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Graduate Program Ph.D. Program  Within the doctoral program, students have the flexibility to design individualized courses of
study focused on personal research interests. The general areas of research encompassed by the
program are biochemistry, biophysical, inorganic, marine, organic and physical chemistry.
Although individual routes to the Ph.D. may vary according to specific interests, all students
are expected to maintain the high intellectual standards associated with the doctoral degree.
Upon entering the graduate program, students take examinations at an advanced undergraduate level in four areas: organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. The results of these diagnostic exams are used to assess each student's background and to plan the first year's course of study. During their first two years in residence, students usually take six to eight graduate lecture courses in broad areas as well as special topics. The standard course load, which includes lecture courses, seminars, research courses and independent studies, is three courses per quarter. Doctoral students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least one year. For the majority of students who continue to work toward the doctorate, four specific requirements remain. The first is to present a seminar on a topic of current interest. This seminar provides students with the opportunity to develop skills that will enable them to read, analyze, organize and communicate information in a clear and logical manner. The second important requirement is the oral examination required for advancement to Ph.D. candidacy, which must be taken before the end of the seventh quarter. In order to demonstrate creativity and the ability to define and plan a research project, the students defend an original research proposal that is not directly related to their thesis or dissertation. The students also will be required to discuss their research progress to determine if they have a good idea of the research and to discuss what is required for a successful thesis. The third and most important requirement is to complete the written dissertation and have it approved by a committee. The fourth requirement is to present a thesis defense seminar, in which anyone in attendance may question the student's thesis and the student then defends it. Once these requirements have been met, the student will be awarded the Ph.D. degree. M.S. Program The M.S. program offers a graduate-level education in chemistry and biochemistry that is a shorter and less comprehensive alternative to the Ph.D. program. The M.S. also is an excellent choice for those who desire thorough preparation before seeking a Ph.D. Students pursuing a master's degree in chemistry may choose either a thesis path or a non-thesis path. Upon entering either path, students take the same diagnostic examinations required of those entering the Ph.D. program. In addition to completing the requirement for the chosen path to the master's degree, students must make up any deficiencies revealed by the diagnostic exams. Thesis Path This is a two-year M.S. program with requirements similar to those for the first two years of the Ph.D. program. Students take the required courses (five) during the first year of the program; they complete elective courses and research leading to the thesis during the second year. The master's thesis, even though based on original research, is not expected to be as in-depth as the doctoral dissertation. For those who may not want to pursue a research career but desire a thorough familiarity with research methods, the thesis path is ideal. Non-Thesis Path In this one-year M.S. program, students enroll for three courses per quarter for three quarters. Nine courses must be taken to obtain the degree, once the attainment examination requirements are met. The non-thesis path to the M.S. degree is designed to provide up-to-date expertise in chemistry, short of actual research experience. Teachers, technicians from industry, and businesspeople are among those likely to benefit from this program. To learn more about the requirements and the graduate program in general, please view the Graduate Handbook for new graduate students. Questions on the graduate program? Email gradinfo@chemistry.ucsc.edu
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