MACS Program

The goal of the MACS program is to train students to be well-rounded chemists, equipped with a broad level of critical skills and the necessary knowledge of applied chemistry, and be highly competitive in a non-academic workforce. This professional 2-year program will aim to recruit recent college graduates who are trying to improve their skills and become more competitive in the non-academic job market.  MACS courses will be taught by UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty and each student will be provided with an individual mentorship by one of the program’s faculty advisors. 

The program will also routinely interface with industry research and business leaders from corporate sector, which includes materials and energy (3M, ExxonMobil, GE, Tesla, Applied Materials, IBM) and pharma and biotech (Pfizer, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Corteva Agrosciences) companies as well as multiple start-ups and several government and non-profit organizations to enhance workforce development. 

During their first year, MACS students will be exposed to a mix of applied chemistry coursework, laboratory modules, and survey courses covering soft professional skills and project management. Students in the MACS program will have unlimited individual access to the state-of-the art equipment the Department acquired recently in a partnership with Agilent Technologies Inc. to facilitate educational and research activities using modern tools and techniques. 

In their second year, students will take elective courses and be part of an independent small group research project with a UCLA professor. Throughout both years, industry experts will be brought in for seminars, and to enhance networking and learning. The program will feature two tracks, one in medicinal and one in materials chemistry, reflecting industry trends and current needs. 

Tuition and Expenses

The cost of tuition in the MACS program for 2023-2024 is $36,050 per year or $12,017 per quarter for residents and non-residents.

Students enrolled in this program are also required to pay student services fee, campus based fees and health insurance. 

When viewing the Graduate Student Fee document, keep in mind that the Tuition and Non-Resident Supplemental tuition also do not apply to the MACS program. Students who have their own health insurance plan may be eligible to waive the health insurance fee. To learn more, please click the link below: