We offer PhD and MS degree programs in Chemistry. While our faculty are internationally recognized in all of the major divisions of chemistry, our department is particularly strong in Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Surface Science. We are a midsized department where students receive advanced training and carry out cutting-edge research that crosses the bounds of traditional chemistry into the fields of physics, materials, life science and science education.

UWM Chemistry & Biochemistry Lab

Research Environment

Our faculty perform outstanding research in Environmental Analysis, Physical Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Biomolecular Structure and Function, and Medicinal Chemistry. The Department is home to the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery and the SE Wisconsin Applied Chemistry Center-of-Excellence, which together with the Great Lakes WATER Institute, provide a host of multidisciplinary research opportunities for our students. The Department also contains modern equipment that gives our students the skills and experience sought by potential employers. Graduate students in the Department typically receive financial support through Research or Teaching Assistantships.

Career Opportunities

We are located just north of downtown and within 90 miles of both Madison and Chicago. In to the concentration of academic research institutions (e.g. University of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Illinois-Chicago, Northwestern University and others), this area contains major industrial R&D centers, including:

• Alcami (former Cambridge Major)
• Abbott Laboratories Global Health Care and Medical Research
• Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now Pfizer)
• Takeda Global Research and Development Center
• Sigma-Aldrich
• GE Healthcare
• Genzyme
• SAFC Pharma

Life in Milwaukee

Night skyline of downtown Milwaukee

The city of Milwaukee is known for its ethnic communities, industrial heritage, and beer and bratwurst. It is also home to exciting sports teams and supports a dynamic and diverse arts scene with an exhibition and performance calendar that rivals those in larger cities. Depending on the time of year, one can enjoy live music at the lakefront Summerfest grounds or ice skating in the heart of downtown.

The UWM campus is located only a few blocks west of Lake Michigan. The neighborhoods surrounding UWM are primarily residential and contain a wide selection of restaurants and night life. There are also quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods within walking or biking distance of the University.