Chemistry is central to modern science and, ultimately, most phenomena in biology, medicine, geology, and the environmental sciences can be described in terms of the chemical and physical behavior of atoms and molecules. Because of the wide appeal and utility of chemistry, UCSC offers many lower-division courses, differing in emphasis and style, to meet diverse needs. Students should also note the numerous upper-division course offerings and select those most suitable to their academic interests.

Our Chemistry M.S. is a terminal degree program designed to provide the latest general expertise in chemistry for teachers, technicians from industry, and business leaders. The program does not lead to a Ph.D. or include a research thesis.

Note: Applications for the Plan I (thesis) master's degree are not being accepted at this time.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Plan II (capstone) master’s degree in which a student may earn the M.S. degree after approximately one year of coursework and a capstone seminar. This program serves the needs of such diverse groups as teachers on sabbaticals, technicians from industry and re-entry students. The Plan II (capstone) M.S. does not require research and is suited to future teachers and others wishing to update or broaden their chemical expertise. The degree can be finished in one year if the student is well prepared for attainment exams. No financial aid is available for this program, although student loans may be available based from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) program.

Prerequisites: A bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in chemistry or biochemistry. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline must have taken all or most of the courses required for a B.A. or B.S. in chemistry or biochemistry at UC Santa Cruz.

Learning Experience

The curriculum in chemistry exposes the student to the principal areas of modern chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, materials, and biochemistry. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who plan to end their formal education with a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree, as well as those who wish to continue on for an advanced degree. The UCSC Chemistry B.A. or B.S. graduate will be trained in modern chemical techniques and exposed to state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation. Such a student will be well-prepared to pursue a career in chemistry or an allied field.

Study and Research Opportunities

✔ B.A.; B.S. and B.S. with concentration in biochemistry; undergraduate minor; M.S.; Ph.D.

✔ Undergraduate research opportunities, both within traditional research lab courses and through independent study.

✔ Chemistry students may be eligible for research scholarships and/or scholarly meeting and conference travel awards.

✔ Completing a thesis is an opportunity, open to all undergraduate students, to do cutting edge research in collaboration with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty in a team setting, often leading to co-authorship in journal publications.