MA in Chemistry

The MA in Chemistry program is designed to provide advanced knowledge in contemporary chemistry to students who are focused on a research-based career (such as in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and materials). The program requires students to build upon a foundation of chemical knowledge by pursuing advanced studies in the chemical and molecular sciences, including an emphasis on research in a laboratory.

Learning Outcomes

• Students are required to design, carry out, present, and defend an original work of research at the cutting edge of their discipline.
• Students must demonstrate mastery of the subject material relevant to their graduate field of study and advance scholarship.
• Students need to be able to identify areas where ethical issues may arise in their discipline, and articulate strategies for dealing with them.
• Students are expected to be able to teach and promote their discipline at the undergraduate level.

Course Requirements

In order to be eligible to earn an MA degree, students must accumulate 32 units:

• At least 20 units of academic coursework (five 4-unit courses)
  • Four of these courses must be at or above the 600 level
  • Two courses acceptable for graduate units in mathematics or natural sciences other than chemistry may be substituted for chemistry courses
• At least 8 units of research coursework (CAS CH 903/904 MA Research in Chemistry)

In conjunction with their advisors, candidates can make specific nonresearch course selections based on relevance to their chosen area of specialization.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.