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Chemistry

Doctor of Philosophy

Delivery Options

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Fall 2026 Deadline

Priority: December 15th
Domestic: July 1st
International: March 1st

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Department

Chemistry

Why study this degree at Mines?

Understanding chemistry gives you the skills to create new materials, improve processes and uncover how molecules behave in the real world. It lets you see why reactions succeed or fail, how structures come together and what determines performance across everything from cutting edge materials to sophisticated analytical tools. As industries and research push for greater precision and reliability, they rely on chemists who can design smart experiments, make sense of complex data and turn insights into knowledge that matters beyond the lab.

Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines trains you to meet those challenges. The program combines deep theoretical knowledge with hands on, applied thinking. You will learn to ask research questions that really count, craft experiments to answer them and present results with clarity and confidence. Mines’ emphasis on applied science and engineering shapes how chemistry is explored. Whether you are drawn to fundamental principles or practical problems tied to materials, energy or analysis, your work is expected to be rigorous, reproducible and relevant.

If you want a PhD experience that balances scientific depth with real world impact, this program gives you the tools and foundation to lead in research, innovation and beyond.

Program Overview

The Chemistry PhD is an on-campus doctoral program housed in the Chemistry Department. It is designed for you to pursue original research that advances chemical knowledge while connecting to real scientific and technological challenges.

This program builds on your bachelor’s degree or master’s degree by shifting your focus from mastering existing knowledge to creating new understanding. You will deepen your expertise in chemical theory, experimental design and data interpretation while developing independence as a researcher. Coursework provides advanced grounding in core areas of chemistry and supports your dissertation research rather than standing apart from it.

You and Mines PhD: A right fit?

You may be a good fit for this program if you:

  • Enjoy careful experimental work and detailed analysis
  • Are motivated by unanswered questions and open-ended problems
  • Have strong preparation in chemistry or a closely related discipline

Key Program Research Groups

Chemistry research at Mines spans fundamental chemical principles through applied studies tied to materials and measurement.

Sellinger Research Group

This group designs and synthesizes advanced organic, polymer, and hybrid semiconductor materials for applications in energy and radiation technologies. Their work spans perovskite solar cells, plastic scintillators for radiation detection, rare-earth element extraction, and functional nanomaterials such as MXenes. A defining feature is its highly interdisciplinary collaborations with national labs and universities.

McGuirk Research Group

By combining synthetic chemistry with materials science, this lab investigates how molecules can be programmed to assemble and disassemble in controlled ways. The group develops supramolecular and hybrid materials with applications in plastic chemical recycling, alternative fuel storage, and expanded base-pairing chemistries for synthetic DNA and molecular information systems.

Trewyn Research Group

The Trewyn Research Group focuses on designing and applying porous materials for catalysis, energy systems, environmental remediation, and biomedical delivery. A distinguishing feature is its exploration of multifunctional porous structures that integrate catalysts, enzymes, and biomolecules, enabling tandem reactions, drug delivery technologies, and solutions for challenges such as PFAS degradation and alternative fuel systems.

Domaille Research Group

This chemical biology lab develops molecular tools and responsive materials that connect chemistry with biological systems. Research combines organic chemistry, materials science, and engineering to create biocompatible reactions, dynamic covalent materials that respond to cellular signals, and chemical probes that track reactive oxygen species in cells and support advances in health and energy technologies.

Richards Research Group

Through the design of nanostructured materials, this group advances technologies related to renewable energy and sustainability. Research emphasizes precise control of nanoscale composition and structure, with projects that include recovering valuable elements from electronic waste and converting them into functional inks for additive manufacturing of new catalytic and energy materials.

Other Options

World-Class Labs, Centers & Facilities

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Mines Radiochemistry Laboratory

Mines is home to a fully equipped laboratory dedicated to chemical experiments with radioactive materials from tritium, the lightest radioactive nuclide, to einsteinium, the heaviest element available in weighable quantities. In addition to a full suite of research-grade counting equipment, the facilities include equipment for thermodynamic and kinetic studies of chemical reactions and for characterization of chemical separations or geological transport.

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Domaille Lab

Assistant Professor Dylan Domaille develops tools and processes that address critical concerns in the fields of energy and human health and disease. His research group focuses on biocompatible chemistry for biomass conversion, dynamic covalent soft materials to aid in wound healing, and self-immolative probes for tracking proteins involved in oxidative biology.

Trewyn Research Group

Professor Brian Trewyn focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization and utility of “all things porous.” His research group investigates new materials for drug delivery, gene delivery to plant cells, heterogeneous catalysis, fuel cells, and separations of challenging metals and analytes.

Faculty Expertise

Brian Trewyn profile picture

Brian Trewyn

Interim DH - Chemistry

Jenifer Shafer profile picture

Jenifer Shafer

Professor

Michael McGuirk profile picture

Michael McGuirk

Associate Professor

Application Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree

  • GRE: Not Required

  • Letters of Recommendations (3 letters).
    Letters are not required for current Mines students.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • International students please review the English proficiency requirements

Program Curriculum

View Academic Catalog

Salary Outlook

Average starting salary for recent program graduates $98,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

Explore Mines Career Center

Employers who seek Mines graduates include

Chemical and materials companies

Companies such as Dow, BASF, DuPont, 3M, Eastman, LyondellBasell

Pharmaceutical and life science organizations

Companies such as Pfizer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Genentech, Amgen

Technology and manufacturing firms

Companies such as Intel, Applied Materials, Honeywell, Corning

National laboratories and government research
Companies such as National Laboratory of the Rockies, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology
A Mines student researcher working with mineral samples, which is part of a broader initiative to secure critical mineral supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why pursue a PhD in Chemistry?

A PhD allows you to contribute new knowledge to the field. You learn how to design rigorous experiments, analyze results critically and defend your conclusions. This training is essential for advanced research, scientific leadership and academic careers.

How research-intensive is this program?

Research is the core of the degree. Coursework supports your dissertation, but most of your time is dedicated to conducting original research and developing independence as a scientist.

What career paths are available after graduation?

Graduates pursue careers in industrial R&D, analytical laboratories, materials development, national laboratories and academia. Many also move into technical leadership roles.

Do you need a master’s degree to apply?

A master’s degree is helpful but not required. Strong preparation in chemistry or a related field is essential.

How does Mines’ applied focus shape chemistry research?

Mines emphasizes science that connects to real systems and measurable outcomes. Chemistry research here often intersects with materials, engineering and applied science, helping your work stay relevant beyond the academic setting.

Rachel Mow, PhD ’22

“

I combined my passion for chemistry and renewable energy with hands-on research through the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where I worked alongside leading scientists while completing my graduate studies. My research and collaborative experiences at Mines helped prepare me for a career advancing clean energy, and I went on to become an ORISE Hydrogen Shot Fellow with the U.S. Department of Energy. My advice to future students: “Just trust the process and have patience. There is failure along the way, and it’s important to keep going and have faith it will work out.”

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