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Overview

The Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group encourages applications from all students interested in graduate study towards Ph.D. or M.S. degrees in this exciting multidisciplinary area. Applications are invited from students with undergraduate degrees from any relevant discipline, including the life sciences, the physical sciences, engineering and mathematics. An essential part of the admission process is to find a good match between the interests of the prospective student and QSB faculty's research, so we encourage interested students to begin the application process by contacting the QSB chair or any QSB faculty whose research interests them. See the QSB Application Checklist for more information.

All applicants should take the GRE general test (subject test optional). Applicants who are not native English speakers should go to the UC Merced Graduate Division website to see additional application requirements.

The admissions committee will make its decisions based on a comprehensive review of undergraduate coursework and GPA, GRE scores, research experience and recommendations in reaching a decision on admission. The deadline for receipt of applications is January 15 (although early applications are encouraged). Normally applications will be accepted for Fall semester only. Enrollment in other semesters will be considered on an individual basis, with applications due no later than seven months prior to the beginning of the semester when the student would like to begin graduate studies. For more information on the application process, or to submit an online application, see the QSB Application Checklist

Minimum Requirements for QSB

Minimum GPA in major: 3.2
Minimum GRE: 460 Verbal; 600 Quantitative; 4.0 Writing

Finding a Faculty Advisor

All applicants should contact three QSB faculty members who could serve as the applicant's faculty advisor. These potential advisors should be listed on the application under the question, "If you have communicated with a program or faculty member regarding graduate study at UC Merced, please list the name of the program(s) and/or the individual(s)." Failure to list at least one potential advisor may result in rejection of your application. See the QSB Application Checklist for more information.

Financial Support

In general, students in the QSB Ph.D. graduate program receive a full tuition and fee remission as well as a graduate student salary for the duration of study in the form of teaching and/or research assistantships as long as they are in residence and maintain adequate progress toward the degree. Salary and fee remissions may be provided for M.S. Degree students on a case-by-case basis. 

Applicants will also be considered for the Chancellor’s fellowship which provides $4000 grant for four years on top their regular student salary. In addition, a limited number of waivers for the application fee are available – qualified students should contact the program for more information. 

 

Good luck with your application and with your graduate education!