Graduate Studies in Chemistry
and Chemical Biology
Contacts
Dr. Wilfredo Colón
Graduate Program Director
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
colonw@rpi.edu
Prof. Peter H. Dinolfo
Chair, Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
dinolp@rpi.edu
About Our Graduate Studies
View or download the Chemistry & Chemical Biology graduate program brochure (PDF).
The department’s graduate program maintains well-developed research programs not only in the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, but also in the interdisciplinary fields of polymer chemistry, biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.
There are extensive interactions between Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in the area of polymers/bio/nano/materials, and collaborative programs with the Biology, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematical Science Departments, and the School of Engineering and the Center for Integrated Electronics.
These, and off-campus collaborations which include Albany Medical College, the University at Albany, and the New York State Wadsworth Laboratories provide essential connections between chemistry and other areas vital to modern society.
Most students are admitted to the program with full support as teaching assistants (TAs), which generally involves instruction in laboratory courses or assisting faculty in studio format courses. Students usually work as TAs for one or two years, after which they become research assistants with support provided by their research advisor for the remainder of their studies.
Placement
To assist graduates in their search for academic or industrial positions, Rensselaer maintains a full-time placement service. Graduates are vigorously recruited and each year representatives of more than 60 organizations visit campus to recruit chemistry graduates.
In recent years, most graduates have elected careers in industrial or government research laboratories. Among M.S. graduates, approximately 50% joined industrial organizations, 20% took positions in state or federal laboratories, 15% went on to further study and the remainder returned to organizations from which they were on leave. Of the Ph.D. graduates, approximately 60% took industrial research positions, 25% went on to postdoctoral training, 5% obtained college level teaching positions and 10% accepted employment in government laboratories.
Family Opportunities
Within the metropolitan area comprising the Capital District, a variety of employment opportunities are available for family members of graduate students. Because the state capital is in Albany, New York State is one of the largest employers in the area. Many area companies, such as General Electric, Coromed, Inc., Albany Molecular Research, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Nycomed, Inc. also offer the possibility of employment, as do numerous hospitals, schools and banks.
Rensselaer's Office of Continuing Studies operates a number of programs, including part-time graduate study, the Rensselaer Accelerated Master's Program (RAMP), regular summer sessions of degree-credit courses, and short non-credit courses for personnel from industry, government, and other institutions. These offerings present an excellent opportunity for family members of graduate students to continue their education.
Housing
In comparison with other metropolitan areas, the Capital District offers fairly inexpensive living accommodations.
Rensselaer maintains residence halls and apartment complexes for graduate students which can be rented at lower rates than normally are found off campus. Interested students should direct inquiries to Residence Life at (518) 276-6284 as early as possible for rental information and floor plans of Rensselaer housing and for listings of off-campus housing. For those who wish a more rural setting, private rentals are available in the countryside only a few miles from campus.
Accepted Chemistry Graduate Students
Congratulations on your acceptance to Rensselaer Chemistry Graduate Program! Please visit here for a list of useful links including "graduate student enrollment confirmation."
Please send an email to the Graduate Recruiting and Admissions Chair if you have any questions. We would like to resolve any concerns before your decision.
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