According to Dr. Donald Valentine of the American Chemical Society, chemists work with research laboratories all over the world, and must be able to read in at least one foreign and one computer-based language by graduation.
In addition to a set curriculum, students undergo pass-fail examinations on organic chemistry. Valentine notes there is typically a minimum of four such tests given during the Ph.D. program.
Ph.D. candidates propose an original research project. Valentine states this happens after completing the written examinations, and is under the advisement of a faculty member with whom the student works best.
Ph.D. candidates must be "capable of presenting to an audience," notes Valentine. Thus, monthly chemistry department seminars are typically held, for Ph.D. students to report their research status.
An average Ph.D. program in organic chemistry lasts 4 years.