College of the Pacific
Graduate Degree Program in Chemistry
M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees
The department of chemistry offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees (in column on right click "Chemistry Faculty" and/or click previous dissertations) in conjunction with the T.J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SOPHS) as a part of the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry Graduate Program (PSCP). Graduate students admitted to the Department of Chemistry through the Graduate School receive:
- a professional and modern education (Courses),
- exciting and future-oriented research projects (see "Chemistry Faculty") supported by state-of-the-art equipment,
- close faculty/student interaction to support timely graduation and high research output preparing them for a future career in academia and the chemical industry.
Teaching Assistantships
The department of chemistry offers competitive teaching assistantships for chemistry graduate students covering living expenses in Stockton and provide full tuition remission.
TA duties and research duties are fulfilled in parallel during the semester and over the summer/winter breaks. TA positions are continued over the summer months unless the student is supported by a research assistantship through the research adviser.
Master of Science Degree
Program requirements: A minimum of 32 units, that include 9 units of core courses, is required for all focus areas. Additionally, both thesis and non-thesis candidates participate in graduate seminars and internship. The internship (elective) is done at a chemical, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical company, or at another research/teaching institution. This valuable work experience better prepares the student for careers in interdisciplinary research/development teams or in academia. Students are encouraged to complete coursework during the early part of their graduate studies so that the latter part of the program can be sent on full time research.
Thesis - Students conduct research, write a thesis and complete a final oral defense of their thesis. The thesis is based upon a research project that constitutes a contribution to knowledge, or the student must design and evaluate a unique procedure or program in their field. A minimum of two semesters of full time residence at the University is required following the baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in part time residence during summers. The average time to complete the program is approximately 2-3 years.
Thesis Committee: The committee is formed after a student selects an advisor for his/her research. The advisor assists the student in designing a plan of study, and the committee provides the student with guidance in his/her thesis research, and monitors the student's research progress.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Program Requirements: A minimum of 45 units, which includes 9 units of core courses, is required in all focus areas. All doctoral candidates also participate in departmental seminars, a multidisciplinary project and an internship. The internship (required) is done outside the University at either an industry or another research institution. The internship provides valuable work experience and better prepares the student for future careers in interdisciplinary research/development teams and academia. Students are encouraged to complete coursework in the early part of their graduate program so that the latter part can be spent on full time research.
Dissertation Committee: The committee is formed after a student selects an advisor for his/her research. The advisor assists the student in designing a plan of study, and the committee provides the student with guidance in his/her thesis research, and monitors the student's research progress. The student will ultimately present his/her dissertation to the committee. The dissertation must provide a genuine novel contribution to knowledge in the student's focus area. The committee will also conduct the dissertation defense. The defense is the final comprehensive oral examination based for the most part on the dissertation, but also covering the entire field of study.
Qualifying Examinations: To be eligible for qualifying exams, the student must complete all core courses and required courses for dissertation research that the student has elected to pursue. Exams should be taken within an appropriate amount of time, preferably at the end of the second year. The content and requirements of the qualifying exam are defined by the research focus area and consist of comprehensive written and oral examinations.
Admission Procedure and Requirements
Entering students should have the equivalent of a Pacific Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts degree with at least a B (3.0) Grade Point Average (GPA) in all upper division coursework. GRE scores must be: Verbal + Quant: 1100 or above, Writing: 3.0 or above. Depending on the research focus area, there are minimum undergraduate units required in the mathematical, physical, chemical, pharmaceutical and biological disciplines.
International students: In addition to meeting coursework, GPA, and GRE requirements, international Students whose native language is not English must submit their TOEFL (minimum score 233).
Three additional items are required for admission:
- The completed graduate application form
- A letter from the applicant stating his/her goals relative to a research and/or teaching career
- Three letters of recommendation from someone who is familiar with the student's learning and research abilities.
PLEASE ALSO SEND AN INOFFICIAL COPY (photocopy is sufficient) OF YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE DIRECTLY TO THE CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT.
PLEASE ALSO INDICATE CLEARLY YOUR INTENTION TO WORK IN THE CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT AND IN ONE OF THE CHEMISTRY TRACKS, i.e. BIOANALYTICAL/PHYSICAL or SYNTHESIS/DRUG DISCOVERY.
For detailed program listings, current admission requirements, and official application write to:
Dr. Jin Gong
Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
University of the Pacific
206 Knoles Hall
Stockton, California 95211
209.946.7716
Valerie Andeola
Administrative Assistant to the Dean
209.946.7716
