Nine courses are required. Of these, at least seven must be lecture courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The remaining two courses may be lecture courses, seminars or independent study.

Of the seven Chemistry and Biochemistry lecture courses, at least four must be graduate level (200), but up to three may be advanced undergraduate level (100), excluding CHEM 109-CHEM 110. Courses used to satisfy attainment deficiencies (CHEM 163A-CHEM 163C, CHEM 151A, CHEM 103,  and CHEM 143) do not count.

The seven lecture courses must include representatives from at least three of the chemistry subdisciplines: biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical.

For a further description of courses available, please visit the Graduate Student Handbook.

A solid foundation in undergraduate chemistry is essential to a student’s progress in graduate studies and research. For this reason, all graduate degree candidates are required to take entrance (attainment) exams to confirm their preparation in the fields of biochemistry, inorganic, organic and/or physical chemistry.  

Students must satisfy the attainment requirement in three of four subdisciplines of their choosing.

The candidate is required to present a passing literature seminar on a topic of their choosing, demonstrating the ability to read and critically analyze research data, to organize data into a coherent presentation, and to communicate the information in a clear and logical manner.

M.S. students must complete the Application for the Master’s Degree form by the appropriate quarter’s deadline listed in the current Academic calendar.

The form can be found on the Graduate Division website or can be provided by the Chemistry Department. The form should be turned in to the graduate adviser and program coordinator for review and submission to the Graduate Division.