faculty are also closely associated with these organizations or have official joint appointments. Inter-disciplinary graduate research programs (e.g., Nano-science and Microsystems, NSMS, Center for Biomedical Engineering, CBME, and the Center for High technology Materials, CHTM) are available to students and many C&CB faculty are associated with these programs. Our faculty obtain research grants from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and other government and private sources of research support.
Curriculum
The Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department faculty presents a basic core of graduate level courses (Chem 500 and above) each year. Some of the courses listed below are given every year and some on a rotating basis. In addition, Topics courses are provided every year that incorporate the latest advances in the discipline into the formal classroom training experience. Finally, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the research programs in Chemistry, students are encouraged to take selected courses offered through Engineering, Physics, Geology and Biochemistry.
Quantum Photonics and Quantum Technology (QPAPT) program
The Chemistry, Engineering, Optical Science & Engineering, and Physics PhD programs at UNM have launched a new graduate program for students interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research and education at the frontiers of quantum science and technology. QPAQT offers 12-15 month fellowships, financial aid, and a Graduate Certificate in Quantum Science & Technology, taken concurrently with either Chemistry, Engineering, OSE, or Physics PhD programs. More information is available at https://qpaqt.unm.edu/. Prospective graduate students are welcome to mention interest in QPAQT in the Letter of Intent of your application.
Other Information
Financial Aid
Ph.D. graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology receive aid from the department in the form of teaching assistantships. This usually involves participation in the undergraduate program. Generally, a student will be responsible for three laboratory sessions of 3 hours each. In addition to a stipend, all graduate teaching assistants are granted a full waiver of tuition for the academic year.
After the first year, students may receive aid in the form of research assistantships. These are provided from the resources generated by the student's research advisor. Alternatively, a student may continue to be assigned to a teaching appointment. In general, levels of financial aid are similar for teaching and research assistantships. Details on the levels of financial aid and on other forms of aid will be provided in supplementary information from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Summer support is available in the form of research or teaching assistantships for students making satisfactory progress towards an advanced degree.
Housing
The University of New Mexico is located in a residential area several miles east of downtown Albuquerque. Housing is available both in the community and on campus in University dormitories. Most chemistry graduate students live off campus in apartments. Information regarding off campus housing can be obtained directly from the Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department. For more information on University housing, write to:
University Residence Halls:
The University of New Mexico
Housing Reservations and Collections Office
La Posada Hall 201
Albuquerque, NM 87131
505.277.2606
