A Pragmatic Guide to PhD Programs

This seems to discuss phd programs in cs, not programs in general. In chemistry, it’s not the department you work in it’s the group/prof your work for. Or, the group you postdoc for. There’s various sub disciplines in chemistry and interaction between those who are not near neighbours is minimal.

Grants are based on the group although schools with large enrolment in undergraduate chemistry courses need lots of ta’s and that’s worst case support. It’s very hard to publish before year 3 due to the coursework and pre-research requirements. Aside from theory, there’s a lag time due to developing lab experience and the biggest delay item is time put in. Reactions take time to prep, occur and work up. If you try to 9-5 school it’s going to be slow.

Good place, ticket to industrial work and a chance for academia if you’re good, lucky and have excellent credentials. This requires working for the right people not the right school.