American Best Graduate Chemistry Programs

The US News & World Report rankings for the best graduate Chemistry programs in 2007 provided a detailed and insightful overview of the most prestigious and innovative institutions in the United States for students pursuing advanced degrees in Chemistry. These rankings are an important resource for prospective graduate students as they outline the strength of academic programs, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and institutional reputation. The 2007 list revealed a competitive landscape in the American higher education system, with a clear group of institutions emerging as the most elite for their contributions to the study of Chemistry. Leading the way were the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of California–Berkeley, who shared the number one position. They were followed by institutions such as the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of California–Berkeley shared the top spot, both earning first-place positions in the 2007 rankings. These two institutions are globally celebrated for their academic strength, groundbreaking research contributions, and innovation in scientific discovery. MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has long been a leader in technological innovation and research in the sciences, including Chemistry. The institution's Chemistry department is distinguished by its focus on interdisciplinary approaches, technological advancements, and collaboration between disciplines. MIT offers its students unparalleled access to state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge research projects, and a dynamic and supportive learning environment, enabling graduate students to engage in transformative scientific research and education.

Similarly, the University of California–Berkeley is also considered one of the most elite institutions in the world for graduate studies in Chemistry. Known for its emphasis on rigorous research and innovation, UC Berkeley has cultivated a reputation for producing some of the most significant discoveries in modern Chemistry. The university combines advanced laboratory facilities, outstanding faculty members, and access to interdisciplinary opportunities with a focus on providing students the necessary training to excel in both academic and industrial careers. UC Berkeley’s position as a leader in graduate Chemistry programs reflects its combination of scientific discovery, academic rigor, and opportunities for hands-on research.

Trailing just behind the shared top ranking are the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Harvard University (located in Cambridge, Massachusetts), and Stanford University (located in California), all of which secured the third-place spot. Caltech, like MIT and Berkeley, is renowned for its emphasis on technological innovation and advanced scientific inquiry. Its graduate Chemistry program is uniquely structured to support a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to Chemistry, and it maintains a commitment to excellence in research and academic discovery. The faculty at Caltech represent some of the brightest minds in the scientific community, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing fundamental scientific questions. Graduate students at Caltech benefit from small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and advanced research opportunities, positioning the institution as a premier choice for students specializing in Chemistry.

Harvard University, another member of the prestigious Ivy League and a major leader in academic research, also holds a shared third place in the rankings. Harvard’s graduate Chemistry program is celebrated for its interdisciplinary approach and its emphasis on combining teaching with innovative research projects. The program offers students access to world-class researchers, cutting-edge scientific inquiry, and well-equipped laboratories. Harvard’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation and exploration allows its students to explore a variety of Chemistry subfields, from organic and inorganic chemistry to biochemistry and materials science. Likewise, Stanford University, located in Stanford, California, has earned a reputation for its collaborative research environment and its emphasis on innovation. Stanford’s Chemistry department is known for providing students with the tools they need to tackle pressing scientific challenges and explore interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Finally, the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign rounded out the top six in the rankings with a distinguished and competitive showing. This institution has developed a strong reputation for its Chemistry program, particularly its focus on research, innovation, and the integration of theory with practical application. Graduate students at the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign benefit from access to excellent faculty, well-equipped research labs, and a strong commitment to advancing knowledge across a variety of Chemistry subfields. The institution is widely respected for its contributions to fundamental scientific research, offering graduate students opportunities to engage with innovative research topics and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The 2007 US News & World Report rankings underscore that the field of Chemistry is driven by a combination of innovation, technological access, and world-class research opportunities. Institutions like MIT, UC Berkeley, Caltech, Harvard, and Stanford represent the epitome of academic and research excellence, offering students unmatched opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research in areas such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. These institutions’ faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, and their cutting-edge laboratories provide students with access to the latest technologies and research methodologies.

Additionally, the rankings also highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research in the modern scientific landscape. Institutions like MIT and Caltech emphasize collaborations across multiple scientific fields, combining chemistry with biology, physics, engineering, and computer science to address the most pressing scientific and technological challenges. This approach reflects the modern-day reality of Chemistry as a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that intersects with multiple scientific disciplines.

Furthermore, the ranking offers insight into how these institutions prioritize student development through research mentorship, laboratory access, and advanced academic resources. Students at these universities benefit from an environment in which research, teaching, and innovation intersect, preparing them for careers in academia, research, or industry. Graduate students at these top institutions are trained in not only technical expertise but also in the collaborative, innovative approaches that are necessary for solving complex scientific challenges.

Best Graduate Chemistry Programs:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1. University of California–Berkeley
3. California Institute of Technology
3. Harvard University (MA)
3. Stanford University (CA)
6. University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
7. Columbia University (NY)
7. University of Wisconsin–Madison
9. Cornell University (NY)
9. Northwestern University (IL)
9. University of Texas–Austin
12. University of California–Los Angeles
12. Yale University (CT)
14. Princeton University (NJ)
14. University of Chicago
14. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
17. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
18. Texas A&M University–College Station
18. University of California–Irvine
18. University of California–San Diego
18. University of Pennsylvania
22. Pennsylvania State University–University Park
22. Purdue University–West Lafayette (IN)
24. Georgia Institute of Technology
24.Indiana University–Bloomington
24.Johns Hopkins University (MD)
24.Ohio State University
24.University of Colorado–Boulder
24.University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
24.University of Washington
31. Rice Univ (TX)
31.U of California–San Francisco
31.U of California–Santa Barbara
34. U of California–Davis
34.U of Florida
34.U of Pittsburgh
34.U of Utah
38. Duke Univ (NC)
38.Emory Univ (GA)
38.Iowa State Univ
38.U of Arizona
42. Michigan State Univ
42. U of Virginia
42. Washington University in St. Louis
45. Colorado State Univ
45. Florida State Univ
45. U of Maryland–College Park
45. U of Southern California
49. Arizona State Univ
49.Boston College
49.Carnegie Mellon Uni (PA)
49.North Carolina State Uni
49.U of California–Riverside
49.U of Georgia
49.U of Rochester (NY)

Source: US News 2007