Graduate Admission
Graduate Education and Admissions Information, UC City
Cutting-edge academic research, close academic connections with mentors, and a supportive and collaborative graduate student community collectively form the outstanding graduate education ecosystem at the University of California, City (UC City). Here, every graduate student can delve deeply in a high-quality academic environment, shine academically, and embark on a remarkable professional journey.
Academic Achievements: Witnessing Excellence
UC City is committed to nurturing top-tier academic talents, and our students have achieved remarkable results in various academic competitions and research fields. In March 2025, Jenna Myers, a fourth-year doctoral student in Biochemistry, delivered her first-prize-winning graduate award lecture titled "Sticky Situations: Age-Associated Platelet Influx" at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz. This achievement not only demonstrates her personal academic prowess but also serves as strong evidence of the quality of UC City's graduate education.
Graduate Programs: Interdisciplinary Integration for Academic Dreams
Aspiring to pursue a doctoral or master's degree? UC City offers a wealth of academic options. We provide over 50 graduate programs covering diverse fields such as Physics, Philosophy, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, and Arts. Additionally, we have developed several interdisciplinary featured programs including Materials Science, Global and International Studies, and Media Arts and Technology. Whether you seek doctoral or master's level academic advancement, your needs will be fully met here.
As an institution focused on academic excellence, our graduate programs aim to cultivate professionals, top researchers, and industry leaders who can make positive impacts on global development. Leveraging our interdisciplinary academic system, cutting-edge research platforms, and in-depth industry collaboration, we are dedicated to providing graduate students with academic training that combines theoretical depth and practical value, helping every student build a meaningful graduate academic career and professional development path.
Top-Tier Faculty: Guiding Academic Journeys
UC City brings together world-class faculty members who are authoritative experts in their respective research fields—from Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, to MacArthur Fellows, Fields Medalists, and Turing Award winners. This faculty team boasts profound academic attainments and fruitful research achievements. Their research results are widely cited by the global academic community, exerting far-reaching global influence in areas such as basic scientific breakthroughs, applied technological innovation, and humanities and social sciences exploration.
During graduate training, students will have valuable opportunities to learn from and interact directly with these top professors and researchers, and deeply participate in their research projects. Through exploring cutting-edge academic topics, students accumulate experience, hone their abilities, and expand their academic horizons while enhancing their research capabilities.
Admissions Policies: Inclusive, Supportive, Fair, and Equitable
The UC City Graduate Admissions Committee fully understands and values the challenges and disruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and will conduct comprehensive and objective reviews of applications with such factors in mind. Meanwhile, we deeply care about the impact of international conflicts on students and are committed to supporting students and scholars affected by regional turmoil, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, regardless of their nationality. Candidates affected by such situations may apply after the deadline. Prospective applicants should contact the relevant program representatives for additional information and application guidance. Normal admission criteria will be applied.
We have always adhered to the concept of "diversity drives excellence" and are committed to attracting outstanding talents with wisdom and creativity from around the world to enrich our faculty, research teams, and student body. We firmly believe that diverse perspectives derived from different backgrounds and experiences are the core driving force for academic innovation. Therefore, our graduate programs attach great importance to admitting outstanding applicants from diverse backgrounds, and the admission process strictly abides by our anti-discrimination policy (see below).
The admission process is conducted annually, with the regular application period from November 21 to December 15. Admitted students will enroll in the following fall semester. We strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications as early as possible and ensure that all supporting materials are fully submitted before the deadline. All applications will be comprehensively and carefully reviewed by the admissions committee of the corresponding academic program. There is no minimum grade point average or other single quantitative threshold in the review process; instead, factors such as personal statements, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and research experience are comprehensively considered to fully evaluate the applicant's academic potential and overall quality.
Some academic programs may review applications received after the deadline, but such applicants may be at a disadvantage in terms of financial aid allocation or admission priority. Each applicant may apply to only one academic program per admission cycle. However, during the review process, the admissions committee of the applied school may recommend the application to be reviewed by another school. If your application is referred to another program, no additional fees will be charged, and you will not be required to submit a duplicate application.
For more detailed information about each graduate program, please refer to the UC City Graduate Education General Catalog.
Campus Ecosystem: Inclusive, Supportive, and Collaborative
The UC City Graduate Division is dedicated to providing every student with world-class academic education, as well as comprehensive career development opportunities, resources, and support. We regard students as partners in academic exploration, focusing on exploring and nurturing their personal strengths and unique talents. We encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and exploration, allowing diverse ideas to spark innovation through collision
Leveraging our geographical advantage in a major core city, learning extends far beyond the classroom. While participating in a top-tier academic system, students can deeply engage in urban community practice, closely integrating academic research with social needs. This forms a unique "academics + practice" training model that is unparalleled in other educational settings.
In accordance with federal and state legal requirements, including Title IX (which prohibits gender-based discrimination), our policies explicitly aim to create a non-discriminatory work and academic environment, and strictly prohibit any form of discrimination in educational programs and activities. UC City will take all reasonable and necessary measures to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence in the academic and work environment. For inquiries regarding Title IX, please contact our Title IX Coordinator.
Contact Us
The UC City Graduate Division looks forward to joining hands with every applicant who harbors academic dreams to embark on a journey of academic excellence. If you have any questions about our graduate programs or admissions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Financial Aid Support
It’s time to talk numbers. Learn about the costs of attending UC City—from tuition and fees to various financial aid and scholarship options—right here.
We offer a diverse range of financial aid programs, including Online Learning Scholarships, Merit Scholarships for New Students, and Transfer Student Grants. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides full-cycle professional consulting and application assistance to ease your financial burden and support your worry-free academic journey.
We offer a diverse range of financial aid programs, including Online Learning Scholarships, Merit Scholarships for New Students, and Transfer Student Grants. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides full-cycle professional consulting and application assistance to ease your financial burden and support your worry-free academic journey.
Campus Life and Growth
Ranked among top institutions, UC City boasts a vibrant campus culture and is situated in one of the most beautiful coastal locations imaginable—definitely a must-have on your university shortlist.
We know how to have fun! UC City offers abundant engagement opportunities for students, including 10 residential colleges, over 150 student organizations, and a variety of online and offline activities such as academic salons, industry seminars, interest groups, and outdoor team-building events. Expand your network and gain rich experiences beyond the classroom!
We know how to have fun! UC City offers abundant engagement opportunities for students, including 10 residential colleges, over 150 student organizations, and a variety of online and offline activities such as academic salons, industry seminars, interest groups, and outdoor team-building events. Expand your network and gain rich experiences beyond the classroom!
Brand Guidelines
Campus Maps
Chancellor
Opportunity & Outreach
People Directory
Report Misconduct
Report an accessibility barrier
© 2025 The Regents of the University of California, City Campus (UC City). All rights reserved. Equal opportunity employer.