PROGRAM OF STUDY

We offer students the choice of the Thesis (Research) Plan I or the Comprehensive Exam (Coursework) Plan II. Full-time students in the Comprehensive Exam Plan normally complete the degree in three quarters and those in the Thesis Plan may need four to six quarters, depending on the nature of their research project. Minimum progress in an academic year (three quarters) is considered 36 units for full-time study and 20 units for part-time study; students must petition to study part-time. Nearly all Chemistry classes are offered between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Plan I: Thesis (Research)

This program prepares students for research careers in industry, for doctoral studies, or for professional school. Students complete a minimum of 36 units of courses and research, with the emphasis on research. Students write, present and defend their thesis to a committee of their Thesis Adviser and two other faculty.

Plan II: Comprehensive Exam (Coursework)

This program prepares students for doctoral or professional studies and for careers in teaching; the emphasis is on coursework. Students complete 36 units of courses, and may opt to rotate in a research laboratory as well. To graduate, they must pass three of five comprehensive written exams in biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry. [Top]

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Research opportunities for graduate students are comprehensive and interdisciplinary, spanning biochemistry; biophysics; inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, computational, and theoretical chemistry: surface and materials chemistry: and atmospheric and environmental chemistry. Please refer to the faculty pages for full descriptions of the on-going research in our department. State-of-the-art facilities and laboratories support these research programs.

At UCSD, chemists and biochemists are part of a thriving community that stretches across campus and out into research arch institutions throughout the La Jolla and San Diego area, uniting researchers in substantive interactions and collaborations. [Top]

TEACHING

Teaching apprenticeships are a vital and integral part of graduate student training. All M.S. students are required to successfully complete one quarter of teaching to fulfill academic requirements. Course loads should be planned keeping in mind the quarter of teaching. Some students teach additional quarters beyond the academic requirement as a means of financial support. Excellence in teaching is stressed, and the department provides a thorough training program covering both fundamentals and special techniques for effective instruction. Further training is provided by the UCSD Center for Teaching Development. Performance is evaluated every quarter, and awards are bestowed annually for outstanding teaching performance. [Top]

FEES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

All students must pay fees each quarter. Those who are not CA residents must pay out-of-state tuition as well as fees. Fees are significantly reduced for students employed at a 25% or greater appointment as a TA (Teaching Assistantship).

There is no support guarantee with the M.S. program. Students are paid on TA funds the quarter they fulfill the academic teaching requirement. Support in other quarters is not guaranteed. However, normally there are paid TA positions available. For students in the Thesis (Research) Plan, any potential research assistantships will depend on their advisers. Students may opt to apply for financial aid. [Top]

HEALTH AND DENTAL PLAN

A primary health care program, major medical plan, and dental plan are among the benefits provided by the University's registration fee (see Graduate Student Health Insurance Program, GSHIP). Minor illnesses and injuries can usually be treated at the Student Health Center. Counseling is provided free of charge through Student Psychological Services. [Top]

ADMISSIONS

Applications for the M.S. program are reviewed by the M.S. Faculty Advisor and the Graduate Admissions Committee. Your file will be reviewed individually and in comparison to other files:

• Transcripts. A strong training in the chemical sciences is required. We are looking for a breadth of training amongst the chemical sciences (analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and biochemistry). On a 4.0 scale, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate studies AND a minimum 3.0 GPA in chemistry courses are required.
• Quality of the undergraduate university.
• Letters of recommendation.
• GRE scores.
• For Thesis Plan applicants, research experience and potential are considered.
• For foreign students, TOEFL or TSE score. On the TOEFL, a minimum 550 on written test or 220 on computer test is required; above 600 on the written test or 250 on the computer test preferred; test date within the past two years.
• Statement of purpose (reason for applying and future goals).
• Competitiveness of the applicant pool. [Top]

POSTGRADUATE PLACEMENT

Upon graduation, most students go into industry, several continue their education, and the rest are in teaching. [Top]