M.S. Degree Requirements

Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Program Handbook

A detailed description of the M.S. degree requirements can be found in our Graduate Program Handbook.

Pre-Requisites to Graduate Program

All M.S. Chemistry students are required to satisfy one of the following by the end of their first semester in the program:

1. Earn an average grade of B or better on the undergraduate coursework related to their concentration (analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, or physical chemistry). Students interested in chemical education research will choose a concentration for their coursework.
2. Scoring in the 40th percentile on the American Chemical Society exam for their concentration.
3. Earning a grade of B or better in an appropriate undergraduate course for their concentration within the first semester in the program.

Required Coursework

The M.S. Chemistry degree consists of 30 semester units which must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This coursework consists of:

• Chemistry 500: Introduction to Graduate Studies (2 units)
• Chemistry 505A: Seminar Participation (2 units)
• Chemistry 560: Teaching Effectiveness in Chemistry Labs OR an additional Chemistry 505A (1 unit)
• Chemistry 505B: Seminar (1 unit)
• Chemistry 5XX Coursework within Concentration (6 units)
• Chemistry 5XX or 4XX Coursework within Concentration (3 units)
• Chemistry 5XX or 4XX Elective Coursework (3 units)
• Chemistry 599: Independent Graduate Research (6 units)
• Chemistry 598: Thesis (6 units)

Further details about this coursework and a sample timeline are provided in the Graduate Program Handbook.

M.S. Thesis

The major requirement for the master’s degree is an original, independent research project which culminates in a written master’s thesis accompanied by an oral thesis defense. Students will work closely with their research advisor to complete this requirement. 

Graduate Course Offerings