Chemistry, MS

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Demonstrate and develop knowledge of the primary sub-discipline of chemistry relevant to their research
• Become safe and proficient in laboratory practice and instrumental techniques relevant to their research area
• Communicate the subject of chemistry, especially their own research project, in written and oral forms
• Apply the scientific method to address research questions by testing hypotheses, collecting data, interpreting the results, and generating new knowledge in the field

Prerequisites

• Applicants should have a minimum “B-” (2.7) overall grade point average in their undergraduate upper-division courses and a “B” (3.0) grade point average in upper-division courses taken in the field of chemistry.
• Any applicant whose undergraduate preparation does not include a complete foundation for graduate work in the field of chemistry will be required to devote time to specified undergraduate courses.

Program of Study

During the first semester of a student’s residence in good academic standing, the student, the research advisor and graduate director will decide on the program of study.

Major Requirements (24 units)

A total of 24 units, including a thesis, is required. The courses taken must be graduate courses or upper-division courses approved by the Department of Chemistry.

Upon acceptance, the graduate director will supervise the student’s program with the student’s research advisor as chair of the thesis committee.

Evaluative Examinations

The Chemistry MS program is primarily research-based, but students must demonstrate mastery in one subfield of chemistry by completing one semester of a graduate level chemistry course (CHEM 697) with a grade of “B” or above within their first year. Students, in consultation with their research advisors, choose one of the following subjects: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Biochemistry, and Physical chemistry. The specific semester the student will take this course will depend on their semester of entry and the course offerings in the department. This requirement is designed to ensure students have a strong foundation to build upon as they conduct their graduate research. Students will have an opportunity to waive this requirement by passing the standardized American Chemical Society (ACS) Subject Exam at the beginning of their graduate studies. Students must demonstrate proficiency in the exam by earning a score in the 60th percentile or higher.