Prospective Graduate Student FAQs

Why should I choose NIU?

Northern Illinois University has a comprehensive chemistry and biochemistry program offering Ph.D. and M.S. degrees. The available facilities are excellent making use of two buildings, the newer added in 1995. With 14 faculty and a full complement of technical staff, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the opportunity for graduate students to flourish scientifically, but not be lost in an overwhelmingly large department. These factors, combined with the environment of a Midwestern college town and a university with a total enrollment of approximately twenty thousand students, make NIU an ideal school for graduate education. Choose Chemistry!

How do I apply?

The materials needed by the admissions committee of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are: Completed graduate school and teaching assistantship application forms, academic transcripts, GRE scores and letters of recommendation. TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. For fall semester admission, it is best that application materials be received by the preceding February. The online application, along with further details and deadlines can be found on NIU's Graduate Student website.

How many graduate students do you have?

We have approximately 40 graduate students.

What are grade point average or GRE score requirements for admission?

The NIU Graduate School has its own entrance requirements. Acceptance to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is based on committee review after acceptance by the Graduate School. We do not require a GRE subject exam.

What facilities / instrumentation do you have?

The shared complex of Faraday Hall and La Tourette Hall provides over 65,000 square feet of research, instructional and office space to chemistry faculty, staff and students. The department features an Analytical Lab, which houses shared analytical instrumentation, including two NMR spectrometers (300 MHz and 500 MHz), two mass spectrometers (LC—MS and MALDI), two FT‐IR spectrometers and other analytical instruments. We also house our own glass shop, staffed by a scientific glass blower. Our shop is capable of producing new laboratory glass and custom scientific glass, in addition to conducting repairs and applying modifications.

What kind of housing is available?

DeKalb has a variety of options: townhouses, apartments, condos, duplexes, or house rental. Further housing information can be found at NIU's Graduate Housing page, NIU's Off‐Campus Housing page and Northern Star's Housing Guide.

What is the average time for graduation?

Usually Ph.D studies take four to five years, M.S. studies take two to two and a half years.

Where is my question?

Can't find it? Ask us! Email chemgrad@niu.edu.