Chemistry (Co-op) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Science Buildings

Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) Buildings Located on Waterloo's Campus.

Conduct research and generate new knowledge to improve our fundamental understanding of the world around us while gaining valuable real-life work experience with the PhD in Chemistry Co-op program.

The program ranks among the top of its kind in the country and offers exposure to world-class research on many subjects that fall into the core areas of analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, material, nanotechnology, organic, physical, polymer, quantum, and theoretical chemistry.

You’ll focus on your research area of choice, with half of your graduate courses taken within the Department of Chemistry. Through three terms (one year) of co-op work experience in an industrial or government laboratory, you’ll also gain valuable hands-on experience.

At the end of the program, you’ll be prepared for a fascinating career in industry, government, or academia.

Research areas and degree options

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biological Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Nanoscience
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry

Program overview

Department/School: Chemistry
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August) 
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Co-operative, Doctoral, Joint, Research
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • February 1 (for admission in September)
  • June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
  • October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Key contacts

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • A Master of Science (MSc) degree (or equivalent) in Science with at least a minimum overall standing of 75% in the last 2 years (domestic students only).
  • A student is eligible to apply for direct admission to the PhD in Chemistry - Co-operative program if they have a first class Honours Bachelor of Science degree, or the equivalent, and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Course requirements are reduced by 1 course for students admitted directly to the PhD program from a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)

  • References
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees