How to Apply

Graduate admissions at Carnegie Mellon are handled at the department level. Interested students apply to the Department of Chemistry directly.

A complete application must include all of the following:

• Complete online application form
• 1-2 page statement of purpose describing your previous research experience, research interests for Ph.D. work, and how you hope to pursue those interests at Carnegie Mellon. If possible, include the names of the faculty whose work most interests you.
• Three letters of reference
  A letter from your current or previous research advisor is especially important. When you provide their names in your application, your references will receive an an email describing how they can submit their letter. See the FAQ for more information.
• Transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work

Unofficial transcripts, from each of the colleges or universities attended, are required for the application review process and should be uploaded as a pdf. International students’ unofficial transcripts should also be translated into English. One source for this service is World Education Services.

Official transcripts from all universities attended will be required from admitted students before they will be eligible to enroll.

Tests

English language tests are required for students whose mother tongue is not English. We accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or DuoLingo English Test (DET). An official score report should follow in order for your application to receive consideration.

Select Carnegie Mellon University – Mellon College of Science

More details about score requirements can be found on our Tests for Non-native speakers of English page

Application Fee

We will hold virtual information sessions several times over the Fall. Students who attend will receive an application fee waiver. The dates for these will be announced later. Fill out the inquiry form to receive a notification when they are available.

Resumés

We particularly encourage the submission of resumés or CVs. These are especially helpful with complete citations for publications (including titles of papers) and presentations (including where the presentation was given). You will be at a competitive disadvantage without a resumé or CV.

Questions can be directed to:

Applications for Fall 2025 will open at the end of September/Early October. Please check back soon!