In the first stage, you will download and complete the application form.  Upon completion of the application, submit it by e-mail to the Graduate Admissions Committee in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (chemPhD@auburn.edu).

In addition, you are asked to send a copy of your official transcripts as well as TOEFL and/or GRE scores (if applicable) to the same e-mail address.  Please send each document as a separate Microsoft Word or PDF file.  Finally, have the three references you identify in your application send their letters of recommendation to the Graduate Admissions Committee (chemPhD@auburn.edu).

Once your complete application is received, it will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. If your application is favorably reviewed and you are extended an offer from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, you will be given instructions for the second stage of your application to the Graduate School.  Importantly, once you are accepted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, your application and acceptance to the Graduate School is typically a mere formality.  

Below are the information and materials you will need to complete your initial application to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry:

• Application form
  • Full Name
  • Present address and home/permanent address
  • Summary of all post secondary education
  • Optional GRE scores (Neither the General Test nor the Chemistry/Biochemistry Subject Tests are required, but they are accepted as supplemental material.)
  • English proficiency is required, see below (TOEFL iBT and IELTS accepted)
  • Grade point averages (Chemistry GPA, Math and Sciences GPA, and Overall GPA)
  • Names, addresses, and e-mails of three references familiar with your ability to conduct research and/or be successful in a graduate program.
  • A personal statement expressing your reason for pursuing advanced studies in chemistry.  (We recommend that you specify the research program(s)/faculty members with whom you are interested in working.)
  • A Statement of Accomplishments and Qualifications describing the features of your background that prepare you for graduate study in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (e.g., previous employment, honors and awards, research experience, record of published work, talks and/or posters presented).
• English proficiency rules:
  • For admission, one of the following is required:
    • TOEFL iBT: at least 79 overall, at least 16 on speaking section
    • IELTS: at least 6.5 overall (no speaking section requirement)
    • Degree from an accredited college/university in the U.S.
    • Degree from a university with English as the primary language of instruction
  • For teaching (GTA), one of the following required:
    • TOEFL iBT: at least 23 on the speaking section
    • IELTS: at least 7 on speaking section
    • iTEP test (administered by AU): at least 4.4 on speaking section
    • Degree from accredited college/university in the U.S.
    • Degree from a university with English as the primary language of instruction
    • If none of the above requirements are met, the student will enroll in INTL 1820 (Classroom Communication Skills for International Teaching Assistants) for their first semester, then will become GTA eligible after passing the course.
    *Note: The DuoLingo test was temporarily allowed during the pandemic, but Auburn University will no longer accept these scores.
• For those who elect to submit GRE General and/or Subject Test scores (not required), and for international students who are required to submit TOEFL scores, the Educational Testing Service code for Auburn University is 1005.
• For our initial review, copies of official transcripts (sent to chemPhD@auburn.edu) are acceptable. However, be advised that official transcripts for all post-secondary education must be received from the relevant universities and verified by our School of Graduate Studies before you can be officially admitted to the University.
• You are responsible to notify your recommenders to write and send a letter on your behalf.  Inform your recommenders that the preferred format is a PDF document including letterhead and signature e-mailed to chemPhD@auburn.edu
  • If this is not possible, a copy may be faxed to our department (334-844-6959) or a hard copy sent to the mailing address below.   We must have received your letters of recommendation in order to consider your application. 

Review of applications will begin on December 5 of each year and will continue until available positions are filled.  In order to adequately process international applications, we should receive them as soon as possible.   

NOTE: While it is best to receive applications before the date noted above, we will continue to process applications on a rolling basis throughout the months that follow.  Usually, fall applications are reviewed through March or April of the admission year.  In fact, we encourage applications at any time!

Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry Building, Room 179
Auburn University
Auburn, AL  36849-5312  
Email: chemPhD@auburn.edu

or Graduate Program Officer
Email: chemgpo@auburn.edu