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Apply now! Applications due December 1.

All applicants must meet the University of California minimum GPA requirement for admission. While most students entering the Integrative Genetics and Genomics program have an undergraduate or master’s degree in a traditional biology major (such as genetics, biology or biochemistry), students from other fields such as computer science or statistics are also accepted into the program.

Demonstrated scholarly achievement and evidence of a strong aptitude for scientific research are important criteria in the decision to accept an applicant. For these reasons, the IGG does not have formal course requisites for entry into the group. However, previous coursework in chemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and biochemistry will expedite students’ completion of their degrees.

Application Deadline

The Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group (IGG) accepts applications for fall quarter admission only. Program application deadline is December 1. 

  • UC Davis uses the online application only. No paper materials (other than transcripts) will be accepted or reviewed.
  • Apply early! Don't wait until the last day. Once the deadline passes and the application closes, it can't be reopened.
  • The MS degree is not intended for students who plan to later pursue a PhD in Genetics or related fields. We suggest those students apply directly to our PhD program.

  • For students who are unsure whether the PhD degree is right for them, we recommend they apply instead to one of many PREP programs across the country including PREP@UCD. Junior Specialist positions (found on Handshake) offered on all UC Campuses can also provide research experience.

Apply here

Admission Prerequisites

Undergraduate Preparation

While most students entering the IGG program have an undergraduate or Master's degree in a traditional scientific major (e.g., genetics, biology, biochemistry, etc.), demonstrated scholarly achievement and evidence of a strong aptitude for scientific research weigh most heavily in the decision to accept an applicant. For this reason, IGG does not provide a list of preparatory courses requisite for entry into the group. However, students do find it expeditious to completion of the Ph.D. to have a background in chemistry, calculus, genetics, and some biochemistry (either through work experience or coursework).

Application Process

  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • The application fee may be paid by credit card. The appropriate fee must be paid before the application will be considered complete, and a fee must be paid for each application submitted.
  • Letters of Recommendation must be submitted electronically through the online application.  Do not have recommenders send letters in hard copy, but rather to submit all recommendations online once the online service is available.
  • UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submit-transcripts.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students. Institution code: 4834.

Statement of Purpose

This statement allows you to tell the Admissions Committee directly why you should be admitted to the program. It should be concise (500-1000 words; max 4000 characters), informative and well-organized, and present yourself as someone who can successfully complete the graduate program. There are several online resources available to help you, but here are few tips:

  • Be clear on why you are applying to this specific graduate program/university
  • Describe your past academic and research experiences
  • Discuss you current research interests
  • Map out your potential career plan

Learn More Here

Personal Statement

This statement should provide the reader with a clear perspective of the circumstances that shaped you, how it is interconnected with your academic pursuits, and how it prepares you for success in this graduate program. It is a chance for self-introspection: what are the specific driving forces or the single transformative event that propelled you to this point, where pursuing graduate studies in this graduate group is the next logical step in your development as a scientist. The personal statement can also be used to:

  • Fill in the gaps about inconsistencies in your application, such as low grades
  • Highlight how you were able to persevere and excel academically in spit of any economic or social challenges you faced
  • Give examples of leadership, service, teaching and tutoring during your academic career
  • List any successes you achieved and what you learned from them

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Transcripts

You must upload academic records for every college-level institution you have attended or are currently attending (including community college, transfer coursework, study abroad, summer session, etc.). You may upload your transcripts in the Academic History section of the application or after submitting your application using your Application Status Page. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Learn More Here

English Proficiency

All International student applicants must demonstrate a minimum English language proficiency when applying to any graduate program. This can be demonstrated by meeting the following minimum scores in the accepted English Language tests:

TOEFL iBT
Minimum Score: 80 (exams taken prior to January 21, 2026); minimum score of 4.5 out of 6.0 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026.
Institution Code: 4834
No department code.

IELTS
Minimum Score: 7.0 on a 9-point scale

Duolingo English Test
Minimum Score: 115

To view more details about each test, please visit the Graduate Studies Website.

Exemption Eligibility

Applicants are exempt from the English language examination requirement if they have earned or will be earning a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from either: 

  • A regionally accredited U.S. college or university where English is the sole language of instruction, or
  • A foreign college or university which provides instruction solely in English. UC Davis Graduate Studies will only approve waivers for foreign colleges and universities which list English as the sole language of instruction in the IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED). If English is not the sole language of instruction listed (or if no language is listed at all), or if the institution does not appear on the WHED website, the waiver will not be approved. No other documentation (e.g. letters, language certificates, school websites) will be reviewed or accepted.

Applicants who do not meet one of the criteria above are required to submit either scores from one of the tests above.

Score Submission Timelines

Please note, it takes approximately two to four weeks after the test date for UC Davis to receive your scores from the exam administrator.

Check Your Application Status Page for Updates
Once you have submitted your application, you will be able to check to see if your scores have been received by visiting your Status Page. We cannot check on the status for you.

Application Fee

A graduate application fee is required from all applicants ($135 for US Applicants; $155 for international Applicants). The graduate program is not able to offer application fee waivers at this time. Please explore the UC Davis Graduate Studies Graduate Preparation Programs to determine if you are eligible for a fee waiver through one of the listed programs:

Graduate Prep Programs

Applicants who choose to apply to more than one graduate program must pay an application fee for each program. The application fee is not refundable and must be paid before the application can be reviewed. Instructions for payment will appear when you submit your online application.

FAQs

  • My GPA is good but not great, should I still apply?
  • Yes. The minimum GPA is 3.0, but there are exceptions. Applications are reviewed holistically. Your GPA, research experience, academic preparation and training, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and personal history are all considered in the application. 
  • Should I email professors that I am interested in working with?
  • Yes. This is highly recommended. You can email various professors in which you are interested in working with in their lab. It is perfectly acceptable to email multiple professors.
  • Do I have to be selected by a major professor for admittance?
  • No. Within the first year, students do 2-4 laboratory rotations before joining a lab for their thesis work.
  • Is there financial support in the program?
  • All accepted students are fully funded by the program for 5 years. The students will not have any out-of-pocket expenses with regard to tuition and fees, and they will receive a monthly stipend to support living expenses. Student support comes in a variety of ways: internal and external fellowships, research and teaching assistantships.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Students
  • What is the minimum scores for the TOEFL/IELTS? 
  • 550 on the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT), or 80 on the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT). IELTS Score: 7.0 points minimum on a 9.0 point scale
  • How do I know if I need to take the TOEFL or the IELTS?
  • If your previous degree was not solely taught in English, you will need to take the exam. You can check out what languages your institution taught in here: http://whed.net/home.php. If your institution shows English and another language you will need to take either of the two exams. If your institution only shows English you do not need to take the exam.
  • How do I know if my institution is not accredited?
  • Look at your institutions website and look for their accreditation. Also look at the unaccredited institution list here: http://www.foreigncredits.com/Resources/Unaccredited-Universities/
  • How can I calculate my GPA when it is not on a four-point scale?
  • Please use this online GPA calculator.