Chemical Education PhD
- Doctoral
- PhD
- In-Person
- Greeley
Fall, Spring and Summer
Program Overview
If you want to learn how chemistry is taught and how students understand it, the Chemical Education PhD at UNC is designed for you. This program provides a unique opportunity for you to choose to do Chemistry Education Research or bench-top Chemistry Research while learning pedagogy skills.
You can enter the program through either the BS to PhD or the Master’s to PhD pathway, depending on the degree you already have. This program is designed to help you deepen your understanding of chemistry while developing advanced skills in education research, assessment, and pedagogy.
Design a Curriculum That Fits Your Research Focus
You’ll work with your academic and research advisors to develop a personalized plan of study that meets program requirements.
You can choose electives that deepen your skills in:
- Research and pedagogy
- Advanced chemistry topics
- Supporting disciplines such as psychology, applied statistics, or education
Designed for students entering with a bachelor’s degree, this pathway combines advanced coursework in chemistry, pedagogy, research methods, and statistics. You’ll build a strong foundation through a master’s thesis in chemistry and a doctoral dissertation in chemistry education research or bench-top chemistry—gaining the expertise to bridge science and teaching. A college-level teaching practicum gives you valuable classroom experience and prepares you to lead with confidence.
Designed for students who already hold a master’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry, this pathway focuses on advancing your expertise in chemical education research and practice. You’ll strengthen your skills in course design, classroom instruction, and research methodology, applying what you learn through hands-on research that culminates in your doctoral dissertation. The doctoral dissertation can focus on either chemistry education research or bench-top chemistry.
Before the program reviews your application, you must apply to the Graduate School at the University of Northern Colorado. Missing materials may delay evaluation.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent from a recognized institution).
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) for your most recent or current degree.
- Complete the online application.
Still completing your degree?
- Admission is based on your current GPA.
- You must re-submit your official transcript showing your conferred degree and final GPA during your first semester.
*If you have completed 18 or more credit hours of a master’s degree, your master’s GPA will be used for admission evaluation.
Lead the Way in Teaching and Learning
Faculty-Guided Research
Partner with your advisor to explore both qualitative and quantitative methods in chemistry education.
Innovative Scholarship
Develop and defend a dissertation that advances understanding in the teaching and learning of chemistry or benchtop chemistry.
Pathway to Impact
Begin your journey from either the BS to PhD or MS to PhD option, depending on your previous degree and research experience.
Student Research Spotlight
‘Systems Thinking’ Teaching Approach in Chemical Education
…in systems thinking, instead of discrete components, it’s looking at our whole world and how all its parts work together. The next generation of policymakers or scientists need that more complex picture.
Navid Ahmed Sadman
Chemical Education PhD
Emotions May Hold Key to Academic Success
My research uses a survey tool to examine several different achievement emotions, both positive, like pride, and negative, like anxiety… The emotional state of a student can affect their ability to achieve success
Alex Graves
Chemical Education PhD
Have questions? We're here to help!
Chemistry and Biochemistry
From tiny atoms to big reactions, chemistry helps us understand and improve the world around us. With small classes, hands-on research, and a focus on you, our program prepares students for exciting careers in science and beyond.
Curious about how things work? Start your journey here.
- chemistry@unco.edu
- (970)-351-2559
- Ross Hall, Room 3480