Master of Science (M.S.)

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Last updated: Jul 25, 2024
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Graduate Coursework

A total of 30.0 units are required for the M.S. degree, at least 20 of which must be in graduate level courses (numbered 200+). Core courses must be completed with a grade of B or better, and the overall minimum GPA is 3.0.  The time-to-degree for the M.S. is two years.

  • No more than 10 units may be in CHEM 596.

  • CHEM 501, 502, 597, 598, and 599 (or other department equivalents) are not counted toward the minimum number of units required for the degree.

  • Courses are chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty area advisor.

Seminar Requirement (CHEM 290)

A letter grade of B or better must be achieved in CHEM 290.

  • This course requires delivery of a seminar related to your group’s research.

  • If continuing in the Ph.D. program, this requirement must be completed before taking the Advancement to Candidacy Exam.

Your Thesis Committee

Students should notify the Staff and Faculty Graduate Program Advisors of their committee makeup. The Faculty Graduate Program Advisor will sign off on your committee.

  • M.S. committees require a minimum of 3 UC ladder faculty:

    • 2 faculty members (including your Chair) must be in your home department

    • At least 1 faculty member must be independent of the thesis project

Annual Academic Progress Meeting

Submit your Annual Thesis Committee Meeting Signature Page to the Staff Graduate Advisor once completed.

  • First Year: Students will meet with the department chair to review the student's academic progress, discuss experiences and challenges, and set goals for the upcoming year.

  • Second Year: Students will meet with their thesis committee to review their progress, address any concerns, and ensure they are on track with their research and academic objectives.

  • Refer to this page for more information on meeting frequency, scheduling, and structure.

Master’s Thesis

File your thesis according to Graduate Division’s instructions by the filing deadline. Be sure to send the Staff Graduate Advisor a copy of your approved thesis (PDF) and signature page as well.

  • A master's thesis is patterned after a Ph.D. dissertation but on a scaled-down level of originality and length.

  • The thesis should be typed in draft form for the Committee. After the Committee approves it, it should be typed according to Graduate Division’s formatting guidelines.

A public seminar presentation is not required for thesis defense. However, the thesis must make a significant contribution. Publishable results are encouraged but not required.

Examples of project types suitable for an Master’s Thesis:

  • An advanced design project, either analytical or experimental;

  • An experimental or theoretical contribution to a research problem currently being investigated within the Department;

  • A critical evaluation of the state-of-the-art of a current research area, going beyond mere literature compilation;

  • A critical theoretical analysis or a preliminary experimental study intended as a feasibility study or precursor laying the groundwork for more advanced Ph.D.-level research.

Graduate Division Submission

Departmental Submission

  • Email your approved thesis (PDF) and signature page (PDF) to the Staff Graduate Advisor

  • Complete the Departmental Exit Survey