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Master of Arts in Chemistry

The Master of Arts (MA) degree in Chemistry is a newly approved degree program which will begin in Fall 2011. This degree is specifically intended for those who are interested in high school or community college teaching, technical librarianship, scientific writing, or those with significant research experience currently employed in the industrial sector.

The program provides fundamental courses at a level and depth commensurate with those taken during the first year of a doctoral program.  The program has been designed to allow completion of the degree in two to three years, including summers. However, part-time participation or the need to take refresher courses will extend that time.

The formal steps in obtaining the MA in Chemistry are:

1. Admission (conditional classification, granted for either Fall or Spring semester)
2. Classification (completion of pre-classification requirements and selection of a project advisor)
3. Advancement to candidacy (after a request is filed for graduation)
4. Graduation (completion of requirements and awarding of degree).

Requirements and procedures for admission to the graduate programs at CSUF are given in the University Catalog.
 
Usually, students entering the graduate program will have completed undergraduate degrees in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Those with degrees in other disciplines must have had at least a year each of general and organic chemistry, including laboratories. Additional coursework will be required to make up the deficiencies; the Graduate Program Advisor will help the student plan their course of study, so as to complete the prerequisites in a timely manner. 

Study Plan
The graduate "Study Plan" is the list of courses that constitutes the customized program for each student in a particular degree option. The study plan is normally prepared shortly after admission and formalized after successfully completing the requirements for classified standing. Thirty (30) units are required for completion of the MA in Chemistry, all of which must be completed with a minimum grade of “B”. Each student prepares a study plan in consultation with the Graduate Program Advisor. The study plan must be approved by the student’s proposal advisor, the department Graduate Program Advisor, and the Office of Graduate Studies. All Chemistry courses on the study plan must be 400 level or above. Study plans may contain no more than 2 units of Chemistry 505A,B, and no more than 3 units of Chemistry 597.  The proposal shall be defended during a comprehensive oral examination.

1. Basic requirements
Courses required of all students:
Chemistry 505A,B Seminar (2)
Chemistry 597 Project (3)

2. Core and Elective Requirements
A minimum of 21 units of advisor-approved coursework are required, at least fifteen units of which must be lecture courses at the 500 level. In addition, each student is required to take a minimum of four units of 400- and/or 500-level laboratory coursework.

For further details or advisement concerning the MA program, contact the Graduate Program Advisor.