Letters of Recommendation

Please submit two or three letters of recommendation from STEM faculty that are familiar with your academic work.  If you have done a research project, your supervisor's letter is especially useful.  When you enter the referees' name and email address in the preliminary application and submit the application, the referees will receive a request to write a reference for you. 

GRE Scores

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for admission but are welcomed as supporting information and for additional award opportunities.

If you took the GRE please ask the ETS testing agency to send your scores to the following address:

The Graduate School
University of South Carolina
1705 College Street, Suite 552
Close-Hipp Building
Columbia, SC 29208
The code for having scores sent to USC is 5818.

If you are submitting copies of your GRE scores, please upload them in the preliminary application.

For further information about the GRE such as test dates, practice tests, score reporting, and so forth, see www.ets.org/gre.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements for Admission

Applications are encouraged from students with backgrounds that align with the diverse interests of our faculty, and have completed a baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or at least one year of general chemistry from an allied degree in biological and/or the physical sciences.  Additional coursework or undergraduate research in organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biological chemistry is recommended for students whose primary and secondary interests are in these areas.  All components, including a final transcript acknowledging the degree, are required for admission to the graduate program.   International students are recommended to review departmental and university language requirements.

Transcripts

You may upload copies of transcripts from each university or college that you have attended.

If you are admitted to the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, you will be asked to provide a final transcript indicating degree completion. That transcript is to be sent to The Graduate School.

Graduate Application

For all students to be considered for admissions and financial support, please fill out our graduate application.  International students continue below.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant from a country whose primary language is not English, you must take the TOEFL.  The minimum, acceptable score is an 88 IBT.  The admissions committee likes to see a total score of 100 and above, and a speaking sub score of 24 and above.  If you have a degree from an American college or university, the TOEFL is not required.  The department will also accept the IELTS, with a minimum score of 7.  We will accept either official scores sent to us by the testing agency or copies of the scores that you received.  Copies are appreciated and will speed the application process.  If you are accepted into the department, the Graduate School will require official TOEFL scores sent directly from ETS.

NOTE: The use of Duolingo scores as a COVID-19 accommodation is extended through the 2024-2025 application/admission cycle.  While TOEFL, IELTS and PTE are formally accepted tests of English language by the Graduate School, Duolingo scores of 115 and higher may be submitted as alternate evidence of language proficiency.  Summer 2025 is the final application term that Duolingo scores have been approved for use at this time.

If you ask the testing agency to send your scores, please have them sent to:

The Graduate School
University of South Carolina
1705 College Street, Suite 552
Close-Hipp Building
Columbia, SC 29208
The code for having scores sent to USC is 5818.

If you are submitting copies of your TOEFL scores, please send those to our department.  For further information about the TOEFL, see www.ets.org/toefl.

What's Next?

Once you have applied for admission to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, nothing more is required of you. Decisions on completed applications will begin on January 15 and will continue until the incoming class is full. The graduate admissions committee will inform you of their decision via email as soon as they are made. Early applicants will have a greater chance of receiving fellowships or scholarships.  If you have any questions regarding the status of your application contact chemgrad@mailbox.sc.edu or 800-868-7588.