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 handbooks:

• Graduate Program Handbook – Fall 2025 Cohort and Later
• Graduate Program Handbook – Spring 2025 Cohort and Earlier

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 or Chemistry 597 Project (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 or project accompanied by an oral defense.  Students work closely with their research advisor to complete this requirement.

Graduate Course Offerings