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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
Area Option Area 1, 2, or 5 3
Area 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
Area Option Area 3, 4, or 5 3
Area Option Area 3, 4, or 5 3
Advanced Research Techniques Chem 260 3
Chemistry Seminar Chem 280 1
Complete writing requirement    
Begin thesis research    

Fall - Year 2 (6 units)
  Course Units
Elective 1   3
Elective 2   3
Advance to Candidacy    
Continue thesis research    

Spring - Year 2 (7 units)
  Course Units
Research Chem 295 2
Thesis Chem 299 4
Chemistry Seminar Chem 280 1
Turn in thesis prior to filing deadline    
File for graduation    

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.