Consensus, Division, and the Future of Graduate Education in the Chemical Sciences

A panel comprising expert members of the chemistry academy, chemical industry, and the government produced a report in 2012 with 32 recommendations to advance graduate education in the chemical sciences. Until now, the target recipients of the study, students, faculty, and administrators, have not been asked if they agree with the recommendations. A survey of the beneficiaries of the 2012 ACS study reveals areas of consensus but also sharp differences in opinion regarding some of the recommendations. Many of these differences in opinion may be attributed to the natural needs and values of the different stakeholder groups. Some of the divisive issues could represent impediments to improving graduate education. The results of the survey are detailed and interpretation is provided. A path forward to advancing graduate education in the chemical sciences is also outlined.