MS Chemistry at University of California, San Diego

Programme overview

The chemistry MS is offered as Plan I (thesis, emphasizing specialization and research) and Plan II (comprehensive exam, emphasizing breadth). Research tracks include analytical and atmospheric, physical, inorganic, organic, chemical biology, materials, theoretical and computational chemistry, and biochemistry and biophysics.

Faculty: Division of Physical Sciences | Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry | Duration: Plan II: three quarters full-time; Plan I: typically 18-24 months | Intake: Fall only | Study mode: full-time | Location: La Jolla, CA, United States

What you will study

Plan I: at least 36 units with 18 units of thesis research (CHEM 299), at least 8 graduate chemistry course units and a thesis defense. Plan II: at least 36 units with 16 letter-graded graduate chemistry units and passing three of five exams (biochemistry, analytical/instrumental, inorganic, organic, physical).

Career pathways

Plan I: research careers or doctoral/professional study. Plan II: doctoral or professional study, community college or high school teaching, or industry work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University admission (graduate level): a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent and a minimum B (3.0/4.0) average in upper-division or prior graduate work. Programme page (catalog): Eligibility requirements for admission include solid training in the chemical sciences as judged by the undergraduate record, a minimum 3.0 GPA in chemistry courses completed, and a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. The GRE general test is required of all applicants. To make admissions decisions, the department considers an applicant’s statement of purpose and research interests, GRE scores on the general test plus either the advanced chemistry or advanced biochemistry test, undergraduate record, quality of the undergraduate university, letters of recommendation, and research experience and publications.

UC San Diego enrolls for Fall term only.

The graduate application fee is $135.

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

Explore more study programmes

STEM