Graduate Admission to the Chemistry Graduate Program
Minimum Qualifications
To apply for the Chemistry Graduate Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- GPA: Minimum 3.0/4.0 (US scale). Use the WES iGPA Calculator or Scholaro GPA Calculator for non-US scales.
- GRE Scores: Required for applicants with an international education. Minimum score > 50th percentile on the quantitative section. This requirement is not waived.
- English Proficiency: Required for applicants from countries where English is not the official language. Minimum TOEFL score of 79, IELTS 6.5, or an equivalent test accepted by Graduate Admissions. Check this list for exempt countries.
Required Courses
Applicants must have completed the following courses:
- 3 semesters of calculus (through multivariable calculus)
- 1 semester of physics (Newtonian mechanics)
- 2 semesters of general chemistry with labs
- 2 semesters of organic chemistry with labs
- 1 semester of analytical (quantitative) chemistry with lab
- 2 semesters of physical chemistry with labs (covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics)
- 1 semester of inorganic chemistry
Recommended Courses
These courses strengthen your application:
- 1 semester of instrumental analysis
- 2 semesters of inorganic chemistry
- 2 semesters of physics
- 1 semester of biochemistry
Application Process
The application process is free with an application fee waiver and consists of two steps: Pre-Screening Application and Formal Application.
Relevant Dates
| Step |
Fall Start Date |
Spring Start Date |
| Pre-screening review begins |
Jan. 15 |
Sept. 1 |
| Fee waiver notifications |
Feb. 1 |
Sept. 15 |
| Formal application review begins |
Feb. 15 |
Oct. 1 |
| Official admissions decision |
April |
Oct. |
| Semester start |
Mid-Aug. |
Early Jan. |
I. Pre-Screening Application
Submit the following via email to chemoff@uidaho.edu:
- Pre-Screening and Application Fee Waiver Form (PDF)
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📄 Download the Chemistry Pre-Screening Application PDF (330 KB)
📄 Download the Pre-Screening Application Instructions PDF (160 KB)
- GPA: Format as BS X.XX/MS X.XX (if applicable).
- GRE Scores: Required for international education applicants. Enter scores in the pre-screening form (> 50th percentile on quantitative section).
- Academic Transcripts: Unofficial copies from all higher education institutions. Non-English transcripts must include a translation.
- File Format: Combine all documents into one PDF named "Lastname, Firstname Middle initial(s)-Semester Year" (e.g., Smith, John M J-Fall 2025.pdf).
- Notes:
- Include only the listed documents. CVs, certificates, publications, or letters will not be reviewed.
- Only one attachment is allowed.
II. Formal Application
Applicants selected in pre-screening are notified by email and invited to submit a formal application with the fee waived. Others may apply directly (with fee payment). All formal applications are evaluated equally by the departmental graduate admissions committee.
Steps:
- Complete the online application form on the Graduate Admissions website.
- Submit the following documents:
- All higher education transcripts and academic credentials
- Three letters of recommendation (uploaded by recommenders)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of career objectives
- GRE Scores: Required for international education applicants (not waived). GRE Chemistry Subject Test results are preferred but optional.
- TOEFL/Equivalent: Required for non-native English speakers (minimum TOEFL 79 or equivalent).
For more details, visit the Graduate Admissions website.
