About Qualifier Examinations and Qualifier Courses

Incoming graduate students are required to take four so-called "qualifier" exams in the areas of Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. The appropriate “ACS Standardized Test” is used in each discipline. Many versions of the tests have been published over the years, and the tests administered may vary. For information about the ACS Standardized Tests, please visit the ACS Exams website. All divisions require a 70% to pass. 

The department recommends that graduate students take the so-called “qualifier” courses in the areas in which they did not pass the qualifier exams.  Two divisions offer their qualifier course in fall semesters and two divisions offer their qualifier course in spring semesters as follows:

FALL SEMESTER, Organic Chemistry Division: CHEM 5210

FALL SEMESTER, Inorganic Chemistry Division: CHEM 5310 in even years; CHEM 6320 in odd years

SPRING SEMESTER, Physical Chemistry Division: CHEM 5410, 

SPRING SEMESTER, Analytical Chemistry Division: CHEM 5510

How to Prepare for the Qualifier Examinations

Dr. Jeff Winiarz: “When I took the placement exams I studied extensively from my undergraduate text books and that worked well for me. I would recommend the same approach for any other student.”

Dr. Paul Nam: “To prepare for the qualifier, the incoming graduate students should review their undergraduate analytical chemistry textbooks (Quantitative Chemical Analysis by Daniel Harris, Analytical Chemistry by Douglas Skoog and Donald West, Analytical Chemistry by Gary Christian, etc.)”

Dr. Thomas Schuman: “The students can prepare for this exam by reviewing the material from their undergraduate organic chemistry textbook (both semesters). Also, the student can purchase: Preparing for Your ACS Examination in Organic Chemistry: The Official Guide (commonly called the Organic Chemistry Study Guide).”

Schedule for FS2024

Inorganic Chemistry: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 9 AM (Administrator: Dr.  Pericles Stavropoulos)
Analytical Chemistry: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 1 PM (Administrator: Dr. Paul Nam)
Physical Chemistry: Thursday, August 8, 2024, 9 AM (Administrator: Dr. Jeff Winiarz)
Organic Chemistry: Thursday, August 8, 2022, 1 PM (Administrator: Dr. Thomas Schuman)