Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are the deadlines for applying for admission?
A: Application deadlines are listed on the Application Page.

Please Note: Applicants are typically only admitted in the Fall semesters. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the preferred application deadline date. Deadlines for scholarship consideration and financial aid consideration are earlier than the admission deadline. Application processing requires time to evaluate credentials, address admission issues, and review data. Submitting credentials significantly past the preferred deadline date may impede the student's eligibility to register for classes.

Q: How much does it cost to submit an application?

A: The application fee is $75 for domestic students and $90 for international students.

Q: Will you waive the application fee?

A: Fee waivers may be requested by emailing chemgrad@uta.edu.

Q: Are GRE score required?

A: GRE scores are not required for admission to the Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate programs. Applicants may submit GRE scores if they believe the results strengthen their application, but they are not considered mandatory for review.

Q: What is the University of Texas at Arlington Institution code for ETS?

A: Institution code = 6013.

Please Note: Official test scores only need to be submitted once. All ETS scores are sent directly to the Graduate School, which then provides a copy to the Department.

Q: What if I don't meet the requirements for unconditional admission?

A: Applicants who do not meet all criteria for unconditional admission may be considered for probationary admission following a comprehensive review of their application materials.

Probationary admission may require one or more of the following:

• Earning a B or higher in the first 9 credit hours of applicable graduate coursework at UTA
• Completion of additional English coursework
• Completion of required deficiency courses

Q: How long does it take to process an application?

A: Once an application is complete, processing typically takes approximately 7-10 business days. Processing time may vary depending on proximity to the start of the semester. Applicants may monitor their application status through both the MyMav account and the ApplyUTA portal.

Q: How do my recommenders send a letter of recommendation?

A: Recommenders listed in the application will receive an automated email from ApplyUTA with instructions for submitting their letters. Applicants can track the status of submitted letters in the ApplyUTA portal.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure that all letters are received before the application deadline.

Q: What is the status of my application?

A: Applicants may check their application status online using their MyMav account or the ApplyUTA portal.

An application receipt email is typically sent 2-3 business days after submission. This email includes the applicant's NetID and instructions for activating the MyMav account. Please allow at least 7 business days after document submission for an application to be marked as "complete". 

Q: Do I need a master's degree in chemistry to be in the Ph.D. Program?

A: No. Applicants may apply directly to the Ph.D. program without holding a master’s degree in chemistry.

Q: Does the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry evaluate applications as they come in, or all at once?

A: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once they reach the “completed” status. The Departmental Graduate Recruiting Committee meets regularly to evaluate applications.

While most applications are reviewed promptly upon completion, occasional backlogs may result in a review period of several weeks. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all materials well in advance of the deadline.

Q: Do I choose a research professor before I come?

A: Selecting a research advisor prior to enrollment is not required, though applicants may do so if they wish. Research advisors are typically selected at the end of the first semester, after grades have been received.

Q: What kind of financial support does the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offer?

A: Students entering the Ph.D. program typically receive financial support in the form of a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), which currently provides a stipend starting at $25,000 per year.

Ph.D. students also receive:

• 100% tuition coverage
• 100% health insurance coverage

Additionally, Texas does not have a state income tax. To remain eligible for financial support, students must maintain good academic standing, defined as a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Please note: Students pursuing a master’s degree are not eligible for tuition assistance or health insurance coverage.

Q: Is this stipend sufficient to live in Arlington?

A: Arlington offers a relatively low cost of living for one of the largest cities in the United States. With full tuition coverage, no state income tax, and no Social Security tax deductions for student stipends, many students are able to live comfortably on the provided financial support.

Q: Is health insurance required?

A:  All international students are required to maintain health insurance. While an opt-out option exists, coverage is mandatory for international students. Domestic students are not required to obtain health insurance. Health insurance options are available through UTA or may also obtain independent coverage in compliance with federal requirements.

Q: Does UTA or the Department cover the cost of health insurance?

A: Yes, health insurance for Ph.D. students on GTA or GRA is fully covered at 100%.

Please note: UTA and the Department do not cover the cost of health insurance for students pursing a master's degree. 

Q: What are the various statistics on the number of offers of Ph.D. assistantships you make each semester?

A: The Department typically admits approximately 18-23 B.S.-Ph.D. or Ph.D. track students with financial support each fall semester.

Q: I have a question that has not been answered by the information posted above.

A: For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate Recruitment Team at chemgrad@uta.edu.