COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Chemistry program requires the completion of 30 units and is designed to provide advanced training in chemical research, laboratory techniques, and scientific analysis. A key component of the program is the successful completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR), which is fulfilled through core coursework. The core requirements range from 19 to 25 units and include CHEM 100W (Chemical Communications), unless already completed at the undergraduate level, in which case it must be replaced with elective units. Students must also complete CHEM 120S (Chemical Safety Seminar), CHEM 285 (Seminar, taken twice), and CHEM 297 (Graduate Research), with a minimum of 4 units required and up to 10 units allowed. Additionally, students must complete 9 units of 200-level chemistry courses and deliver a preliminary seminar presentation. CHEM 298 (Master’s Research Report) is also included within the core structure.Students are required to complete 3 to 9 units of electives, selected with advisor approval from advanced undergraduate or graduate-level chemistry courses. These electives allow specialization in areas such as biochemistry, nuclear science, computational chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and instrumental analysis, and at least one may involve laboratory-based work.For the culminating experience (2 units), students must choose between Plan A (Master’s Thesis) or Plan B (Master’s Research Report). Both options require a formal department seminar presentation and an oral examination. The thesis option focuses on original, in-depth research, while the research report emphasizes applied or analytical work.Overall, the program combines coursework, research, and presentation skills to prepare students for careers in scientific research or further doctoral study, while ensuring strong analytical, technical, and communication abilities.