Earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a science-related field. Select colleges accept your application if you have a bachelor's degree in biology or physics with a chemistry minor. Visit the university's website or catalog to find out the exact courses needed to earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry or science-related fields. Most graduate programs require a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
Take the GRE subject-area chemistry examination. The GRE subject test contains about 130 multiple-choice questions covering basic chemistry concepts, scientific methods, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. You have to calculate chemical equations on the examination. The test booklet has a periodic table and conversion factors to assist you as you take the test. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) website has a practice booklet.
Enroll in a master's degree in chemistry. A master's in chemistry combines classwork and research projects that apply class instruction. Select universities, such as California State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, require placement examinations and course approval by graduate advisors. Students must complete a publication-quality thesis and attend department seminars, thesis proposal presentations and thesis defenses.
Research PhD programs to make sure you meet enrollment requirements for the universities in which you plan to enroll. Seton Hall wants you to complete 70 credit hours encompassing research, course work and seminars. You also need an additional 40 credit hours in a specific field,such as forensic science, pharmaceuticals and chemical engineering.
Complete nine concurrent months of full-time coursework. The majority of these will consist of research. If you want to attend school part time, you need permission from the graduate advisory committee or the department head.
Petition the dissertation committee. You need to get approval from the committee before you begin writing your doctoral dissertation. The chemistry department provides information on getting the permission needed to write your dissertation.
Defend your chemistry doctoral dissertation. Learn the guidelines set out by your school's policy about defending your dissertation. You have to present your paper in front of committee members, so get advice from others who've successfully defended theirs and talk to your academic advisor. When the time comes, make sure to dress appropriately and be prepared for questions from the committee.