UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers Master of Science (M.S.) degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology. An M.S. degree can be earned en route to the Ph.D. The department also offers a Master's in Applied Chemical Sciences (M.A.C.S.). Graduate studies at UCLA involve close consultation with faculty advisors for academic and research guidance. Students progress through coursework and, for Ph.D. candidates, dissertation research, with regular progress reviews by the Graduate Studies Committee. The department emphasizes a rigorous academic environment with opportunities for specialization in various subdisciplines within chemistry and biochemistry.
The M.S. program requires a minimum of nine quarter courses (36 units), with at least five (20 units) being graduate-level courses and the remainder upper-division courses. Course selection is approved by a faculty area adviser. Students can fulfill requirements through coursework and, for the thesis plan, an original research thesis. For the capstone plan, students complete coursework and a research proposal. Doctoral programs have more extensive course requirements and laboratory rotations in the first year.
Graduates from UCLA's Chemistry and Biochemistry programs are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, industry, and research.
Specific course prerequisites and satisfactory performance on orientation examinations may be required for doctoral programs. For M.S. programs, coursework is determined and approved by the faculty area adviser.
Tuition and fees can vary by program. Consult the UCLA Registrar’s Annual Fees for UCLA Graduate Programs for specific details.
Tuition for non-California residents, which includes international students, is approximately $36,297 annually. It's important to consult the UCLA Registrar's Annual Fees for the most specific and up-to-date details.
The M.S. program has a minimum duration of 2 years to complete. This includes fulfilling coursework and either a research thesis or a capstone project.
An undergraduate degree in a relevant science field is typically required for admission. Specific course prerequisites may also be necessary, especially for doctoral programs.
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15. It is recommended to review the UCLA Graduate Admissions website for the most current information.
Merit-based support, such as fellowships and assistantships, is available and awarded based on academic merit. Offers of support from the Division of Graduate Education are sent directly to chosen students.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Research Scientist, Laboratory Manager, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Professor, and positions in Industry R&D.