New Chemistry Offering Joins Ranks of Ph.D. Programs

A Ph.D. in Chemistry will be offered at New York Tech starting in fall 2025, marking the latest entry in the ranks of Ph.D. programs offered at the university. Enrollment for the new program is underway.

The Ph.D. in Chemistry will be part of the College of Arts and Sciences in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences. Professor and Department Chair Giovanni Meloni, Ph.D., will serve as director of the new program, which aims to prepare a new generation of scientists with advanced knowledge and research skills to address critical challenges in various scientific and industrial fields. Specifically, the program is intended to foster expertise in emerging areas of chemistry, equipping graduates with the capacity to lead research and innovation efforts in academia, industry, and government.

This new academic offering is designed to meet the growing demand for highly trained chemists, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, materials, and environmental science. Employment of chemists is projected to grow by 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, with demand driven by a need for chemists who have a deep understanding of chemical principles and are adept in modern analytical and computational techniques.

“When I joined New York Tech, I never imagined we would build something as ambitious as a Ph.D. program in chemistry. This approval marks an incredible milestone, not just for our department but for the entire institution. I am excited to lead a program that will drive cutting-edge research, foster innovation, and prepare the next generation of scientific leaders,” Meloni says.

The Ph.D. in Chemistry curriculum is designed to provide a robust foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, including effective scientific communication. Students will begin with a comprehensive approach to both the ethical and practical aspects of scientific research and engage in their research projects, allowing them to apply coursework knowledge directly to their individual research. They will also take advanced and specialized classes to develop further the analytical and biochemical knowledge necessary for cutting-edge research.

This new doctoral program will help advance the institution’s goal to become a Carnegie Classified R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity institution. The efforts to support and increase cutting-edge research that has grown organically over the last 15 years at New York Tech gained momentum under the leadership of President Henry C. Foley, Ph.D., who in 2022 announced a goal for the university to achieve Research 2 (R2) university status—a doctoral university with high research activity—by 2028. To achieve this designation, a university must conduct a high level of research, spend at least $5 million on research and development, and produce at least 20 research doctorates annually.

Additionally, the program will contribute to the university’s commitment to graduating highly skilled professionals who will make meaningful contributions to society. A doctoral program in chemistry offers advantages for undergraduate students who stand to benefit from increased opportunities for interdisciplinary research, classes taught by research-oriented faculty, and enhanced opportunities for networking and collaborations through interaction with Ph.D. students and visibility to employers.

New York Tech launched its first Ph.D. program in 2018 with a combined, seven-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Doctorate of Philosophy (D.O./Ph.D.) in Medical and Biological Sciences. The College of Engineering and Computing Sciences’ Ph.D. programs in computer science and engineering launched in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Currently, 36 Ph.D. students are enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences; 16 students at the College of Osteopathic Medicine are working towards their D.O./Ph.D., including eight who are currently in the Ph.D. portion of their studies.