Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Ph.D.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. program in Environmental Chemistry and Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides advanced training in environmental chemistry and technology, preparing students for careers in research, teaching, and industry. The program offers specializations in aquatic chemistry, air pollution chemistry, terrestrial chemistry, and chemical- and bio-technology development. Graduates are well-equipped for positions in academia, government, industry, and non-profit organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. program in Environmental Chemistry and Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison aims to provide advanced instruction and research training in environmental chemistry and environmental technology, leading to the doctoral degree. The program prepares candidates for careers in teaching, research, resource management, environmental consulting, and private sector/industrial positions. Areas of work for graduates include the development of advanced technologies and materials for air and water purification and for saving and storing energies, alternative energy technologies, water and air pollution control, soil and sediment remediation, environmental technology, chemical limnology, and groundwater chemistry. The Ph.D. degree is designed for students with a strong background in chemistry who desire graduate training in applying chemistry to environmental systems. Individual programs are tailored to meet the candidate's interests through the selection of a specialization and elective courses. Areas of specialization include aquatic chemistry, air pollution chemistry, terrestrial chemistry, and chemical- and bio-technology development.
Outline:
The Environmental Chemistry and Technology program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field and to prepare them for research careers in environmental chemistry and technology. The program includes coursework in the following areas:
- Core Courses:
- Environmental Inorganic Chemistry
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Environmental Organic Chemistry
- Air Chemistry
- Additional Coursework:
- Graduate Seminar - Environmental Chemistry & Technology
- Limnology and Marine Science Seminar
- Graduate-Level Chemistry Requirement:
- Two chemistry courses numbered 500 or above, selected from a list of potential courses
Assessment:
Students in the Environmental Chemistry and Technology program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Coursework: Students must earn a B or above in all courses counting toward degree requirements.
- Comprehensive Preliminary Exam: Doctoral students are required to take a comprehensive preliminary exam by the end of their fifth semester of study in the Ph.D. program.
- Final Oral Exam: A final oral exam of the doctoral dissertation is required.
- Deposit of Doctoral Dissertation: The doctoral dissertation must be deposited in the Graduate School.
Teaching:
The Environmental Chemistry and Technology program is taught by a faculty of experts in the field. The faculty is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and to preparing them for successful careers in research and teaching. The program offers a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and laboratory work.
Careers:
Graduates of the Environmental Chemistry and Technology program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Academia: Research and teaching positions at universities and colleges
- Government: Research and regulatory positions at government agencies
- Industry: Research and development positions in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries
- Non-profit organizations: Research and advocacy positions at non-profit organizations
