Entering graduate students are given Placement Examinations to determine their academic preparation, and are interviewed to determine fields of interest. They are then advised to enroll in specific graduate-level courses to enhance their knowledge and understanding of modern chemistry and to supplement their personal interests.

During the first semester, each student learns about the ongoing research projects in the department, and chooses several faculty members with whom to discuss research in detail. At the end of the first semester, a research advisor (Major Professor) is chosen and research begins.

After the Major Professor is chosen, a faculty advisory committee is selected. This committee guides the student in selecting future coursework, helps ensure that adequate progress is made in research, and hears both the General and Final examinations. 

Students are required to maintain at least a "B" average in their courses and to make satisfactory progress on their research projects.

Each Ph.D. student participates in the Cumulative Examination system, generally beginning in the first semester in residence. Eight "cumes" are given during the Fall and Spring semesters in each of the five major areas (analytical, inorganic, macromolecular, organic and physical). Six cumes must be passed within the first two years of residence.

After the cume requirement is satisfied, the student must prepare for the General Examination. Successful completion of the General Exam admits the student to formal candidacy for the Ph.D.  It is composed of two parts:

Written and oral presentations of an independent research proposal not directly related to the area of research;

Written and oral presentations summarizing research to date and plans for future work to be included in the Ph.D. dissertation.

Graduate studies conclude with the Final Examination, an oral defense of the written Ph.D. dissertation before the faculty advisory committee