FAQs

We welcome applicants from STEM degrees beyond chemistry. Common undergraduate majors include biochemistry, neuroscience, physics, engineering, oceanography and other natural sciences.

If applicants have a STEM degree other than chemistry, typically they studied chemistry as part of their degree or updated their chemistry knowledge through graded classes shown on transcripts.

Visit our Admissions page for details about application requirements.

If you’re unsure whether your background or academic history is a good fit, reach out to the program adviser at asctadvising@uw.edu.

Yes. If your GPA is below 3.0, or there are other areas where you don’t quite meet requirements, you may still apply if your overall application is strong.

The admissions committee evaluates all components of the application — including the statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and your fit for the program. So, make sure your application in total makes a strong case — and use the statement of purpose to explain any extenuating circumstances.

For additional guidance, we encourage you to contact the program adviser.

No. To consider your application, we must receive all application materials — including both required recommendations — by the application deadline. Unfortunately, we can’t review incomplete applications.

We strongly encourage you to identify your recommenders early in the application process to give them plenty of time to submit their recommendations. Once you enter their email addresses into the Graduate School application, they’ll be sent a link to a secure website where they can submit their recommendations.

Be sure to check your application status regularly and follow up with your recommenders to ensure everything is complete by the deadline.

Yes! If you’re interested in applying to the UW Chemistry Ph.D. program and this master’s program, apply first to the UW Chemistry Ph.D. program. Simply check the box in the Ph.D. application that says:

Master’s Degree Program Option
“Would you like your application to be considered for the Master of Science in Applied Chemical Science and Technology Program? The response to this question will not impact the admission decision to the Ph.D. program.”

If the UW Chemistry Ph.D. program doesn’t admit you, your application materials will be forwarded automatically to our master’s program — no additional fees or steps needed. After receiving your application from the Ph.D. program, our admissions committee will review your materials as soon as possible and notify you of a decision.

The application process and deadlines are the same for starting in autumn or winter quarter. You’ll select your preferred starting quarter when you complete the application.

We process applications for both autumn and winter at the same time — immediately after each of the priority, general and space-available deadlines.

Most students begin in autumn, but the same courses, hands-on research opportunities and program tracks — including the Research & Thesis Track — are available no matter when you start. This program is designed to be flexible to fit your schedule and goals.

No — the title of the awarded degree is the same for all tracks in the Master of Science in Applied Chemical Science & Technology program.

However, if you complete the Research & Thesis Track, you can state on your resume that you:

• Gained in-depth research experience, including scientific writing and presentation skills
• Conducted and published an independent research project under faculty mentorship
• Defended your research project before a thesis committee

Use your ultimate career goals to guide your decision about which program track to pursue. Review our sample course plans to explore the courses and degree requirements for each program track, and talk to a program adviser if you need more information.

Yes! Current UW undergraduates majoring in chemistry or biochemistry can take advantage of our Combined Undergraduate/Graduate (CUG) program. Eligible UW students can apply up to 12 credits from 400-level chemistry courses toward the Master of Science in Applied Chemical Science & Technology — as long as those credits aren’t counted toward your undergraduate degree.

To explore this option, contact the program adviser early for guidance. The application process and timeline are the same as the standard master’s program.

Please email your questions to acstadvising@uw.edu.

No problem! If you're still exploring your options, you can stay informed by signing up for program emails. You'll receive updates, event invitations and reminders about application deadlines — no commitment required.