How to Apply

Academic Preparation

A bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a Biological Science or a Science Degree with a biological context (with an upper-division grade point average of 3.0 or better). Average applicant GPAs are 3.5 or higher.

Explore Degree Offerings

Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts/Doctor of Philosophy (MA/PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Review Faculty Profiles and Research

Admission decisions are based on intellectual potential and promise, competitiveness of the academic record and research experience, programmatic fit, and space availability. Applicants to the Department must be accepted by a major professor with whom they wish to work and who has agreed to supervise the student's graduate training and thesis dissertation research. Therefore, applicants should contact individual faculty members in the Program whose research interests align with their own and to list potential advisors on their applications.

Requirements

Application Requirements

Transcripts

Scanned official transcripts (watermark or seal) from institutions where you have completed 12 units or more must be uploaded to your application.

Letters of Recommendations

Three letters of recommendation are required for a completed application.

Statement of Purpose and Supplemental Documents

• Statement of Purpose
• Personal Achievements/Contributions Statement
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

There is no page length requirement for the three components of the Statement of Purpose.

Graduate Record Examination (General Test)

The GRE scores should not be more than 5 years old at the time of application. Average applicant score are 85th percentile or higher. Use the institution code for UCSB (4835).

GRE Scores and Grade Point Average

There is no minimum GRE scores required. We receive a large number of international applications each year so as a guideline, we consider the following scores and grade point average to be competitive.

• Verbal: 80% or above
• Quantitative: 80% or above
• Writing Assessment: Approximately 5.0+
• Minimum TOEFL Score Accepted: 650 (paper-based: PBT) / 102 (internet-based: IBT)
• Minimum IELTS Score Accepted: Overall band score of 7 or higher

Admissions Timeline

Admissions Notifications

Spring and Summer

Prospective students should contact Faculty of Interest.

Late August/Early September

Graduate application available through UC Santa Barbara’s Graduate Division.

December

Departmental admissions deadline - December 1^st.

Late February/Early March

Admissions and financial notifications distributed to prospective students.

April

Statement of Intent and Financial Deadline – April 15^th.