Chemistry & Biochemistry

Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry

Only UC San Diego undergraduate students that are continuing their research with their advisor are eligible to apply directly to the MS Thesis Research Program (available for Fall, Winter, and Spring). All other MS applicants may apply only to the Fall MS Coursework program.

A test of English language proficiency is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country where English is a dominant language.

The following test(s) are accepted by this department:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Minimum of 3 recommendations required.

We require three letters of recommendation. Letter writers that are able to provide context and clarity with respect to your ability and potential to excel in a graduate program are the most helpful in evaluating your application (e.g. a research advisor or a professor from a course that knows you well). UC San Diego students applying for the MS program need to submit at least one letter from a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Required

(1) Please describe your personal and professional motivations for pursuing research in the field of chemistry and biochemistry. This section may be longer than 1 paragraph; we recommend that you write 1 paragraph per major research project/experience.

(2) Please describe your previous research experience(s) in detail, and how they have contributed to your choices and motivations to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry and biochemistry.

(3) Please specify the faculty at UCSD in whose research you have an interest, explaining your choice for each.

(4) Please describe any obstacles that you have overcome to achieve your academic and personal achievements, as well as any contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion you have made.

Recommended

If you already have an agreement to do research under the direction of a Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor, the MS Thesis Agreement Form is highly recommended. It is an agreement between you and your research advisor. Please have your research advisor fill it out, print, sign, and then upload to your application.