Admission to the Program
Admission to the program requires a baccalaureate in chemistry or biochemistry from an accredited college or university or a baccalaureate in a related field with a strong background in chemistry. Applicants interested in the biochemistry option should have a preparation equivalent to that required for the Cal State L.A. baccalaureate in biochemistry, which includes, among other requirements, 10 semester units of introductory biology and 2 semester units of upper division biology or microbiology.
- All applicants are required to have a 2.5 grade point average in their last 60 semester units attempted.
- Prospective students are required to submit the application to the University’s graduate program through https://www2.calstate.edu/apply.
- As part of the application, the candidate submits:
Requirements for the Degree
A total of 30-31 units are required for MS in Chemistry degree, of which 16 units are core requirements and 12-15 units are option-based requirements, and 0-2 units are required for the culminating experience.
The program offers four options:
At the start of the first semester of residence, all incoming graduate students will
- declare an option; and
- take placement examinations in chemistry. The purpose of these examinations is for advisement only. Students can choose one of the two culminating experiences, thesis or comprehensive examination.
Each student’s program is designed with the assistance of a faculty advisor and the student’s advisory committee.
Learning outcomes 
Roadmap (2022)
