Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme blends advanced physical chemistry with specialised training in optics, spectroscopy and quantum chemical methods. Students take a mix of core and elective modules and choose between a research thesis or a substantial project option that emphasises experimental or computational investigation of optical and quantum phenomena in chemical systems.

• Core topics: advanced physical chemistry, quantum mechanics for chemists, statistical thermodynamics, and modern spectroscopy.
• Optics and photonics electives: optical materials and devices, laser–matter interactions, nonlinear optics, ultrafast spectroscopy and photochemistry.
• Quantum chemistry and computation: electronic structure theory, density functional theory, ab initio methods, and computational modelling of excited states.
• Laboratory and practical training: hands‑on experimental courses in spectroscopy and optical characterisation, laboratory rotations or research placements in campus optical facilities, and training in instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Research and project work: a supervised thesis or project applying quantum chemical calculations or optics experiments to problems such as photophysical properties of materials, molecular spectroscopy, or development of optical sensors.
• Seminars and professional development: research seminars, scientific communication, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with imaging science, materials science and engineering groups.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline, with solid preparation in physical chemistry and mathematics. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining research interests and goals, and two or three letters of recommendation. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or approved exemptions.

Where relevant, applicants with strong quantitative and laboratory skills but from different undergraduate backgrounds may be admitted conditionally and required to take prerequisite coursework. The programme evaluates applications holistically; relevant research experience, publications, or industry experience strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles that combine chemistry with optics and quantum chemistry. Common career destinations include:

• Research and development positions in photonics, optical materials and sensor companies.
• Analytical and spectroscopy laboratories in industrial and government settings, including semiconductor and display industries.
• Computational chemist roles applying quantum chemical and modelling techniques to materials and molecular design.
• Instrumentation and optical systems engineering, including development of lasers, detectors and imaging devices.
• Further academic research leading to doctoral study in chemistry, chemical physics, optics or materials science.
• Roles in technology transfer, patent science and technical consulting where multidisciplinary knowledge of chemistry and optics is valued.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology offers an applied, interdisciplinary environment with direct connections to a historic regional cluster in optics and imaging. Students benefit from hands‑on access to specialised facilities and collaborations with the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and other campus laboratories that support laser spectroscopy, optical characterisation and materials synthesis.

The institute emphasises experiential learning and industry engagement, providing opportunities for research placements, partnerships with local and global companies in optics and imaging, and professional development resources. The programme’s combination of experimental, theoretical and computational training prepares graduates to work at the intersection of chemistry and photonics, where employers seek candidates with both deep scientific knowledge and practical laboratory experience.