The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides students with a broad foundation in all areas of chemistry and advanced specialized training in the options: 1) Physical and Analytical Chemistry , 2) Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, 3) Biochemistry, or 4) Chemical Education, leading to the culminating project of a Thesis or Comprehensive Exam.
From the beginning of their program, graduate students will be immersed and stimulated in student research to identify, investigate, and effectively demonstrate their scientific curiosities. Our faculty provides robust research mentorship using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, and are additionally supported by external research grants from the NSF, NIH, DEO, and CSUPERB.
Graduate Degree and Resources
Admissions to the program requires a baccaulaureate 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 LA 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.
To learn more about graduate student application and admission to Cal State LA, visit Admissions and Recruitment.
Plan ahead by reviewing Fall 2027 Admission Deadlines- Graduates.
- Domestic Application Deadline - applies to U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Undocumented Students currently in the U.S. (including TPS, DACA, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile, etc.), and T and U Visa Holders.
- International Application Deadline - applies to applicants who will require a F-1 Visa or I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) to study in the United States.
Join us by submitting an application through Cal State Apply.
Students may begin working in Cal State Apply for Fall 2027 on August 1, 2026. Application submission opens on October 1, 2026.
A total of 30-31 units are required for the degree, of which are 16 units for the core requirements and 14-15 units for the option-based requirement with a minimum of 15 units in 5000-level courses. The option-based requirement includes 12-13 units of elective requirements and 2 units of thesis work, or 14-15 units of elective requirements and comprehensive examination. Each student's program is designed with the assistance of a faculty advisor and the student's advisory committee. All students must establish a Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Committee of four faculty members and pass the prospectus.
- All students with Thesis culminating experience must meet the following requirements: submit a thesis approved by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry as part of the program, and
- Pass a final oral examination, primarily about the thesis, administered by the department.
All students with Comprehensive Examination cumulating experience must pass comprehensive examinations on the subjects of the required courses.
Requirements for Option 1: Physical and Analytical Chemistry (30-31 units)
Core Requirements (16 units)
- Core Courses (9 units)
CHEM 5000- Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 5100- Introduction to Research (3)
CHEM 5110- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 5120- Graduate Semianr: Chemistry II (1) - Research Requirements (7 units)
CHEM 5910- Advanced Laboratory (1) (complete 2 units)
CHEM 5970- Graduate Research (1-3) (complete 5 units)
Option Requirements (12-15 units)
- Directed Elective within Option (8-10 units) (NOTE: Comprehensive Exam (CHEM 5960) students select 8 or 9 units. Thesis (CHEM 5990) select 9 or 10 units).
CHEM 4450- Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry (3)
CHEM 4460- Drug Delivery (3)
CHEM 4510- Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Optical Spectroscopy (2)
CHEM 4520- Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Analytical Separations and Mass Spectroscopy (2)
CHEM 4530- Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Electrochemistry and Surface Techniques (2)
CHEM 5400- Quantum Chemistry (3)
CHEM 5410- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (3)
CHEM 5510- Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials (3) - Electives outside Option (3 or 6 units)
Select courses from the directed electives in Options II and III. Comprehensive examination students (CHEM 5960) must complete 6 units. Thesis students (CHEM 5990) complete 3 units.
Culminating Experience (0 or 2 units)
- Select one course:
CHEM 5960- Comprehensive Examination (0)
CHEM 5990- Thesis (1-3) (complete 2 units)
Requirements for Option II: Inorganic and Organic Chemistry (30-31 units)
Core Requirements (16 units)
- Core Courses (9 units)
CHEM 5000- Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 5100- Introduction to Research (3)
CHEM 5110- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 5120- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry II (1) - Research Requirements (7 units)
CHEM 5910- Advanced Laboratory (1) (complete 2 units)
CHEM 5970- Graduate Research (1-3) (complete 5 units)
Option Requirements (12-15 units)
- Directed Elective within Option (9 units)
CHEM 4200- Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 4210- Polymer Chemistry (3)
CHEM 4840- Drug Discovery and Development (3)
CHEM 4850- Bioinorganic and Bioorganic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 5200- Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Analysis, Design, and Methodology (3)
CHEM 5210- Organic Structure Determination (3)
CHEM 5600- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3) - Electives outside Option (3 or 6 units)
Select courses from the directed electives in Options I and III. Comprehensive Exam (CHEM 5960) students must complete 6 units. Thesis (CHEM 5990) students complete 3 units.
Culminating Experience (0 or 2 units)
- Select one course:
CHEM 5960- Comprehensive Examination (0 units)
CHEM 5990- Thesis (1-3) (complete 2 units)
Requirements for Option in Biochemistry (30-31 units):
Core Requirements (16 units)
- Core Courses (9 units)
CHEM 5000- Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 5100- Introduction to Research (3)
CHEM 5110- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 5120- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry II (1) - Research Requirements (7 units)
CHEM 5910- Advanced Laboratory (1) (complete 2 units)
CHEM 5970- Graduate Research (1-3) (complete 5 units)
Option Requirements (12-15 units)
- Directed Elective within Option (9 units)
CHEM 4860- Bioinformatics (3)
CHEM 5320- Protein Structure (3)
CHEM 5330- Transcriptional Control of Gene Expression (3)
CHEM 5340- Signal Transduction (3)
CHEM 5350- RNA Structure and Function (3)
CHEM 5360- Post-translational Modifications of Proteins - Electives outside Option (3 or 6 units)
Select courses from the directed electives in Option I and II. Comprehensive Exam (CHEM 5960) students must complete 6 units. Thesis (CHEM 5990) students complete 3 units.
Culminating Experience (0 or 2 units)
- Select one course:
CHEM 5960- Comprehensive Examination (0)
CHEM 5990- Thesis (1-3) (complete 2 units)
Requirements for Option IV: Chemical Education (30-31 units):
Core Requirements (16 units)
- Core Courses (9 units)
CHEM 5000- Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 5100- Introduction to Research (3)
CHEM 5110- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 5120- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry II (1) - Research Requirements (7 units)
CHEM 5910- Advanced Laboratory (1) (complete 2 units)
CHEM 5970- Graduate Research (1-3) (complete 5 units)
Option requirements (12-15 units)
- Directed Elective from Options (9 units)
Select the directed elective courses from either Option I, II, or III. Comprehensive Exam (CHEM 5960) students select 8 or 9 units of directed elective courses within Option I, II, or III.
Thesis (CHEM 5990) students select 9 or 10 units of directed elective courses within Option I, II, or III. Electives outside option (3 or 6 units). - Electives outside Department (3 or 6 units)
With approval from the principal graduate advisor, select 4000-5000 level courses offered by the Department of Psychology, Department of Sociology, or the Charter College of Education. Selected courses should focus on topics pertinent to education theory, curriculum design, and assessment, or education research methods.
Thesis (CHEM 5990) students complete 3 units.
Culminating Experience (0 or 2 units)
- Select one course:
CHEM 5960- Comprehensive Examination (0)
CHEM 5990- Thesis (1-3) (complete 2 units)
Recommended Course Sequence Program: Master of Science in Chemistry
Option 1: Analytical and Physical Effective Fall 2022
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units | Annual Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 5000 | 3 | CHEM | 5110 | 2 | Year One: complete prospectus 19 units |
| CHEM 5100 | 3 | CHEM | 5910 | 1 | |
| CHEM 5910 | 1 | Directed Elective 2 | 3 | ||
| Directed Elective 1 | 3 | Directed Elective 3 | 3 | ||
| Total | 10 | Total | 9 | ||
| CHEM 5120 | 1 | CHEM | 5970 | 2 | Year Two: 11 or 12 units |
| CHEM 5970 | 3 | CHEM 5960 + Outside Elective 2 or CHEM 5990 | 3 or 2 | ||
| Outside Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 7 | Total | 4 or 5 | ||
| TOTAL UNITS UPON COMPLETION 30 or 31 | |||||
Option 2: Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Effective Fall 2022
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units | Annual Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 5000 | 3 | CHEM | 5110 | 2 | Year One: complete prospectus 19 units |
| CHEM 5100 | 3 | CHEM | 5910 | 1 | |
| CHEM 5910 | 1 | Directed Elective 2 | 3 | ||
| Directed Elective 1 | 3 | Directed Elective 3 | 3 | ||
| Total | 10 | Total | 9 | ||
| CHEM 5120 | 1 | CHEM | 5970 | 2 | Year Two: 11 or 12 units |
| CHEM 5970 | 3 | CHEM 5960 + Outside Elective 2 or CHEM 5990 | 3 or 2 | ||
| Outside Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 7 | Total | 4 or 5 | ||
| TOTAL UNITS UPON COMPLETION 30 or 31 | |||||
Option 3: Biochemistry Effective Fall 2022
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units | Annual Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 5000 | 3 | CHEM | 5110 | 2 | Year One: complete prospectus 19 units |
| CHEM 5100 | 3 | CHEM | 5910 | 1 | |
| CHEM 5910 | 1 | Directed Elective 2 | 3 | ||
| Directed Elective 1 | 3 | Directed Elective 3 | 3 | ||
| Total | 10 | Total | 9 | ||
| CHEM 5120 | 1 | CHEM | 5970 | 2 | Year Two: 11 or 12 units |
| CHEM 5970 | 3 | CHEM 5960 + Outside Elective 2 or CHEM 5990 | 3 or 2 | ||
| Outside Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 7 | Total | 4 or 5 | ||
| TOTAL UNITS UPON COMPLETION 30 or 31 | |||||
Graduate Thesis, Project, and Dissertation Guidelines as provided by the Graduate Resource Center
Visit the Graduate Studies' Forms and Petitions page for all forms related to graduate studies (including GS-8, GS-10, GS-13, GS-14, Credit by Exam, General Academic Petition or Graduate Requirements, Course Validation, Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Coursework, Embargo form, Graduate Continuous Enrollment, Return from Educational Leave, and Leave of Absence Petition)
Updated March 2024
| Subject | Catalog | Course Name | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| BINF | 4000 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (also listed as CHEM 4860) | Spring |
| BINF | 4500 | Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Spring |
| BINF | 4540 | Special Topics in Bioinformatics | Rarely Offered |
| CHEM | 1000 | Molecular Matter | Spring |
| CHEM | 1010 | Fundamentals of Chemistry | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 1020 | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 1040 | General Chemistry for Engineers | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 1050 | Introductory Chemistry | Rarely Offered |
| CHEM | 1100 | General Chemistry I | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 1110 | General Chemistry II | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 2200 | Organic Chemistry I | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 2201 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 2211 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 2300 | Introduction to Biomolecules | Fall |
| CHEM | 3000 | Nutritional Aspects of Biochemistry | Spring |
| CHEM | 3100 | Writing for Chemists | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 3200 | Organic Chemistry II | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 3500 | Quantitative Analysis | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 3600 | Inorganic Chemistry | Fall Spring |
| CHEM | 3800 | Ancient and Modern Science (also listed as HIST 3800, PHIL 3800) | Spring |
| CHEM | 3810 | Honors Study in Chemistry | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4142 | Chemistry and Physics of Materials (also listed as PHYS 4142) | Fall- even years |
| CHEM | 4200 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | Fall- odd years |
| CHEM | 4210 | Polymer Chemistry | Spring- odd years |
| CHEM | 4300 | Introduction to Biochemistry | Spring |
| CHEM | 4310 | Biochemistry I | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4311 | Biochemistry Laboratory I | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4320 | Biochemistry II | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4321 | Biochemistry Laboratory II | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4400 | Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry | Rarely Offered |
| CHEM | 4410 | Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Kinetics | Fall |
| CHEM | 4420 | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4430 | Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemical Methods | Spring |
| CHEM | 4431 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | Spring |
| CHEM | 4432 | Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemical Methods Laboratory | Spring |
| CHEM | 4450 | Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry | Spring- even years |
| CHEM | 4460 | Drug Delivery | Spring- odd years |
| CHEM | 4510 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Optical Spectroscopy | Spring |
| CHEM | 4520 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Analytical Separations and Mass Spectro | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4530 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Electrochemistry and Surface Technique | Fall |
| CHEM | 4810 | Advanced Synthetic Methods | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4820 | Biomedical Seminars and Presentations | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4830 | History of Chemistry | Fall- odd years |
| CHEM | 4850 | Bioinorganic and Bioorganic Chemistry | Fall- even years |
| CHEM | 4860 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (also listed as BINF 4000) | Spring |
| CHEM | 4890 | Molecular Science Capstone | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4980 | Cooperative Education (also listed as UNIV 4980) | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 4990 | Undergraduate Directed Study | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 5000 | Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry | Fall |
| CHEM | 5100 | Introduction to Research | Fall |
| CHEM | 5110 | Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I | Spring |
| CHEM | 5120 | Graduate Seminar: Chemistry II | Fall |
| CHEM | 5200 | Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Analysis, Design, and Methodology | Rarely Offered |
| CHEM | 5210 | Organic Structure Determination | Spring- odd years |
| CHEM | 5320 | Protein Structure | Rarely Offered |
| CHEM | 5330 | Transcriptional Control of Gene Expression | Fall- odd years |
| CHEM | 5340 | Signal Transduction | Rarely Offered |
| CHEM | 5350 | RNA Structure and Function | Fall- even years |
| CHEM | 5360 | Posttranslational Modifications of Proteins | Rarely Offered |
| CHEM | 5400 | Quantum Chemistry | Fall- even years |
| CHEM | 5410 | Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy | Spring- even years |
| CHEM | 5510 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials | Spring- odd years |
| CHEM | 5600 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | Fall- odd years |
| CHEM | 5910 | Advanced Laboratory | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 5960 | Comprehensive Examination | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| CHEM | 5970 | Graduate Research | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 5980 | Graduate Directed Study | Fall, Spring |
| CHEM | 5990 | Thesis | Fall, Spring, Summer |
Students seeking a Master of Science in Chemistry will apply and integrate foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills to identify and solve scientific problems. Students will develop the ability to become contributing members of the scientific community, both as individuals and while working in teams, and will develop creativity to generate solutions to societal needs.
Students will be prepared to enter careers in chemical, materials science, pharmaceutical, biochemical, and molecular life sciences industries; careers in government, education, and academic laboratories to pursue advanced education in graduate and professional school.
Specifically, graduates of the MS in Chemistry program will:
I. Demonstrate the ability to use scientific processes to identify and address complex scientific problems by specializing in a particular area or sub-field of modern chemistry and/or biochemistry:
- identify complex scientific problems by searching, reviewing, and critiquing the scientific literature
- construct and evaluate scientific questions and hypotheses
- design methods, including the use of appropriate equipment, instrumentation, and computer software for investigating scientific questions and hypotheses
- recognize limitations of experimental methodologies
II. Demonstrate the ability to investigate complex scientific problems using experimental and theoretical methodologies:
- conduct experiments including manipulating, synthesizing, and analyzing molecules and their properties using contemporary laboratory equipment and methods
- conduct quantitative and qualitative measurements and record data
- apply concepts of approximation, estimation, precision, and accuracy in data acquisition and problem solving
- quantitatively analyze data, evaluate the validity of data, and extrapolate meaning from data to generate scientific results
- conclude based upon evidence supported by results
- practice model ethical behavior intrinsic to the scientific process of knowledge generation
- practice safe handling of equipment, molecules, and organisms
III. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate science:
- employ technical and ethical conventions for written and oral reports including the ability to locate and evaluate sources
- report findings within the context of current scientific knowledge by locating, retrieving, understanding, evaluating, and citing relevant scientific literature
- demonstrate familiarity and practice with the process of working in teams and peer evaluation
- conclude clear and reasoned findings supported by evidence
- recognize when additional sources are needed for conclusive statements
Advising
For a downloadable copy, select Graduate Students Handbook- revised March 2026
(This section is currently under maintenance for ADA accessibility. To obtain a downloadable copy of the Graduate Handbook, select the link above).
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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
California State University
Graduate Handbook
Revised March 2026
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Index (Table of Contents)
1. Chairs Greeting ..................................................................................................................4
2. General Information ........................................................................................................5
-Choosing a Degree Option
-Selecting a Research Advisor
-Graduate Coursework Planning
3. Two-Year Roadmaps- Sample Coursework for M.S. Students .......................7
4. Academic Policies ............................................................................................................8
-University Catalog Policies
-Department Requirements for Master's Degree
-Course Requirements by Option
5. Degree Program Options..............................................................................................10
-Option I: Physical and Analytical Chemistry
-Option II: Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
-Option III: Biochemistry
6. Prospectus Requirement ..............................................................................................14
7. Graduate Program Requirements..............................................................................15
-Grade Point Average Requirements
-Introductory Research Requirement (CHEM 5910)
8. University Continuous Enrollment (Univ (9000) ..................................................16
9. Culminating Experience Requirements ...................................................................19
-Thesis Option
-Comprehensive Examination Option
10. Graduate Student Classification Levels ................................................................20
-G1: Conditional Graduate Standing
-G2: Classified Graduate Standing
-G3: Advanced to Candidacy
-G4: Post-Baccalaureate Student
11. Advancement to Candidacy Requirements.........................................................21
12. Graduate Seminar Requirements (Chem 5910 and CHEM 5120) ..............22
13. Completion of Program Requirements ................................................................23
14. College and University Policies ...............................................................................24
-Residence Requirement
-Course Subtitutions
-Transfer Courses
15. Graduate Enrollment Policies .................................................................................25
-Full-Time Unit Load for Graduate Students
-Seven-Year Time Limitation Rule
16. Continuing Student Status and Leave of Absence ........................................26
17. Maintaining Enrollment for Thesis........................................................................27
18. Applying for Graduation ..........................................................................................28
19. Financing Your Education ........................................................................................29
-Graduate Assistantships and Research Assistantships
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-International Graduate Student Tuition Waiver Program
-Federal and State Financial Aid Programs
-State University Grant
-Federal Work-Study Program
-Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
20. Appendices ................................................................................................................31
-Graduate Seminar Grading Sheet (Chem 5120)
-M.S. Degree Thesis Committee and Prospectus Guidelines
-Graduate Thesis Policies and Procedures
-Comprehensive Examination Policy and Procedures
-Comprehensive Exam Grading Categories
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Chair's Greeting
On behalf of the University, the College of Natural and Social Sciences, and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, we welcome you as you embark on a two-year commitment to master a specialized area of chemistry and biochemistry. This mastery will come from your acquisition of both enhanced academic knowledge through graduate coursework and practical laboratory skills through your immersion in a research project. You have joined a Department with a long-standing record of excellence in graduate education. We wish you the utmost success and stand ready to help you in any way possible.
Krishna Foster, Ph.D., Chair
Michael Hayes, Ph.D., Associate Chair
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General Information
Your first major decision will be choosing an option (I. Physical and Analytical Chemistry, II. Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, or III. Biochemistry). Clearly, this option should reflect both your interests and your career goals.
Your degree requirements include three portions: core requirements, option requirements, and culminating experiences. The core requirements are pre-defined and will apply to all students. Your option will dictate your options requirements. The M.S. degree program encourages breadth of study through its elective courses, so your choice of option does not mean you cannot pursue your interests in other areas of chemistry. You will choose one of the two culminating experiences: thesis, or comprehensive examination.
Your next step will be choosing a research advisor. This is an important decision that should be made thoughtfully. Learn about the research areas of the faculty by consulting web pages and research publications. While research advisors are associated with some traditional subdisciplines of chemistry because of the courses they teach, each faculty member may have research projects in various disciplines. The most current research projects may not be published or on the web, so talking to faculty in person about their current research projects is important. Your research advisor will assist you in requesting a permit to enroll in your first-semester graduate research course, CHEM 5910, after you enroll in the Chemistry, MS program and no later than 10 business days prior to the course add period of your first enrollment term. Your learning/research, communication, and personality may work better with some advisors than with others. You are also strongly encouraged to talk to students working in the research group who are well positioned to share insights that may be useful in your decision.
Your next step will be to plan your coursework in consultation with the Graduate Advisor and your research advisor. This plan lists courses you will take based on your degree option, research project, and interests.
The next couple of pages illustrate key milestones and sample coursework for a 2-year timeline to complete the M.S. degree.
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Two-year timeline for completion of M.S. in Chemistry (Thesis culminating experience)
| Semester | Year | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 |
|
|
|
| Year 2 |
|
|
Two-year timeline for completion of M.S. in Chemistry (Comprehensive exam culminating experience)
| Semester | Year | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 |
|
|
|
| Year 2 |
|
|
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Two-Year Roadmaps- Sample Coursework for M.S. students
Option 1: Analytical and Physical Effective Fall 2022
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units | Annual Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 5000 | 3 | CHEM | 5110 | 2 | Year One: complete prospectus 19 units |
| CHEM 5100 | 3 | CHEM | 5910 | 1 | |
| CHEM 5910 | 1 | Directed Elective 2 | 3 | ||
| Directed Elective 1 | 3 | Directed Elective 3 | 3 | ||
| Total | 10 | Total | 9 | ||
| CHEM 5120 | 1 | CHEM | 5970 | 2 | Year Two: 11 or 12 units |
| CHEM 5970 | 3 | CHEM 5960 + Outside Elective 2 or CHEM 5990 | 3 or 2 | ||
| Outside Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 7 | Total | 4 or 5 | ||
| TOTAL UNITS UPON COMPLETION 30 or 31 | |||||
Option 2: Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Effective Fall 2022
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units | Annual Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 5000 | 3 | CHEM | 5110 | 2 | Year One: complete prospectus 19 units |
| CHEM 5100 | 3 | CHEM | 5910 | 1 | |
| CHEM 5910 | 1 | Directed Elective 2 | 3 | ||
| Directed Elective 1 | 3 | Directed Elective 3 | 3 | ||
| Total | 10 | Total | 9 | ||
| CHEM 5120 | 1 | CHEM | 5970 | 2 | Year Two: 11 or 12 units |
| CHEM 5970 | 3 | CHEM 5960 + Outside Elective 2 or CHEM 5990 | 3 or 2 | ||
| Outside Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 7 | Total | 4 or 5 | ||
| TOTAL UNITS UPON COMPLETION 30 or 31 | |||||
Option 3: Biochemistry Effective Fall 2022
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units | Annual Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 5000 | 3 | CHEM | 5110 | 2 | Year One: complete prospectus 19 units |
| CHEM 5100 | 3 | CHEM | 5910 | 1 | |
| CHEM 5910 | 1 | Directed Elective 2 | 3 | ||
| Directed Elective 1 | 3 | Directed Elective 3 | 3 | ||
| Total | 10 | Total | 9 | ||
| CHEM 5120 | 1 | CHEM | 5970 | 2 | Year Two: 11 or 12 units |
| CHEM 5970 | 3 | CHEM 5960 + Outside Elective 2 or CHEM 5990 | 3 or 2 | ||
| Outside Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 7 | Total | 4 or 5 | ||
| TOTAL UNITS UPON COMPLETION 30 or 31 | |||||
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Academic Policies
University Catalog: Graduate students are governed by University policies and regulations as stated in the University Catalog in effect at the time they achieve classified standing (G1, G2 or G3 level), provided that they maintain continuous registration every Fall and Spring semester (Summer term excluded). Please use the following link to access “Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Studies: General Information” in the current University Catalog.
On rare occasions, changes are made to our M.S. requirements. However, the M.S. requirements for your personalized graduate program are described in the online catalog available at the Cal State LA website. It may be useful for you to print out the Chemistry section of that the online catalog so that you will always have a record of the University, College, and Departmental MS requirements that apply to you.
Department Requirements for Master's Degree
All candidates for master’s degrees in chemistry must select an option (physical and analytical chemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical education) and declare a culminating experience (thesis or comprehensive examination). For the degree, they must fulfill the following minimum requirements.
Unit Requirement: Completion of 30-31 semester units in approved courses, of which at least half (15 units) must be graduate (5000-level) courses.
Requirements for Option 1: Physical and Analytical Chemistry (30-31 units)
Core Requirements (16 units)
- Core Courses (9 units)
CHEM 5000- Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 5100- Introduction to Research (3)
CHEM 5110- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 5120- Graduate Semianr: Chemistry II (1) - Research Requirements (7 units)
CHEM 5910- Advanced Laboratory (1) (complete 2 units)
CHEM 5970- Graduate Research (1-3) (complete 5 units)
Option Requirements (12-15 units)
- Directed Elective within Option (8-10 units) (NOTE: Comprehensive Exam (CHEM 5960) students select 8 or 9 units. Thesis (CHEM 5990) select 9 or 10 units).
CHEM 4450- Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry (3)
CHEM 4460- Drug Delivery (3)
CHEM 4510- Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Optical Spectroscopy (2)
CHEM 4520- Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Analytical Separations and Mass
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- Spectroscopy (2)
CHEM 4530- Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Electrochemistry and Surface Techniques (2)
CHEM 5400- Quantum Chemistry (3)
CHEM 5410- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (3)
CHEM 5510- Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials (3) - Electives outside Option (3 or 6 units)
Select courses from the directed electives in Options II and III. Comprehensive examination students (CHEM 5960) must complete 6 units. Thesis students (CHEM 5990) complete 3 units.
Culminating Experience (0 or 2 units)
- Select one course:
CHEM 5960- Comprehensive Examination (0)
CHEM 5990- Thesis (1-3) (complete 2 units)
Requirements for Option II: Inorganic and Organic Chemistry (30-31 units)
Core Requirements (16 units)
- Core Courses (9 units)
CHEM 5000- Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 5100- Introduction to Research (3)
CHEM 5110- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 5120- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry II (1) - Research Requirements (7 units)
CHEM 5910- Advanced Laboratory (1) (complete 2 units)
CHEM 5970- Graduate Research (1-3) (complete 5 units)
Option Requirements (12-15 units)
- Directed Elective within Option (9 units)
CHEM 4200- Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 4210- Polymer Chemistry (3)
CHEM 4840- Drug Discovery and Development (3)
CHEM 4850- Bioinorganic and Bioorganic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 5200- Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Analysis, Design, and Methodology (3)
CHEM 5210- Organic Structure Determination (3)
CHEM 5600- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3) - Electives outside Option (3 or 6 units)
Select courses from the directed electives in Options I and III. Comprehensive Exam (CHEM 5960) students must complete 6 units. Thesis (CHEM 5990) students complete 3 units.
Culminating Experience (0 or 2 units)
- Select one course:
CHEM 5960- Comprehensive Examination (0 units)
CHEM 5990- Thesis (1-3) (complete 2 units)
Requirements for Option in Biochemistry (30-31 units):
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Core Requirements (16 units)
- Core Courses (9 units)
CHEM 5000- Interdisciplinary Discoveries in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 5100- Introduction to Research (3)
CHEM 5110- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 5120- Graduate Seminar: Chemistry II (1) - Research Requirements (7 units)
CHEM 5910- Advanced Laboratory (1) (complete 2 units)
CHEM 5970- Graduate Research (1-3) (complete 5 units)
Option Requirements (12-15 units)
- Directed Elective within Option (9 units)
CHEM 4860- Bioinformatics (3)
CHEM 5320- Protein Structure (3)
CHEM 5330- Transcriptional Control of Gene Expression (3)
CHEM 5340- Signal Transduction (3)
CHEM 5350- RNA Structure and Function (3)
CHEM 5360- Post-translational Modifications of Proteins - Electives outside Option (3 or 6 units)
Select courses from the directed electives in Option I and II. Comprehensive Exam (CHEM 5960) students must complete 6 units. Thesis (CHEM 5990) students complete 3 units.
Culminating Experience (0 or 2 units)
- Select one course:
CHEM 5960- Comprehensive Examination (0)
CHEM 5990- Thesis (1-3) (complete 2 units)
Prospectus: Within six months after choosing a research advisor, each student, in consultation with their research advisor, will establish a Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Committee of four faculty members (see Graduate Thesis Policies and Procedures in the Appendix). A copy of the written Prospectus must be provided to each committee member no later than one week before a scheduled oral defense (or later with the consent of the entire committee). The student will present the Prospectus to the Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Committee at the oral defense. If the Committee approves, the “Application for Advancement to Candidacy” (GS-10) Form will be signed and approved by the Committee members. Guidelines for preparing the Prospectus are also given in the Appendix.
The GS-10 (see appendix) form must be submitted, along with an abstract to the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Graduate Coordinator will ensure that the form is submitted to the College of NSS. After approval of the Prospectus, the student may enroll in the Graduate Research course (Chem 5970) and the Thesis course (Chem 5990).
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement: Achievement of a minimum B (3.0) grade point average in all courses on the approved degree program. A grade of C is allowed on the program; however, any grade below C, including C-, requires that the course be repeated with both grades computed in the grade point average. Following is a breakdown of the grading system:
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Traditional Grading System
| Letter Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D- | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
Any grade lower than a C is a failing grade and must be repeated.
Non-Traditional Grading System:
CR/NC: Credit/No Credit (Grade received for Comprehensive Exam Chem 5960).
RP: Report in Progress (Grade received for Chem 5970, 5980, 5990 until the student passes the thesis defense. After the student passes, RP is changed to CR for Chem 5970 and 5990; the RP is changed to a letter grade for Chem 5980).
Introductory Research Requirement (Chem 5910): This is the first research course that you will take. Your research advisor will describe the requirements for Chem 5910.
University 9000 (Univ 9000):
The information below is all taken from the University 9000 webpage.
A graduate/doctoral degree student is required to maintain continuous enrollment in every fall and spring semester from the beginning of the program of study until the awarding of the degree. Enrollment during Winter or Summer Session is required only if the student plans to graduate during that particular term. All students must be enrolled during the term in which they graduate. Unless granted an approved leave of absence, a graduate/doctoral student who fails to register each semester has discontinued enrollment in the graduate/doctoral degree program. The purpose of this policy is to keep students on track to completion within the required seven-year period.
Every semester, graduate/doctoral degree students must be registered in a course, or University (UNIV) 9000, or must have an approved leave of absence. Registration in UNIV 9000 is restricted to graduate/doctoral degree students who have been advanced to candidacy and have completed all coursework (including all allowable research units) but need additional time to complete their thesis, project, or dissertation. If a student wishes to take a semester off before resuming coursework, she or he must take a Leave of Absence, not UNIV 9000. Although UNIV
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9000 is a zero-unit course, the fee is based on one unit of credit for payment purposes; no unit credit is added to the student's program or transcript. This course is not eligible for financial aid.
You are responsible for maintaining your graduation progress through the Graduation Office (SSB-3380). For more information regarding filing for graduation or graduation date changes, contact the Graduation Office at (323) 343-3890.You must enroll by the University Add Deadline. Upcoming dates can be found online.
Please note that students who register for Univ 9000 may be required to start paying back student loans because Univ 9000 is a zero-unit course.
Below is the registration Process for UNIV 9000.
- Complete the Graduate Continuous Enrollment form as provided by the College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE).
- Obtain the approval of a Graduate Advisor on the Graduate Continuous Enrollment Form. Before signing the form, a Graduate Advisor will check to make sure that the student has been Advanced to Candidacy and that all of the student’s coursework has been completed. A plan and timeline for completing the thesis, project, or dissertation must be established with the graduate advisor and committee chair as a condition of approval for enrollment in UNIV 9000.
- Scan and email the completed Graduate Continuous Enrollment Form to PaGE Enrollment Services to be registered. Payment is due at the time of enrollment.
- Registration must be completed by the University Add Deadline of the session in which the student wishes to maintain continuous enrollment. Upcoming dates can be found online, or contact PaGE for enrollment deadlines.
- If paying with a debit or credit card, a link to submit payment will be forwarded to you once your paperwork is received. Payments processed via credit/debit will be accessed a Cashnet service fee of 2.65%.
- If paying with a check, please make checks payable to Cal State LA. You will submit payment at One Stop Financial Services, Student Services Building (SSB) #2380.
- It is important to include your CIN on the check.
- Enrollment during Summer Session is only required if the student wishes to graduate during that term.
Students who elect a comprehensive examination as their Culminating Experience are not permitted to enroll in Univ 9000.
Culminating Experience Requirement: A thesis or a comprehensive examination is required of all students.
Requirements for Enrollment in Graduate Research and Thesis Units (Chem 5970, 5990): The student has an approved master’s degree program in the College Graduate Dean’s Office, has Advanced to Candidacy (G3) classification, has an approved Request for Thesis or Project Committee and Title (GS-12 form) with the abstract of the Prospectus on file in the NSS Graduate Dean’s Office. See the appendix for departmental policies and procedures for the master’s thesis.
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Requirements for Enrollment in Comprehensive Examination (CHEM 5960): The student has an approved master’s degree program in the NSS Graduate Dean’s Office, has an approved Request for Thesis or Project Committee and Title (GS-12 form) with the abstract of the Prospectus on file in the NSS Graduate Dean’s Office, has Advanced to Candidacy (G3) classification, has an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on all coursework completed in master’s degree program, and has no more than one course remaining to be completed on master’s degree program. See the appendix for departmental policy and procedures for the comprehensive examination.
For questions regarding the Chemistry and Biochemistry M.S. program, please contact Dr. Krishna Foster.
Chemistry and Biochemistry student majors are advised through the NSS Academic Advisement Center. The NSS Advisement Center provides guidance on course selection, career planning, navigating university resources, and assisting students achieve their academic and professional goals. Please visit the link to schedule an appointment.
Research and funding
Learn more about Graduate Assistant for Chemistry and Biochemistry positions.
The Office of Graduate Studies offers support toward a graduate student's completion of thesis, creative activitiess, or dissertation; graduate equity fellowship program; graduate student non-resident tuition waiver program; travel support for conferences and professional development, and more! Learn more by visiting Student Support Programs and Funding Opportunities.
Cal State LA and Molecular Software Sciences Institute (MolSSI) at Virginia Tech collaborate to incorporate machine learning techniques in molecular simulatioin research and develop pedagogical materials in computational science. Cal State LA undergraduate and graduate students participate in year-round mentored research and attend annual MolSSI workshop. Read more and apply at Cal State LA- MolSSI Prec.
The Bridge to the Doctorate at Cal State LA Program will increase the number of traditionally underrepresented doctoral-level scientists engaged in biomedical research to enhance the health of the U.S. Public. For more information, including program application, please contact Dr. Robert Vellanoweth at [email protected] or Dr. Michael Hayes at [email protected] or visit Bridges to the Doctorate Program at Cal State LA.
For additional information about research and funding opportunities, visit Awards and Scholarship, Student Resources, Student Research and Facilities, and Cal State LA's Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Seminar Series
Join the department's Graduate Seminar Series on Tuesdays, 12 pm at Salazar Hall 136, to learn more about advances in research within the molecular sciences.
Seminars are presented by graduate students and guest speakers who share their research within the chemistry and biochemistry fields. See the Graduate Seminar Schedule.