Graduate Program

Program Overview

Ph.D. Requirements

M.A. Requirements

Courses

Advising

Application Process

Graduate Research

Molecular Cell & Developmental Biology
225 Sinsheimer Laboratories
Phone: 831.459.4986
Fax: 831.459.3139
Map & Directions

We strongly encourage applicants to make contact with faculty members whose research interests match their own. Please note that Master’s program applicants MUST be sponsored by an MCD faculty member. All application materials should be sent to: Graduate Admissions, UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064.

Applications for FALL 2009 must be received by: DECEMBER 15, 2008

• Late or incomplete applications may only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
• The completed application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable $70 fee.
• Applications are accepted online only.

APPLICATION

Information and instructions on how to access the online application system can be found at the Graduate Studies Office. Please visit their website to learn more about graduate studies here at UC Santa Cruz.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Applicants are selected for interviews on the following criteria:

• Undergraduate record: overall GPA and grades in relevant courses

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: Applicants MUST take the GRE General Test. The Biology subject test, the Biochemistry or the Cell and Molecular Biology subject tests are recommended. Applicants are strongly urged to take their GRE exams as early as possible so results are in by the application review period. UCSC's school code for the exam is 4860. The MCD Biology Department does not have their own GRE code.

• 3 letters of recommendation (accepted in electronic format only)

• Laboratory experience: While this is not required for admission most successful candidates have some experience either from their undergraduate career or from working in industry.

• Areas of interest as put forth in the applicant's personal statement

INTERVIEWS

Based on the above criteria applicants will be invited to visit the department in the upcoming months for interviews with faculty members and current graduate students.

ADMISSION

Admission offers will be sent out starting in mid-February and continuing through March. Students then have until April 15^th to reply with their acceptance of admission.

Foreign Applicants:

The MCD Biology graduate program places a high value on the presence of scholars from diverse nations and cultures, and actively solicits applications from foreign applicants. Due to limited financial resources we can only make a small number of offers to non-U.S. residents.

Foreign applicants from countries where English is not the primary language MUST take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimal score of 550 (on the paper-based test), 220 (on the computer-based test) or 83 (on the internet-based test) on the TOEFL is required for admission. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the test date.

Transfer Applicants:

It is possible, though rare, to transfer from another Ph.D. program to the MCD Biology graduate program. The extent to which course and rotation requirements can be waived will depend on the individual case.

Have a Question?

Please review our FAQ page for common questions asked by prospective students.

Application Questions: Contact the Graduate Admissions Office, 831-459-4975
Research Questions: Contact the MCDB faculty
Graduate Program/Admission Questions: Contact the MCDB Graduate Advisor, 831-459-2385