graduate program

The Chemistry and Geochemistry Department maintains a high quality, well-funded research program (> $3 million in research awards in 2011) with participation of students at both the graduate and undergraduate level. The research program in the Department emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solving real world problems in areas including sustainability, alternative energy, materials, bio-detection, nanomedicines and water quality assessment, to name a few. Our sponsors include the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, the American Chemical Society's Petroleum Research Fund, and a number of industrial partners.

A particular strength of the Department is participation in interdisciplinary projects. Collaborative projects are currently underway with faculty and students in the Departments of Physics, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Geology and Geological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Science and Engineering. Off-campus collaborators include scientists at nearby government laboratories such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Many faculty members also advise students in interdisciplinary degree programs in geochemistry, hydrology and material sciences.

The department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, and Geochemistry. In addition, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are also offered in Materials Science, Hydrological Sciences and Engineering through interdisciplinary graduate programs. All students in good academic standing are initially provided with financial support in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships or fellowships. Incoming students are provided teaching assistantships  during the academic year and are expected to join research groups that provide research assistantships during the summer. It is anticipated that all incoming graduate students who successfully secure a research assistantship or summer support will receive at a stipend of at least $22,000 per year. In addition to paying the stipend, teaching assistantships also cover tuition, health insurance and most student fees.

The Colorado School of Mines is located along the beautiful Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in the community of Golden, Colorado. Golden is within easy driving distance of some of the world's best ski slopes, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking trails, and several national parks. Located 15 minutes away is metropolitan Denver, a social, cultural, and business center of the West which offers all the advantages of a major city.