The M.S. degree in Chemistry is designed to prepare students for research-oriented careers in chemical industry, for entry into doctoral programs at other institutions or for teaching chemistry at institutions such as community colleges.

A. For Admission to the Program:

1. In addition to general University requirements for admission, a Bachelor’s Degree with 2.75 or higher overall GPA and a Chemistry major or other area with appropriate science content is required. Applicants with an overall GPA between 2.50 and 2.75 may be admitted if their GPA in the last 60 units is at or above 2.75.
2. Foreign students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.
3. Departmental approval. The department may request additional supporting material to assess an applicant’s preparation and likelihood for academic success.

B. For Classified Status

1. Satisfactory scores on the departmental proficiency exams in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry or demonstrated competence through course work in these areas.
2. General University requirements for classified status.

C. Requirements for the degree:

1. A minimum of 30 units of graduate work, including a thesis.

At least 21 units must be taken in 500- or 600-level courses. Normally, degree candidates are expected to serve as teaching assistants in the department.

a. Required Courses (6-12 units)

CHEM 691 Literature Seminar (1)
CHEM 692 Thesis Seminar (1)
CHEM 696A-C Directed Graduate Research (3-7)
CHEM 698A-C Thesis (1-3)

b. Electives (18-24 units)

The electives should be selected with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator from 400- and 500-level courses and must include at least one course that has a lab component.

A maximum of 9 units of 400-level courses may be applied toward the 30 units required for the degree.

2. Oral defense of thesis.

3. Formal Approval by the Graduate Thesis Committee.

Total Units Required for the Degree: 30