Elevate Your Expertise with Graduate Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Take the next step in your scientific career with our graduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Central Michigan University. You'll gain the advanced knowledge, research experience, and professional preparation needed to thrive in high-impact roles across industry, academia, and beyond.

Master of Science in Chemistry (M.S.)

In the Chemistry M.S. program, you’ll spend two years immersed in advanced coursework and intensive laboratory research. This program prepares you for technical and research positions in the chemical sciences or for continued study in competitive Ph.D. or professional school programs.

As a student, you’ll:

  • Conduct original research under expert faculty guidance
  • Work across core chemistry disciplines, including analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry
  • Master advanced laboratory techniques and instrumentation
  • Present your work at conferences and contribute to scholarly publications

You’ll study in a collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge resources in the Dow Science Complex.

Ph.D. in Science of Advanced Materials (SAM)

If you're ready to lead in materials research, the interdisciplinary SAM Ph.D. program offers an intensive path forward. You’ll explore the chemical, physical, and mathematical properties of advanced materials using state-of-the-art synthesis, modeling, and characterization techniques.

In this program, you’ll:

  • Tackle complex scientific questions alongside faculty from multiple disciplines
  • Develop new materials with applications in energy, healthcare, and technology
  • Build a competitive portfolio for careers in academia, national labs, or high-tech industries

This is a highly selective program that demands curiosity, creativity, and commitment.

M.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB)

Whether you pursue the BCMB M.S. or BCMB Ph.D. path, the BCMB program offers a challenging and comprehensive education in biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll train in modern biochemistry, cell biology, molecular genetics, and biotechnology.

You’ll benefit from:

  • Mentorship from a diverse group of faculty across departments and colleges
  • Hands-on research in the state-of-the-art Biosciences Building
  • Opportunities to work on projects with real-world impact in medicine and biotechnology
  • A research culture that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation

Research and facilities

As a graduate student, you’ll contribute to impactful research in areas such as:

  • Clean energy and sustainable materials
  • Cancer biology and infectious disease mechanisms
  • Environmental chemistry and advanced sensing technologies
  • Materials design, catalysis, and spectroscopy

You’ll have access to advanced instrumentation and core facilities that support high-level research and discovery.

Explore our faculty research areas and faculty profiles to learn where your interests align.

Competitive Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships for Chemistry M.S. Students

Our Chemistry M.S. program offers a limited number of highly competitive Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) to outstanding applicants. These positions are awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and demonstrated commitment to the field of chemistry.

GTAs and GRAs are intensive, service-related appointments that provide critical training for future careers in academia, industry, and research. Assistantship holders engage in meaningful work—either teaching undergraduate laboratory and discussion sections or conducting faculty-mentored research—while developing professional skills and contributing to the department's academic mission.

Assistantship benefits

Graduate assistants receive a robust compensation package that includes:

  • A competitive academic-year stipend
  • A 20-credit tuition waiver for the academic year (with unused credits applicable to summer enrollment; most graduate students utilize 15–17 credits per year)
  • Out-of-state tuition waiver
  • A summer stipend

Full-time assistantships require approximately 20 hours of service per week during the fall and spring semesters; half-time positions require about 10 hours per week.

Duration and renewal

Assistantships are typically awarded for one academic year and may be renewed for a second year based on performance and program progress. Students seeking a third year of support must reapply and compete with new applicants. Reappointment is not guaranteed and is contingent on demonstrated academic excellence and continued departmental need.

Application and eligibility

Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. All full-time applicants to the Chemistry M.S. program are automatically considered for available assistantships—no separate application is required. Part-time students are not eligible.

To ensure full consideration for financial support beginning in the fall semester, all application materials must be submitted by February 1. Admission applications are available through the Office of Graduate Studies.

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Gabriel Caruntu
Dow Science Complex 361
(989) 774-3863
carun1g@cmich.edu