Application Process
Prerequisites
Most students who apply to the Clemson graduate chemistry program have completed a BS or BA undergraduate degree in chemistry, or have acquired the equivalent background. In most cases the undergraduate program will include at least two formal courses each in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry and at least one formal course in inorganic chemistry, and the associated labs. Experience in research is also desirable.
Materials
To apply to the Clemson graduate chemistry program, you must complete an application form and supply the following materials: transcripts from the undergraduate program and any prior graduate programs; test scores from the GRE general exam (verbal, quantitative, and analytical); at least two letters of recommendation from people familiar with your background;a personal statement; and a completed financial assistance form. International students must also supply a test score for the TOEFL exam. The TSE exam is not required for international students, however if a TSE score is available and is above 50, it will greatly improve the chances of admission. Once you have all of the supporting documents, please send them to the following address:
Graduate Student Coordinator
Clemson University
219 Hunter Lab
Clemson, SC 29634-0973
Application procedure
The application form may be completed either as a paper form using an application packet we send you, or via the online application form on this site.
In either case, you will still need to supply the other materials listed above before an admissions decision can be made. Your application will be processed most quickly if you send all materials directly to the chemistry department to the attention of the Graduate Student Coordinator. (Click here for the address to which material should be sent.) Unofficial copies of undergraduate transcripts and GRE test scores are acceptable for an initial decision to be made by the chemistry department regarding an assistantship. If an assistantship offer is made, then official versions of the undergraduate transcripts and test scores will be required for admission via the Clemson Graduate School.
Application deadline
For full consideration, applications should be received by March 1.
Application fee
The fee for making an official application through the Clemson graduate school is normally $65, however for applicants who are US citizens or permanent residents, or who have received a degree from a US college or university, or who possess sufficient English language proficiency that they will be qualified to teach laboratory sections, the fee will be covered by the Chemistry Department. For all other applicants, application materials submitted to the chemistry department should be considered preliminary only; an official application will be required, with a paid application fee, for the application to be given formal consideration.
English Language Proficiency for International Students
Graduate students at Clemson for whom English is not their native language are required to pass a locally-administered English language proficiency exam to become certified to teach laboratory sections and receive a teaching assistantship. The exam is called the SPEAK test, and it is normally a retired version of the Test of Spoken English (TSE) exam that is administered by the Educational Testing Service. (Click here for more information on the Test of Spoken English.) A score of 50 or above on the SPEAK test is required for international students to be certified to teach laboratory sections.
GRE Average
The average GRE score is approximately 460 for the verbal portion of the exam and 680 for the quantitative.