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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Sample Program of Study 

A suggested program of study for completion of coursework in two years for a MS Chemistry is given below .

Fall - Year 1 (7 units)
  Course Units
Graduate Option Area 1, 2, or 5 3
Graduate Option Area 1, 2, or 5 3
Chemistry Laboratory Chem 201 1
Meet with research advisors    
Select research group    

Spring - Year 1 (10 units)
  Course Units
Graduate Option Area 3, 4, or 5 3
Graduate Option Area 3, 4, or 5 3
Advanced Research Techniques Chem 260 3
Chemistry Seminar Chem 280 1

Fall - Year 2 (7-9 units)
  Course Units
Graduate Option Area 1, 2, or 5 3
Elective 1   2-3
Elective 2   2-3
Complete writing requirement    
Advance to Candidacy    

Spring - Year 2 (5-6 units)
  Course Units
Elective 3   2-3
Research Chem 295 2
Thesis Chem 299 5
File for graduation    
Pass comprehensive examinations    

Please Note:

Graduate students enrolled in at least 8 units of 200-level classes are considered full-time students. Students may need to enroll in additional classes beyond those listed above to satisfy full-time enrollment requirements for financial aid or student visas.

Students taking undergraduate courses to meet the program pre-requisites typically take longer than two years to complete their degree.

Graduation within two years requires that students complete their research projects within this time period. The outcome of research is, by its very nature, uncertain and so no guarantees can be made regarding the time required to complete the degree. Continuing your research during the summer is essential if the thesis research is to be completed within two years.