University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in quantum chemistry and optical science with sustained original research under a faculty supervisor. Early years emphasise core graduate courses and research rotations, while later years focus on dissertation work. Typical taught topics include:

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics for Chemists — formal theory relevant to molecular electronic structure and spectroscopy.
• Quantum Chemistry Methods — ab initio, density functional theory and post-Hartree–Fock techniques for electronic structure and excited states.
• Molecular and Ultrafast Spectroscopy — time-resolved techniques, pump–probe methods and interpretation of transient spectra.
• Photonics and Nonlinear Optics — laser–matter interactions, nonlinear optical phenomena and design of optical experiments.
• Computational Chemical Dynamics — quantum dynamics, semiclassical approaches and modelling of photochemical processes.
• Solid-State and Materials Optics — optical properties of materials, nanophotonics and light–matter coupling in condensed phases.
• Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics — foundations required for spectroscopy and photophysical processes.

Students gain hands-on experience with experimental platforms such as laser spectroscopy systems, ultrafast lasers, single-molecule and ensemble optical detection, and complementary computational resources for quantum chemical modelling. The degree requires passing a qualifying examination or candidacy assessment, presenting a research proposal, and completing a written and oral doctoral dissertation defended before a committee.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree, or a strong honours bachelor’s degree, in chemistry, physics, materials science or a closely related discipline. Typical application requirements include:

• A solid academic record demonstrating competence in physical chemistry, quantum mechanics and mathematics.
• Research experience evidenced by a supervisor reference, thesis or detailed research summary.
• A statement of research interests outlining fit with faculty expertise in optics and quantum chemistry.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or research supervisors.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where applicable.

Applicants should identify potential faculty mentors in optics, spectroscopy or theoretical chemistry whose research aligns with their interests. Some departments also expect or recommend applicants to contact prospective supervisors prior to applying. Admission typically depends on faculty availability and alignment of research interests rather than meeting a single numeric threshold.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme move into a variety of research and technology roles. Common career paths include:

• Academic positions (postdoctoral research and tenure-track faculty) in chemistry, physics or interdisciplinary photonics departments.
• Research scientist roles at national laboratories working on laser systems, quantum information or spectroscopy projects.
• Industry R&D positions in photonics, optical engineering, semiconductor companies, sensing and imaging firms, and pharmaceutical or chemical companies applying spectroscopic techniques.
• Computational modelling roles in companies that use quantum chemistry for materials design, drug discovery or catalysis.
• Technology transfer, patent science and science policy roles where advanced knowledge of optics and quantum chemistry is valuable.

The combination of experimental optics skills and theoretical/computational training makes graduates competitive for positions that require cross-disciplinary expertise in designing experiments, analysing spectroscopic data and developing quantum-enabled technologies.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a supportive, research-intensive environment with close faculty mentorship and small graduate cohorts that enable hands-on training. The chemistry department emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration with neighbouring physics and engineering groups, allowing access to complementary expertise in lasers, instrumentation and materials. Students benefit from laboratory facilities and shared instrumentation suites for spectroscopy, ultrafast optics and computational chemistry, as well as opportunities for teaching and funded research assistantships.

Faculty-led projects commonly involve collaborations with external partners in industry and government laboratories, providing exposure to applied problems in sensing, imaging and quantum technologies. The programme’s balance of experimental and theoretical training prepares graduates to contribute to both fundamental research and technology development in optics and quantum chemistry.