The UCSB Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers three degree programs the Master of Arts (MA), the Master of Science (MS) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The department mostly admits PhD students of whom the majority are financially supported throughout their course of study. The department admits few MA and MS students.

The requirements for the PhD Degree in Chemistry include:

1. ACS Entrance Examinations. Attain a high passing score on the ACS Entrance Examination in the area of your research interest (two high passing scores required for Materials Chemistry students) and a low passing score on the rest of the area examinations OR complete assigned courses with a B or better or a Satisfactory. Courses that fulfill ACS Entrance Examination requirement will not be counted towards the six quarter courses required for the degree.
2. A set of six quarter, 3 unit courses. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained. Some divisions also recommend elective courses. It may required that you to take background or remedial courses based on your performance in the ACS Entrance Examinations and your Committee for the Ph.D. Candidacy Oral Examination may require you to take remedial courses if you exhibit weakness in a specific topic area.
3. Cumulative Examinations (Organic Division ONLY). Achieve a passing score on a minimum of 3 cumulative exams before advancement to candidacy and a minimum of 7 cumulative exams before the completion of the Ph.D. degree.
4. Seminar Requirement - Chem 290. A grade of B or better in Chem 290, which requires delivery of a seminar on your group's research.
5. Advancement to Candidacy Exam. A passing evaluation of your performance on the oral examination for Advancement to Ph.D. Candidacy. The examination focuses on the dissertation and general subject matter appropriate to the division.
6. Original Research Proposition Exam. A grade of a B or better in the proposal course and a passing evaluation of your performance in presentation of an original research proposition.
7. Dissertation. An approved written Ph.D. dissertation.
8. Final Oral Examination. Successful delivery of the Final Oral Presentation in which the dissertation is presented in seminar format.

The requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Chemistry include:

1. ACS Entrance Examinations. Attain a high passing score on the ACS Entrance Examination in the area of your research interest (two high passing scores required for Materials Chemistry students) and a low passing score on the rest of the area examinations OR complete assigned courses with a B or better or a Satisfactory. Courses that fulfill ACS Entrance Examination requirement will not be counted towards the courses required for the degree.
2. Successful completion of a 30 graduate units. At least 20 of the 30 units in 200 & 500 courses and no more than 10 of the 20 units in Chem. 596, excluding Chem 501, 597 and 599. Under no circumstances will units completed in courses numbered either 501-A-B-C, 597, 598, or 599 be used to satisfy any of the University minimum requirements.
3. Seminar Requirement - Chem 290. A grade of B or better in Chem 290, which requires delivery of a seminar on your group's research.
4. Thesis. An approved written thesis by the Maters Thesis Committee.

The requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Chemistry include:

1. ACS Entrance Examinations. Attain a high passing score on the ACS Entrance Examination in the area of your research interest (two high passing scores required for Materials Chemistry students) and a low passing score on the rest of the area examinations OR complete assigned courses with a B or better or a Satisfactory. Courses that fulfill ACS Entrance Examination requirement will not be counted towards the courses required for the degree.
2. Successful completion of at least 36 graduate units. At least 24 units in 200 and 500 courses and no more than 12 of the 24 units in Chem. 596, excluding Chem. 501, 597 and 599. Under no circumstances will units completed in courses numbered either 501-A-B-C, 597, 598, or 599 be used to satisfy any of the University minimum
3. Seminar Requirement - Chem 290. A grade of B or better in Chem 290, which requires delivery of a seminar on your group's research.
4. Comprehensive Final Examination. A student must complete a comprehensive final examination set by the major department and administered by the Master's Committee. Exam type varies based on division. The requirement in organic chemistry may be satisfied by cumulative examinations and/or proposition at the discretion of the organic area advisor.