Graduate Program Overview

The UCSB Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry provides exciting research at the cutting edge of modern chemical and biochemical science. Our faculty is exceptionally distinguished, including two Nobel laureates, and publications from our department were the 7th most cited in the nation among all chemistry departments, as reported by Chemical and Engineering News. 

We offer state-of-the-art facilities for research in all areas of chemistry and biochemistry. Graduates of the PhD program are well-equipped to pursue a wide variety of career options.  For a partial list of employers of our alumni, take a look at our Alumni Job Placement Fact Sheet.

Our program fosters interdisciplinary collaborations both on campus and with scientists nationally and internationally. Affiliated research units on campus include the Materials Research Laboratory, the California Nanosystems Institute, the Institute for Terahertz Science and Technology, the Neuroscience Research Institute, the Marine Science Institute, the Center for BioEngineering, and the Mitsubishi Chemical - Center for Advanced Materials.

The UCSB campus has an unequaled geographical setting, with the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands to the south and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north. The city of Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, is rich with culture and natural beauty.

View the UCSB Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Handbook here.