MS Chemistry at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

Master's degree in Chemistry from the UCR Chemistry Department, with specializations in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Research is also carried out in bioanalytical, bioinorganic, bioorganic and biophysical chemistry, chemical physics, environmental/atmospheric and organometallic chemistry.

Faculty: College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Department: Department of Chemistry | Duration: 6 quarters (normative time to degree) | Intake: Fall quarter; applications for Fall 2027 should be received by December 1, 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

At least 36 units of approved courses under Plan I (thesis; five lecture courses in CHEM 200-249) or Plan II (comprehensive examination; at least 18 units in CHEM 200-249), plus orientation examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, CHEM 401, CHEM 402 and graduate seminar each quarter.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major appropriate to the graduate program; GRE General Test not required for 2027-28 but accepted; three letters of recommendation. Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. A few programmes have deadlines after June 1 and some have earlier programme deadlines. The Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 applications are open for select programmes only; the Summer/Fall 2027 application opened September 1, 2026, with rolling review for most programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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