What makes graduate study at UW–Madison great?
- Our programs are ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report.
- Our faculty conduct cutting-edge research on a variety of topics along with their graduate student mentees.
- We are committed to building a diverse community of scholars.
Among doctoral programs in the U.S., 15 UW-Madison departments, including chemistry, are nationally ranked in their disciplines. Seventeen Nobel Prizes have been awarded to current or former UW-Madison faculty and alumni.
The Department of Chemistry delivers…
For decades, chemistry at Wisconsin has attracted outstanding students, faculty, and staff. In addition to having a broad choice of high-quality courses, seminars, and research projects, students at all levels benefit from informal interactions with exceptional research scientists. The department’s reputation for excellence is nationally recognized by funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy, as well as corporate and nonprofit research sponsors.
Leaders in research, service, and teaching
The research atmosphere at Wisconsin, and especially in chemistry, is a distinctive feature. Collegiality and collaboration are the rule. Multiple research groups regularly come together for various supergroup research and literature seminars, broadening students’ exposure to a variety of viewpoints and techniques. This free intellectual and technical exchange, together with talent and enthusiasm for science, creates a very stimulating environment.
Collaboration
A collaborative research atmosphere at UW–Madison, especially in chemistry, is a distinctive feature. Collegiality with collaboration is the standard with multiple research groups regularly coming together for various supergroup research and literature seminars. This practice broadens our students’ exposure to a variety of viewpoints and techniques. A free-flowing intellectual and technical exchange together with talent and enthusiasm for science, create a very stimulating environment.
Chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, and chemical engineering are separate departments UW–Madison. Interaction and collaboration between students and faculty in these departments are common, and we encourage our students to take advantage of these opportunities in their coursework and research.
A diverse and inclusive environment
Programs such as the Bridge to the Doctorate, CHOPs (Chemistry Opportunities), and Catalyst have created a welcoming community at UW–Madison Department of Chemistry. The percentage of students from underrepresented groups has more than doubled in recent years. Additionally, women make up more than half of enrolled students from 2019-2022.
Recent faculty awards and recognition:
- Shannon Stahl, elected into the National Academy of Sciences
- Sam Gellman: R. Bruce Merrifield Award (2023)
- Helen Blackwell: The 2024 Alexander M Cruickshank Lecturer at the Gordon Research Conference on Chemistry and Biology of Peptides
- Thomas Brunold: Taylor Teaching Award (2024)
- Kyoung-Shin Choi, elected into the American Academy of Arts and Science
- Monica Neugebauer: Shaw Early Career Research Award (2024)
- Pupa Gilbert: Award for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities from the Office of the Provost
- Tim Bertram: Vilas Mid-Career Investigator Award (2024)
- Martin Zanni, member of the Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering Advisory Panel
- Bob Hamers: Hilldale Award (2024)
- Katrina T. Forest, elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Important Dates
Application dates:
September 3 – December 1, 2025
Recruiting weekends:
February 20 – 22 and March 6 – 8, 2026
Deadline to respond to offer:
April 15, 2026
Mandatory incoming student orientation:
August 17 – 21, 2026
Mandatory TA training:
August 24 – 28, 2026
Fall courses start:
September 2, 2026
Admissions Information
Life in Madison, WI
Ph.D. Requirements
More information
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Health Insurance
Graduate assistants, including TAs and RAs, and graduate fellows have the option to receive excellent benefits through the university’s state group health insurance plan. This is the same health insurance that covers faculty and staff. For the calendar year 2025, the typical state group health (HMO) insurance rates for graduate assistants are $60/month for an individual or $148.50/month for a family (including spouses and children).
For individuals and families who need to the flexibility to select specific health care providers, or who need to access health care throughout Wisconsin or nationwide, the Access Plan provides a second option for coverage through the state group health insurance program. For the calendar year 2025, the monthly rates for the Access Plan are $146 for individuals and $362 for families.
Student Fees
Graduate students are required to pay student fees called University Segregated Fees, which amount to approximately $1,900 for the 2025-26 academic year (depending upon course hours enrolled). These fees are paid fall and spring semester and summer term. The payment schedule is here.
Waiver for Prior Graduate Chemistry Courses
An incoming graduate student can receive a waiver from the Department for up to 12 credits toward the UW-Madison Ph.D. course requirements for graduate courses taken at other institutions. These courses will not appear on the UW-Madison transcript nor count toward the Graduate School cumulative GPA or credit requirements, but will fulfill the Department’s requirement toward coursework, if approved. This policy is primarily for graduate students who have completed a MS degree before entering the graduate program at UW-Madison. Occasionally, incoming graduate students have completed 1 or 2 graduate courses at their undergraduate institution and this policy may be applicable. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
International Students
The Department of Chemistry encourages international students to apply to the graduate program and believes that the department is enhanced by the diversity and different perspectives that the international students bring. Approximately 20-25 percent of our graduate students are international students.
Incoming Students
First-year graduate students without a fellowship are expected to teach as a teaching assistants (TAs). International students are required to take a SPEAK test to demonstrate their ability to speak clearly and listen effectively, if the language of instruction at their undergraduate or master’s institution was not in English.
International Student Services
UW-Madison has an active International Student Services (ISS) organization that offers workshops, events, and information for international students throughout their academic career. They will answer questions about visas, employment, dependents, and other issues.
Please contact the Graduate Program Office at gradprogram@chem.wisc.edu if you have general questions. Contact Marc Willadsen, payroll specialist, at mwilladsen@wisc.edu if you have questions about benefits or payroll.