The Master of Science (MSc) and PhD programs in Chemistry program offers students a chance to engage in hands-on chemistry research. Students must complete a thesis as part of the program. The program is offered through the Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute with the University of Ottawa.

The MSc program typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. The PhD program typically takes four to five years of full-time study to complete. Part-time study is available.

Admission Requirements

MSc: Chemistry

  • 4-year (honours) Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry
  • B+ (77%) average in the last two years of study
  • B (73%) average overall

PhD: Chemistry

  • Master of Science degree in Chemistry
  • B+ (77%) average overall

Applicants to the MSc program who do not meet this requirement, or whose undergraduate degree is in another, closely related field (e.g. biochemistry, polymer science, chemical physics, material sciences or chemical engineering), may be accepted into the program, but may be assigned extra courses. Students enrolled in the MSc program may transfer to the PhD program after successfully completing of one year of their MSc program.

Chemical and Environmental Toxicology

In order to enroll in the collaborative program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology (MSc or PhD), you must first be admitted into one of the participating programs (Chemistry, Biology, or Earth Sciences). Once admitted, your supervisor will sponsor you into this program.

Required Documents

After you have submitted your online application and your application fee has been processed, you will be instructed on how to upload your required documents in Carleton Central. For complete information regarding required documents, please visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Our programs require:

Document/Forms  Details
Transcript(s) All post-secondary transcripts are required
Letters of Reference Two (2) are required and should be submitted by former professors (preferably your project/thesis supervisors), or qualified persons at your place of employment.
Statement of Intent One (1) is required. This should outline your background and experience. You are welcome to provide a CV or Resume as your Statement of Intent.
Preference Form One (1) is required. This form is available in the online application under “Supplementary Forms”
Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores) Required, if applicable. For Carleton’s ESL requirements and policies, please visit the ESL Requirements website.

 Application Deadlines

Most programs have two application deadlines for each term. Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first deadline to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies.

Fall Term (September):

  • March 1: To be considered for funding.
  • August 15: To be considered for admission and funding if space and funds remain.

Winter Term (January):

  • December 1: To be considered for funding.

Summer Term (May):

  • March 15: To be considered for funding.
  • April 30: To be considered for admission and funding if space and funds remain.

How to Apply

Application Website ButtonThe application process to graduate studies at Carleton for all prospective students is the same and must be completed online. For complete information regarding the application process please visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Applicants to the chemistry programs are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor in advance of submitting an application.

Financial Support

Consideration for funding and financial support including teaching and research assistantships is made at the time of admission. A separate application is not required. In order to be considered for funding, you must submit a completed application (including all required documents) before the first deadline.

Current and prospective graduate students are encouraged to apply for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) scholarships and Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS), which are awarded annually to outstanding students by the federal and provincial governments. Competitive supplemental awards are offered by the Department of Chemistry to NSERC and OGS award holders.

Please note that funding from Carleton (including teaching and research assistantships) for international students is limited and is only available to a few outstanding international applicants.

For more information on awards and funding, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

More Information

For complete and detailed information about our graduate programs in Chemistry please consult the official Graduate Calendar.