Application Material

An overview of the chemistry Ph.D./M.S. graduate application process is provided below. Full program details can be found in the Chemistry Department Graduate Student Handbook.

Important Dates

Fall Admission
Applications for Fall admission should be submitted before January 15 to receive full consideration for all Fellowship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) opportunities. Applications received after this date will not be eligible for fellowships, but will be considered for GTA positions.

Spring Admission
Applications for Spring admissions should be submitted by September 15. Spring applicants will be considered for a limited number of GTA positions. Students not admitted for Spring may request to have their application consider for Fall.

Minimum Requirements

Undergraduate Degree
A B.A. or B.S. degree in chemistry or in a related field. Students should have a chemistry background equivalent to 36 hours of undergraduate coursework.

Grade Point Average
A minimum quality point standing of 3.0/4.0.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Recommended but not required.

Letters of recommendation
At least 2 letters of recommendation written by someone who can speak to the applicant's academic and/or professional capabilities.

Personal statement
Statement addressing specific issues pertaining to knowledge, work and/or research experiences, goals, and/or interests in the chosen field of study.

English Proficiency Test
For all international students from non-native English-speaking countries, an English proficiency test is required. We accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores. A minimum score of 70 on the TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS or 105 for Duolingo are required to meet the minimum requirements.

Application Checklist

  • Online Application (graduate.louisville.edu/apply)
  • Application Fee
  • Official Transcripts
  • Official GRE Scores
  • Recommendation Letters (minimum of 2)
  • Personal Statement
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores (If English is not the primary language)

To expedite the review process of your application, after you submit an online application please also send all of your documents (preferably in a single PDF file) to .

Email  or call 502-852-6798 to check on the status of your application at any time.


Frequently Asked Questions (click here)