Master of Arts (M.A.)

Owned by Iris Chan
Last updated: Jun 02, 2023
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Graduate Coursework

A total of 36.0 units are required for the M.A. degree, at least 24 of which must be in 200-289 level courses. 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.A. is two years.

  • At least 24 of the 36 units must be in 200 – 289 level courses and no more than 12 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 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.

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

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

Examination Committee for the Degree of Master of Arts

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.A. 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

  • The student will meet with all committee members at least once a year to discuss progress, receive input and feedback, and discuss any concerns they might have

  • At the department's discretion, a non-ladder faculty member may serve as a fourth committee member.

Annual Exam Committee Meetings

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

  • The student will meet with all exam committee members collectively at least once per year to discuss and reflect on progress and future plans in the program, receive input and feedback, and present any concerns or potential issues that you may have.

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

Comprehensive Final Exam

The student is in charge of scheduling the exam. For students who fail the comprehensive examination on the first try, the decision to allow a second attempt is at the discretion of the Examination Committee.

  • The Comprehensive Examination for the M.A. Degree is generally taken the quarter in which the student plans to graduate officially, and only if their cumulative GPA is 3.0 or above.

  • The different program areas have slightly different formats for the exam; please consult with your Area Advisor.