Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Entry requirements

We admit students with a record of classroom and laboratory training in biological, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. We expect students to possess a strong enough grounding in chemistry to perform well on the required chemistry GRE subject exam (other subjects like physics or biochemistry can be substituted, if appropriate), and to be thoughtful enough about the discipline of chemistry to communicate their desire to pursue doctoral research in our department.

Months of entry

August

Course content

Chemistry and Chemical Biology is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, a federation of 14 life sciences PhD programs, departments, and subject areas that facilitates cross-disciplinary academic and research collaboration.

The department offers a program leading to the degree of doctor of philosophy in chemistry, with research and training opportunities in many sub-disciplines of chemistry. An interdepartmental PhD program in chemical physics is also available. Applicants to the latter should apply through the program in Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Our faculty share with graduate students a rich training in the unique tools of chemical inquiry and a commitment to scientific investigation at the molecular level. For their doctoral research, we encourage students to explore problems of intrinsic interest and importance at the frontiers of chemical science. We offer many opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. Interaction with other departments and groups is common, both within Harvard University and at other research centers in the Boston area.

Fees and funding

5 years’ funding is guaranteed to all Harvard PhD students.

British citizens who are – or will be – graduates of British universities should check out both Kennedy Scholarships and Frank Knox Fellowships.

Both of these awards offer full tuition and health insurance coverage and a generous stipend towards living expenses. They are offered annually in competition. A Frank Knox Fellowship can be particularly welcomed during the early stages of a doctoral degree and both awards offer considerable personal support from their networks.

Please note that you will need to submit your application to either or both awards ahead of the deadline for your Harvard application. Kennedy Scholarship and Frank Knox Fellowship applications are to be made online via their websites between mid-August and late-October in the same application season as you will submit your application to Harvard. Please also note they are totally separate from, and independent of, admission to the program. Awards made at interview in London in January are provisional, pending confirmation of a place on the course.