northeastern chemistry phd admission

PhD Programs

Northeastern’s selective doctoral programs are powered by two essential ingredients for excellence: a world-class faculty and resources. Students also benefit from the university’s robust collaborations with industry, government, and academic institutions worldwide.

• External research funding has risen since 2006 by 168 percent, to $130 million in 2016.
• Through a comprehensive faculty hiring initiative, Northeastern has hired nearly 450 tenured and tenure-track faculty members in the past eight years and will recruit at least 200 more by 2017.
• Early in 2017, the university opened a $225-million, 220,000-square-foot Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex. Here, scholars from across the university collaborate in areas from robotics and drug delivery to tissue engineering.

The university is home to federally funded centers of excellence designated by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, and Veteran’s Affairs.

• Bioengineering

This interdisciplinary program provides students with the skills and knowledge essential to careers in a growing number of fields where biology, engineering, and medicine intersect.

Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology

The focus of this program is interdisciplinary approaches to environmental sustainability in the context of global change. The goal is to train researchers who can apply their research to solving questions in ecology, evolution, and marine biology, as well as to issues relevant to the environment and society.

• Information Assurance

This program engages faculties from the colleges of Computer and Information Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences and Humanities. It prepares students from diverse backgrounds and interests to advance the reliability and security of cyberspace as researchers, faculty members, and policy advisors.

• Network Science

The program provides tools and concepts for understanding the structure and dynamics of networks across a wide range of domains, including human behavior, socio-technical infrastructures, and biological agents and epidemic diseases.

• Personal Health Informatics

This program prepares researchers to design and evaluate technologies that improve health and wellness, and that have the potential to transform healthcare. This joint degree program combines curricula in human-computer interface technology and experimental design in the health sciences.

• Population Health

Integrating interdisciplinary education and experiential opportunities, this program prepares students for careers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of populations. It trains students to become public health leaders through the simultaneous examination of multiple health determinants, including social, environmental, nutritional, and behavioral risk factors.

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Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery (PhD)

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Design and synthesize novel biologically active compounds to address a broad range of social needs.

The PhD Program in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery educates and trains students in the design and synthesis of novel, biologically active compounds and in delineating their mechanisms of action using biochemical, biophysical, and pharmacological approaches. 

Research specializations are available in synthetic, biochemical/pharmacological, and biophysical aspects of medicinal chemistry.

Faculty Research

Doctoral research in these specializations will relate to faculty areas of research, which currently include:

• Substance use disorders and addiction
• Neuropathic pain
• Obesity and metabolic disorders
• Neuropsychiatric disorders (psychoses, ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders)
• Neurodegenerative diseases

The main goal of the degree is to improve understanding of how the chemical and physical properties of drugs and their dosage forms affect therapeutic performance in healthy and diseased systems.

Students may elect to concentrate on courses focused on novel drug delivery systems; biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics; physical pharmacy and polymeric dosage form development; or drug metabolism.

With a strong focus on nanotechnology-based advanced delivery systems that address contemporary needs, these concentrations also give students the opportunity to study with some of the world’s top researchers.

Students have the option of performing summer industrial internships in some of the most prestigious Boston-area pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Graduates of the program will also be well prepared to enter related PhD programs at the university.

Degree type: – Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery (PhD) Study options: – On-ground (Boston Campus) – Fall semester admissions only – Full-tim e

Application deadlines: Dec 6

GRE: Required

F1 Eligible: Yes

Sample Curriculum

Pleas note that the curriculum is subject to change . For the most up-to-date and complete information, please refer to the university’s academic catalog .

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

• Core Courses
• Research and Dissertation

Complete the following repeatable course for six semesters:

PHSC 6300 Pharmaceutical Science Seminar

Required Core

PHSC 5100 Concepts in Pharmaceutical Science

PHSC 5102 Concepts in Pharmaceutical Science 2

PHSC 5212 Research Skills and Ethics

PHSC 5305 Professional Development for Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHSC 6213 Ethical Problems in Health Sciences Research

PHSC 6214 Experimental Design and Biostatistics

Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery

CHEM 5626 Organic Synthesis 1

CHEM 5628 Principles of Spectroscopy of Organic Compound

PHSC 5450 Contemporary Approaches to Drug Design

Prequalifying Exam Course

PHSC 7020 Scientific Writing: Thesis Proposal

Qualifying Exam

PHSC 8940 Doctoral Training and Research

Proposal Preparation

PHSC 9681 Doctoral Proposal

Dissertation

PHSC 9990 Dissertation Term 1

PHSC 9991 Dissertation Term 2

PHSC 6810 Pharmaceutical Science Colloquium

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have at least two semesters of undergraduate courses (or their equivalent) in each of the following:

• Mathematics (including calculus)
• Biochemistry
• Organic chemistry

Please send all required documents directly to the PharmGrad Application portal . Here is additional information on how to submit documents .​

Admissions Checklist

A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in biology, chemistry, medical technology, pharmacy, chemical engineering or a related field.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher

Three letters of recommendation  (academic and professional)

Personal statement of goals and expectations. Please see application for details.

TOEFL (International Students)

GRE scores are required

Official transcript from baccalaureate program  and all college coursework. Applicants who have degree coursework from institutions outside of the United States must submit a credential evaluation. We require the iCAP WES package ( World Education Services, Inc. ) that evaluates your transcripts course by course.

Got questions?

If you have any additional questions about the graduate program please contact:

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Graduate School Application Tips & Advice

Applying to graduate school can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. You’re making a decision that could advance your career or allow you to dive deeper into a subject area that fulfills your personal goals, but you’re also making a significant investment of your time and finances.

With proper research, a clear head, and confidence, however, you can find the perfect program and submit an application that the admissions committee will be hard-pressed to reject.

Are you thinking about applying to graduate school? Here’s what every prospective student needs to know.

Tips for Applying to Graduate School

1. find a program that aligns with your goals ..

Finding the right graduate program can sometimes feel like the hardest part of the process. It’s important to find the right program for you, and with different degrees and certificates popping up at universities across the country, there are likely dozens of options available to you.

Write down the most important features of your ideal program before you begin your research. For example, do you want a full-time, on-campus experience or a flexible, online environment? Do you want research-based coursework or a program with experiential opportunities integrated into the curriculum? Once you have your list of non-negotiable features, you can kick off your research.

Learn More: How to Organize Your Grad School Search

After you’ve explored a range of programs, consider your career goals and how each program can help you achieve them. If you’d like to hone your skills to work in a specific focus area of a broader field, for instance, a program that offers a concentration or certificate aligned with those skills can be beneficial. On the other hand, if you’d like to have flexibility in your chosen career, pursuing a broader degree program that can be applied across various functions may be better suited to your needs.

Investing in this research upfront will help you find a graduate program that is right for your specific goals and allow you to feel more confident in your choice when it comes time to complete and submit your application.

2. Ask questions . 

The old-school idea that the admissions office is a scary room filled with judgment is a falsehood. Today, graduate school admissions counselors are here to help guide you through the application process process. They want to be there to support your educational journey. If you have any questions, ask . Don’t worry that your interactions with the admissions team could impact your application. If anything, your interactions will only help improve your application before review and help demonstrate your sincere interest in the program.

Many colleges and universities offer online resources where prospective students can find information about the application process and requirements. Getting in touch with an admissions counselor, though, may be the most efficient way to find answers to specific questions you might have. Engaging with them will also give you a chance to get to know the school better and decide if what they offer is really the right fit for your needs. 

Consider This: Admissions counselors are well-versed in the logistics of application requirements, individual programs, and financial aid and scholarships . If you have specific questions, be sure to reach out to them for the clarity and insight you need at any step of the process.

Prospective students should not be afraid of contacting faculty, either. If there’s a particular class you’re interested in taking or a lab you hope to work in, contact the faculty member in charge. Ask about that faculty member’s research and pose any questions about the degree program that you might have. You may have a better chance of standing out during the admissions process if you express interest early.

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3. Understand the timeline.

Although the application process varies by college or university, the vast majority will require you to submit your transcript, letters of recommendation, professional resumé , and statement of purpose. Your transcript alone could take weeks to be delivered and processed, so don’t wait until the last minute to start applying.

In an effort to avoid procrastination, consider developing a calendar of deadlines. Map out when you need to apply to each of your desired schools and the specific requirements for that program. For example, if you need to submit your undergraduate grades, create a to-do at least a month before the application deadline that reminds you to order your transcript.   

4. Update your resumé.

Before sending your resumé, make sure it’s optimized for your grad school application . In general, your experience should be listed in chronological order, starting with your current position, and described in bullet points using action-packed verbs, such as “achieved,” “improved,” “launched,” “negotiated,” or “trained.” Quantify any achievements and show your results, whether it’s the number of people you’ve managed, dollars you’ve raised, or articles you’ve written.

To help your resumé align with your grad school application, be sure to tailor it to the program you intend to pursue by showcasing your skills, highlighting relevant experience, and including your professional achievements.

5. Write a strong statement of purpose.

While some might think that a statement of purpose —or personal statement —is an afterthought during your application review, many admissions committees, consider it one of the most important components of your application. The statement of purpose can make or break your application for admission.

The key to crafting an impactful statement of purpose is to not get caught up in what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Use this opportunity to tell the committee more about who you are and your background while also explaining specifically what you hope to get out of the program. Be sure to address the unique features the school offers that interest you most.

For Example: If you plan to apply to Northeastern, you might consider highlighting experiential learning as the unique feature that interests you about your program. In this case, you might explain that you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry and learn from faculty who are experts in your field of study.

No matter where you apply, a strong statement of purpose should include:

• Insight into what drives you, whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both
• The features about the school that appeal to you most
• Your expectations of the degree program and its potential impact
• Authenticity and a clear picture of what makes you unique

6 . Choose appropriate references .

Letters of recommendation are another piece of the application process that helps elevate your application for admission. When it comes to asking for letters of recommendation , carefully consider whom you’re contacting. You want to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. 

Reach out to a professor you regularly interacted with who can detail your academic accomplishments and describe why you were a standout student. You can also ask a former supervisor who’s working in a field that aligns with the graduate program you’re pursuing. No matter your choice, make sure it’s someone you know in a professional or academic capacity—not a friend or family member—who will to provide a positive recommendation representative of your character. 

You can typically provide either a professional or academic recommendation in support of your application, but programs have specific requirements around who is writing the recommendation and what the content needs to address. Research what each program requires before you coordinate your references.

When asking for a recommendation, provide your chosen reference with as much information about your request as possible. The more insight you can provide, the better your recommendation letter will be. Include in your first outreach:

• The name of the school you’re applying to
• The degree you’re pursuing
• Why you want to enroll in that specific program
• Your resumé

Make sure you keep your timeline in mind as you embark on these communications, especially if you reach out to a professor. It’s likely your letter isn’t the only one he or she needs to write, so be respectful of their time by giving as much notice as possible. Four weeks is ideal. 

7. Proofread your materials before applying.

You could be a perfect fit for your desired program, but if you submit materials that are riddled with spelling and grammar errors, the admissions team might dismiss your application before ever digging into it. Triple-check your materials and make sure that when you do press send, you’ve included all necessary documentation and hit all deadlines set in place by the university.

It’s easy for an individual to unknowingly overlook their own mistakes, so it can also be helpful to ask a friend to review your materials before you submit them, as well. Reading your materials out loud to yourself can also help you spot potential mistakes.

Though this may seem like a lot of effort, remember: Your application is the first impression you will make on the university, and it’s important to put your best foot forward.

8. Be true to yourself .

Of all the tips for applying to graduate school, the most important is being true to yourself. Being perfect is not the recipe for admission; admissions committees want to know the real you and understand your ambitions. Whether you’re a working professional hoping graduate school can bring you to the next level of your career or a recent graduate looking to further master your chosen skill, just be yourself, and you’ll start off in the right direction.

Applying to Northeastern’s Graduate Programs

If you are interested in applying to one of Northeastern University’s 200+ online, on-ground, or hybrid graduate degree and certificate programs , there are various resources available to help you along the way. 

First, it is important to understand the application process and requirements. Specific application requirements vary by college and degree, so be sure to explore the admissions information for your desired program before getting started. In general, however, the application requirements for Northeastern’s graduate programs include:

• A completed online application 
• Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools you’ve previously attended
• A statement of purpose that details your goals and interest in the program
• One to three letters of recommendation (varies by program)
• Your updated professional resumé or curriculum vitae 
• Your official GRE, GMAT, or LSAT test scores (if required)
• A non-refundable application fee 

Additionally, international students who are non-native English speakers must submit proof of English proficiency in the form of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo test scores, though the minimum scores vary by program. Students who do not meet the minimum requirement for these scores may also apply to the university’s Global Pathways program .

As always, students who intend to apply to a graduate program at Northeastern should also research the application deadlines for their program of interest. Be sure to set a timeline for yourself and avoid procrastination to ensure that you’re able to submit all of the required materials on time.

The faculty and admissions team at Northeastern are always available to help prospective students throughout this journey, and prospective students are always encouraged to reach out to ask questions and get personalized advice . Whether you need information about selecting the right program, the application process, program-specific requirements, financial aid, or anything in between, the admissions team is here to help.

The First Step Toward Grad School Success

Once you’ve made the decision to further your education and pursue a graduate degree or certificate, submitting your application is the first step toward being a successful graduate student. 

No matter where you choose to apply and ultimately attend, there are countless resources available to help you throughout the process. 

To learn more about the specific schools and programs you are interested in, it’s always best to start by reaching out to admissions teams and faculty to get to know what makes them unique and ask any questions you might have. Building these relationships early on will help you find a program that fits your personal and professional goals, and can ultimately help you through the process of getting accepted to a program that’s right for you.

Are you interested in applying to graduate school? Explore Northeastern’s degree and certificate programs , and contact us for personalized advice.

This article was originally published in August 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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The graduate program in the Department of Chemical Engineering offers students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research that tackles pressing challenges facing our society and our planet in areas such as biomedicine, energy, security, and sustainability.

Students develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of chemical engineering through core coursework and applied electives, while gaining career experience through laboratory research or co-op.

Chemical Engineering master’s students can select research-based (thesis) and course-based degree options.  The MS in Pharmaceutical Engineering offers coursework and rich experiential learning.

The department’s research areas include Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems; Complex and Computational Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Engineering Education and Pedagogy; and Materials and Nanotechnology. Graduate students are able to select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests.

The overarching goal of the rich research and educational experience is to mentor and to equip our students to become future leaders in engineering and science, while simultaneously promoting scholarly achievement for both the faculty and students.

Full-Time and Part-Time Options

The PhD in Chemical Engineering degree is offered as a full-time program. The non-thesis MS Chemical Engineering degree is offered as either a full-time or part-time program to make it more accessible to students pursuing concurrent industrial careers. The MS in Pharmaceutical Engineering is a full time program.

Students pursuing the non-thesis MS in Chemical Engineering degree may, in exceptional cases, apply and seek admission to pursue a thesis MS degree following their first term of enrollment in the graduate program; if admitted, the thesis MS degree is offered only as a full-time program.

Both full-time Chemical Engineering Master of Science degree and Doctoral students are able to select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests.

The  Graduate Dissertation Completion Fellowships provides PhD candidates who are nearing completion of their dissertation the financial support to spend their final semester writing.

Cooperative Education

Northeastern is a leader in experiential learning and is one of only a few that offer a cooperative education program for graduate students. Cooperative education at the graduate level is not just a way for students to gain real world experience, but it is also a way to challenge, network, expand and fine-tune their knowledge within their respective industry, and foster career development, while helping to finance their education.

Located in Hub of Innovation

With a premier location in downtown Boston, a hub of high tech, biotech, and medical and pharmaceutical institutions, including world-renowned hospitals, research in the department leverages the wealth of collaborations with neighboring universities, hospitals, medical centers and industry. New or prospective graduate students can learn about ongoing research topics from individual faculty members, faculty web sites and graduate student seminars. Graduate student seminars, where our students present the results of their research, are held on a regular basis and provide an interactive forum for learning and exchanging ideas.

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Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Chemistry, ms, master's coursework option.

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology offers a full-time or part-time, course-based master’s degree. Classes are generally offered in the evenings to accommodate students who have full-time jobs. A research thesis is not a requirement for the degree.

Master's Thesis Option

The department welcomes applications for the thesis-based master's degree only from students who are currently enrolled at Northeastern.

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Complete one of the following options:

Coursework Option

Thesis option, program credit/gpa requirements.

30 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required

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Deepen your research impact through a Northeastern PhD .

Northeastern’s PhD programs offer fundamentals for excellence: access to world-class faculty, an expansive mentor network, robust resources, and experiential opportunities inside industry, government, and other universities and nonprofits.

• PhD Programs

Industry Experiential PhD

Many working professionals aspire to earn their PhD without leaving their full-time jobs. Northeastern’s Industry Experiential PhD program allows employees with Master’s degrees to work full-time while conducting research at their employer site under the guidance of a Northeastern faculty member and advisor from their employer.

PhD in Bioengineering

Our interdisciplinary PhD program in Bioengineering draws on the expertise of faculty across the University and reflects the significant strengths of bioengineering research in multiple areas. Students accepted to the program will complete a rigorous core curriculum in basic bioengineering science followed by completion of an immersion track curriculum.

PhD in Computer Engineering

Northeastern’s PhD program in Computer Engineering offers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in the following areas: computer architecture, parallel computing, fault tolerance, performance analysis and modeling, security, embedded systems, VLSI, algorithms, data mining, testing, machine learning, machine vision and software engineering.

PhD in Computer Science

The PhD in Computer Science prepares students for careers in academia and industry—from conducting research to developing systems to publishing and presenting papers.

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

The PhD level program in Civil Engineering at Northeastern University is flexible and may be adapted to any subject area in civil and environmental engineering, including interdisciplinary options within the department or across departments or colleges.

PhD in Electrical Engineering

The PhD program in Electrical Engineering aims to teach students to develop efficient systems that contribute to business, safety, health, and entertainment.

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

The PhD in Mechanical Engineering is awarded to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and research competence in the fields of mechanical engineering. To earn a PhD, a student must complete an approved, rigorous program of advanced coursework and submit and defend an original dissertation of independent research.

PhD in Network Science

The Network Science PhD program is a pioneering interdisciplinary program that provides the tools and concepts aimed at understanding the structure and dynamics of networks arising from the interplay of human behavior, socio-technical infrastructures, information diffusion and biological agents.