Why USC ?

In choosing a graduate school, a student must carefully examine the research conducted in the department and also within the university overall. Unlike undergraduate education, which is dominated by formal courses, a graduate education means principally learning about and doing research. Here there is close contact between students and faculty. A friendly and informal atmosphere maximizes interaction between students and other researchers.

A strong emphasis is placed on your needs as a student, and our program is aimed at developing deep scientific understanding and maturity. Our faculty are actively engaged in research, and incoming students are assured of a wide selection of faculty to work with in many areas. The broad spectrum of research interests within the department covers many emerging interdisciplinary fields as well as traditional areas of chemistry.

Research funding in the department is nearly $8 million per year. Along with the faculty, over 100 graduate students, 60 postdoctoral researchers, and dozens of undergraduate students are engaged in research. Publications are numerous, and the faculty's research and teaching accomplishments are constantly being recognized through national and international awards. This was highlighted by the 1994 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Prof. George Olah.