Science Division

Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology

Graduate Programs Quicklinks

PhD and Master’s Application FAQs

PBSE MCD Biology Track PhD Program FAQs:

MCD Biology Master’s Program FAQs:

Please email our Graduate Adviser, Carrie Niblett at cniblett@ucsc.edu if you don’t see your question answered here!

PBSE MCD Biology Program

When is the PBSE MCD Biology Program application deadline?

The application period is open from October 1. Click here for current application deadlines 

Do I need to submit GRE scores to apply to the PBSE MCD Biology Program?

No, General and Subject GRE scores are not required to apply or to be admitted to the MCD Biology PhD program.

Is there a minimum GRE score needed to be admitted?

No, since the GRE is not required to apply, we do not have a minimum GRE score for admissions.

Is it a good idea to contact faculty members before submitting my application?

Yes, we highly recommend that applicants directly contact faculty members with whom they would like to work before applying. Applicants are encouraged to mention the faculty members with whom they have communicated in their application.
Direct admission into a lab is possible with the approval of the faculty member.

What sort of funding should I expect?

The department has several sources of Research Assistantships (GSRships) and Teaching Assistantships (TAships) available to support all of our graduate students.  Support levels are comparable to other graduate programs in the Bay Area.

We commonly support our PhD students in their first year with 2 quarters of the Regent’s Fellowship, usually in Fall and Spring quarters. Most PhD students TA in Winter quarter. Other fellowships include QB3 and IMSD funding.

Once PhD students join a lab, usually at the beginning of Spring quarter of their first year, then the faculty adviser is responsible for their funding and should communicate with each student about how they will be funded.

If a student is directly admitted to a PhD lab, then the faculty adviser is responsible for their first year of funding.

I am an international student. Is there anything I should know about the program or the application?

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. However, due to limited financial resources, we can only make a small number of offers to non-U.S. residents.

Applicants whose primary language is other than English, regardless of citizenship status (either US citizens, Permanent Residents, or non-citizens) must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

Minimum scores required for admission
  • TOEFL:
    • 83 is required for admission
    • Any international students who wish to be considered for Teaching Assistant opportunities must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the TOEFL iBT.
  • IELTS:
    • A minimum overall score of 7 from the IELTS test is required for admission.
    • Any international students who wish to be considered for Teaching Assistant opportunities must score an 8 or higher on the Speaking portion of the IELTS Academic test.
Language waiver requests
English Language Waiver for Admission:
  • TOEFL/IELTS waivers for admission purposes may be requested by applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree at an English-speaking institution. If you plan to request such a waiver, you must select a back-up method of examination on the admission application in case your request is not approved.
English Language Waiver for Teaching Assistantship:
  • Applicants with a Master’s degree earned in the United States, at an accredited university, and with experience as a Teaching Assistant at that university may be eligible for an exemption of the English language prerequisite for Teaching Assistant (TA) purposes only (not admission).
  • A final transcript indicating that the degree was awarded, as well as a letter from the TA supervisor confirming the applicant’s position, their level of responsibility in the classroom, and their proficiency in English are required to apply for this type of waiver.

Since we require that PhD students TA at least 2 quarters during their time in the program, it is important that international students meet these requirements to be eligible to TA.

Please check the Graduate Division International Applicant page and English Language Requirements page for further info and details on international applicants and instructions.

MCD Biology Master’s Program

When is the MCD Biology Master’s Program application deadline?

The application period is open from October 1-April 1. April 1st is the deadline for both domestic and international applicants. 

Do I need to submit GRE scores to apply to the MCD Biology Master’s Program?

No, General and Subject GRE scores are not required to apply or to be admitted to the Master’s Program.

Is it a good idea to contact faculty members before submitting my application?

Yes, applicants should directly contact core MCD faculty members with whom they would like to work before applying. Sponsorship from a faculty member is required for admission since Master’s students are directly admitted into a lab. Please make sure to indicate your faculty sponsor and attach their letter of sponsorship to your application.

What sort of funding should I expect?

There is no formal commitment of financial support from the Department of MCD Biology, nor is the faculty sponsor required to provide financial support. Students in the Master’s Program are normally eligible for teaching assistantships and GSRships, although neither is guaranteed. If the faculty sponsor appoints a student as a GSR during the academic year, it should be at the same level as given to students in the Ph.D. Program. Faculty may provide partial support during the summer months.

I am an international student. Is there anything I should know about the Master’s Program or the application?

Applicants whose primary language is other than English, regardless of citizenship status (either US citizens, Permanent Residents, or non-citizens) must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

Minimum scores required for admission
  • TOEFL:
    • 83 is required for admission
    • Any international students who wish to be considered for Teaching Assistant opportunities must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the TOEFL iBT.
  • IELTS:
    • A minimum overall score of 7 from the IELTS test is required for admission.
    • Any international students who wish to be considered for Teaching Assistant opportunities must score an 8 or higher on the Speaking portion of the IELTS Academic test.
Language waiver requests
English Language Waiver for Admission:
  • TOEFL/IELTS waivers for admission purposes may be requested by applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree at an English-speaking institution. If you plan to request such a waiver, you must select a back-up method of examination on the admission application in case your request is not approved.
English Language Waiver for Teaching Assistantship:

A final transcript indicating that the degree was awarded, as well as a letter from the TA supervisor confirming the applicant’s position, their level of responsibility in the classroom, and their proficiency in English are required to apply for this type of waiver.

Applicants with a Master’s degree earned in the United States, at an accredited university, and with experience as a Teaching Assistant at that university may be eligible for an exemption of the English language prerequisite for Teaching Assistant (TA) purposes only (not admission).

Since most MCD Biology Master’s students TA during their time in the program, it is important that international students meet these requirements to be eligible to TA.

Please check the Graduate Division International Applicant page and English Language Requirements page for further info and details on international applicants and instructions.

Can I switch to the PhD program later during the Master’s Program?

Yes, it is possible to switch to the PhD program. Approval is needed from the current faculty adviser, the potential new faculty adviser (if applicable), and the graduate director.

Last modified: Aug 19, 2025