Students may choose either to pursue the master's under Plan I, a formal thesis or Plan II by comprehensive examination. The requirements under each Plan are summarized below:

Plan I (Thesis)

Under Plan I the requirements are a thesis and 20 semester units of which at least 8 are letter grade course work in 200 series or upper division courses plus a maximum of 6 units of 299 research and the rest (6) in 298.

Plan II (Comprehensive Examination)

Under Plan II 12 semester units of upper division and graduate coursework (298,299) and a comprehensive examination administered by Chemistry is required.

Courses in the 300 or higher series do not count in the unit requirement for either Plan I or II. Academic residence is defined for the master's as payment of registration fees and enrollment in at least 4 units in 100 or 200 series course for a minimum of two semesters. One semester of Summer Session enrollment may count towards academic residence if it preceded or follows a regular term. All coursework required for the degree must be completed by the last day of the semester in which the student expects the degree to be conferred.