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Graduate Studies in Chemistry
Our program offers advanced coursework, hands-on laboratory instruction, and research experience for students interested in furthering their chemistry knowledge base. Currently, the program has two coursework options, a general track that focuses on strengthening organic and analytical chemistry skills, and a biochemistry track that highlights the role of chemistry in the biological sciences.
All students will complete a Master’s thesis consisting of independent research carried out in one of the chemistry faculty’s research labs. Students who graduate from our program successfully obtain positions in the biotech industry, environmental management, high school and community college teaching, and Ph.D. programs at leading universities. Professional career counseling is available to all students.
The program offers maximum flexibility with most coursework offered in the evenings. In fact, many of our students hold part or full time jobs while completing their Master’s degree. Numerous students are also able to work as teaching assistants or obtain a research fellowship while completing their degree. Other financial aid opportunities are also available. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
Graduate Program Documents
Forms
Chem 294 Course Materials
Applying for Admission is Easy!
To apply for the Chemistry Master’s degree program, please do the following:
1. Submit an application on-line. With your application you will need to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended and the application fee. You do not have to submit transcripts for coursework completed at CSUS. Your application does not go directly to the chemistry department.
If you attended college outside the United States, you must follow specific instructions for the submission of your transcripts. Please follow this link for more information.
If you are currently living outside the United States and will need a visa to attend school here, then you must apply for graduate school through international admissions. Please follow this link for information on admissions for non-resident international students.
2. Arrange to have 2 letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose/research interests sent directly to the chemistry department either by mail or uploaded to your application by the recommender. Recommendation letters should be from people that are able to judge your ability to succeed in graduate coursework and independent research relating to chemistry. Have the recommendation letters sent directly from the reference to the following address:
Chemistry Graduate Coordinator
ATTN: Dr. Benjamin Gherman
CSUS Chemistry Department
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
Or email to: ghermanb@csus.edu
Academic transcripts should NOT be sent directly to the chemistry department and will not be accepted by the department as part of an application. Transcripts must be sent to the University Graduate Office (see 1 above).
New master's students are only admitted in the fall and the application deadline is March 1. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline.
Minimum Qualifications for Admission Consideration
BA or BS degree in chemistry or its equivalent
We consider an equivalent degree to include the following coursework:
- 1 year of calculus based college math
- 1 year of college general physics
- 1 year of general chemistry and general chemistry labs for chemistry majors
- 1 year of organic chemistry and organic chemistry lab for chemistry majors
- 1 semester of physical chemistry for chemistry majors
We do not consider a degree in pharmaceutical chemistry to be equivalent to a chemistry degree.
A minimum 2.5 GPA overall, in the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework, and in chemistry, math, and physics courses
International students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (213 if computer based and 80 if internet based).