Build deep research expertise in chemistry.
Florida Tech’s chemistry Ph.D. program provides a collaborative, hands-on environment where students work closely with faculty mentors across chemistry subfields, including analytical, organic, inorganic, computational and photochemistry, as well as biomaterials.
Doctoral training emphasizes advanced skills in molecular design, instrumentation and modern modeling techniques while supporting original research that advances both fundamental understanding and practical applications.
Students contribute to projects in areas such as sustainable materials, energy, biotechnology and advanced chemical manufacturing, developing the expertise and independence needed for careers in academia, research and industry.
Florida Tech provides a personalized, research-driven Ph.D. experience with small classes, collaborative laboratories and close faculty mentorship. The program offers access to cutting-edge instrumentation and computational resources, along with connections to local high-tech and scientific industries. This combination of mentorship, facilities and opportunities supports doctoral research that is both rigorous and impactful.
Florida Tech’s chemistry Ph.D. program provides a highly supportive and personalized academic setting. Small class sizes and research groups foster close mentorship, allowing you to work directly with accomplished faculty and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques.
Faculty expertise spans molecular design, synthesis and characterization across organic and organometallic chemistry, photochemistry, polymer chemistry, catalysis, electrochemistry and computational modeling. Their research leverages advanced analytical and biophysical tools, including NMR, spectroscopy, atomic and magnetic resonance, and micro- and nano-scale electrodes.
Doctoral students contribute to projects ranging from reaction mechanisms and sensor development to functional molecules, advanced materials and protein-ligand interactions. This environment emphasizes both scientific rigor and individualized mentorship, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the field of chemistry.
Ph.D. chemistry students at Florida Tech conduct research in the 70,000-square-foot Olin Physical Sciences Center, which houses extensive laboratories and specialized equipment for spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography, microscopy and molecular modeling.
The department offers multiple NMR and mass spectrometry systems, advanced UV-vis and IR instruments, scanning probe and electron microscopes, as well as high-performance computing tools for computational chemistry.
Beyond the chemistry labs, students can access campus-wide imaging facilities, machine and electronics shops, and comprehensive library and academic support services—resources that enhance both research capabilities and professional development.
Florida Tech’s location in the heart of the Space Coast places chemistry Ph.D. students near a vibrant hub of high-tech companies, research laboratories, government agencies and environmental organizations. NASA-Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are just to the north.
This environment offers exceptional opportunities for collaboration and career development in areas such as materials and polymer design, molecular sensors, analytical and environmental chemistry, and biomaterials for medical or environmental applications.
Academic units at Florida Tech may offer graduate student assistantships to full-time, degree-seeking graduate students on a competitive basis.
Teaching Assistants (TAs) support faculty in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including tasks such as grading, tutoring and conducting office hours. First-time TAs attend a teaching assistant seminar to prepare for their responsibilities.
Research Assistants (RAs) collaborate with faculty on projects funded by government agencies, private sponsors and university research funds.
For current information about assistantships, please contact the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Florida Tech offers a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports advanced research alongside personal well-being. The campus includes extensive green spaces, such as the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, along with facilities like the Holzer Health Center and Clemente Center for health, fitness and stress management.
Located minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of Atlantic beaches, the university combines access to outdoor recreation with proximity to industry and government organizations that contribute to research collaboration and career development.
Graduate students from around the world come together at Florida Tech in a campus community that fosters international collaboration and innovation. This environment encourages students to work across cultures and perspectives, preparing them for research and professional settings around the globe.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on immigration matters, serving as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and sharing information about campus and community resources.
Successful applicants to the program typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry with strong academic performance. Admission to the chemistry Ph.D. is available in the fall semester only.
For more information about applying, please see our graduate admission requirements.
A Ph.D. in chemistry from Florida Tech prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry and government, including pharmaceuticals, energy, biotechnology, advanced materials and manufacturing.
Doctoral training develops expertise in molecular design, synthesis, characterization, analytical techniques and computational modeling. Graduates apply these skills in high-demand areas such as sustainable materials, energy-focused chemistry, biomaterials and molecular technologies.
Florida Tech alumni have gone on to work for leading organizations including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), Merck, Motorola, NASA, Pfizer and Sherwin-Williams.
Note: Employment data reflect positions commonly associated with this field. Many Ph.D. graduates go on to academic, leadership and advanced research, technical and analytical roles not captured here.
Florida Tech Career Services helps students, alumni and employers connect through career planning, job search support and recruitment resources.
For information on job outlook, pay and working conditions in this field and related fields in the United States, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The dissertation is the centerpiece of the chemistry Ph.D., giving students the opportunity to deepen their expertise while contributing original knowledge to the field.
Research spans analytical, bioanalytical, photochemistry, inorganic, organic, organometallic, computational chemistry and biomaterials. Recent projects have focused on developing advanced sensors, photocleavable systems, new catalysts, computational models and materials for biomedical or environmental applications. Students explore problems ranging from molecular mechanisms and sensor design to biological chemistry and advanced materials.
Browse recent dissertations in the Florida Tech Scholarship Repository.
Florida Tech’s chemistry Ph.D. program is research-focused and designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to tailor coursework and research to their individual goals. Considerable latitude is given in developing a program of study to accommodate specific research interests.
The program consists of an approved combination of formal coursework, cumulative written and comprehensive oral exams, a research proposal and original research culminating in a dissertation, defense and seminar presentation.
Students must complete a minimum of 72 semester credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree or 42 semester credit hours beyond a master’s degree.
Check the catalog for a description of all courses. Check the catalog for detailed degree requirements.
Chemistry research at Florida Tech often takes place in small, collaborative groups where students work alongside faculty on projects in synthesis, catalysis, photochemistry, electrochemistry, computational modeling and molecular characterization.
This close-knit structure provides direct access to faculty expertise and resources, giving you a strong foundation as you move beyond coursework into original research and scientific discovery.
Mentoring relationships support your development as an independent researcher, enabling you to pursue projects that advance fundamental understanding and lead to practical solutions in areas such as energy, health and advanced materials.
Learn more about Chemistry at Florida Tech on the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering website.
Ph.D. chemistry students conduct research in the 70,000-square-foot F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center, home to advanced laboratories and specialized equipment for spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography, microscopy and molecular modeling.
