PhD in Chemistry - Organic Chemistry in Orono United States | University of Maine

Welcome to the University of Maine's Chemistry Department. As Maine's sole institution offering Ph.D. and M.S. programs in chemistry, we take great pride in our academic offerings. Our faculty and graduate students conduct diverse research across chemical disciplines. With intentionally small research groups, we foster close collaboration between students and professors. Numerous teams pursue interdisciplinary projects, creating opportunities to work alongside engineers, materials scientists, biologists, and education researchers.
Most graduate students join our Ph.D. program, with first-year students typically receiving teaching assistantships. Research assistantships become available, generally starting in the second year. We ensure continuous financial support for all students maintaining satisfactory progress throughout their degree programs.
Organic chemistry focuses on studying carbon-containing compounds' structures, properties, and reactions. These compounds surround us - in our DNA, proteins, and throughout nature. They drive key U.S. industries including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, plastics, and energy. Organic chemists specialize in precisely modifying molecules to boost beneficial effects while minimizing unwanted side reactions.