Admissions

Completing the Graduate Application

Please note: All supplemental application materials should be sent directly to the prospective academic department using the department specific mailing address and zip code + the 4-digit mail code (93106-xxxx), and not to the Graduate Division.

• Criteria for Admission
• Types of Applications
• Application Requirements and Deadlines
• Submitting an Application
• Updating an Application
• Project 1000 Application Procedures
• Legal Statements

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Criteria for Admission

The University of California offers admission to those applicants who have the highest potential for graduate study and who, with the benefit of graduate education, are most likely to contribute substantially to their academic or professional fields through teaching, research, or professional practice.

The University of California, Santa Barbara remains committed to the recruitment, admission, and retention of a high quality, diverse graduate student population. UCSB encourages applications from students who have overcome economic or social disadvantage in pursuing their academic objectives and those who bring perspectives, research topics or career interests that advance the University's goals of excellence and diversity. Among campus goals is achieving a student population of men and women reflective of the population at large, inclusive of those traditionally underrepresented in various academic fields and of all socioeconomic levels, physical abilities, ages, religions, national origins, sexual orientations, and other attributes.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have received a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university prior to the quarter for which the applicant seeks admission, and have at least a B average in advance undergraduate (the last two years) coursework. Satisfaction of minimal standards does not, however, guarantee admission. Since the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of places available, many well-qualified applicants cannot be accommodated.

Additionally, each department has its own criteria for admission. Please visit the Department and Program Index for your prospective department's requirements.

Additional information and requirements for international applicants are available on the International Applicants information page.

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Types of Applications

Please note that only one application may be submitted at a time. Simultaneous applications to multiple programs are not accepted. If you have submitted multiple applications, please contact the Graduate Division Admissions immediately.

New Domestic Applicants

All components of the application, including the application fee, must be completed and paid by the appropriate department deadline in order to be processed. A limited number of fee waivers are available for qualified applicants with financial need. Applicants who applied the previous year but were not admitted are considered new applicants.

New International Applicants

Many international applicants are required to complete and submit a Pre-Application to their department of interest. To determine which programs require the Pre-Application, visit Graduate Programs at UCSB. The Pre-Application will be used to determine eligibility to apply for graduate study in a particular department. Once the department has reviewed the Pre-Application, the department will contact the prospective applicant with further instructions on applying. Please pay close attention to requirements or procedures pertaining to international applicants. The non-refundable application fee must be paid by the appropriate department deadline in order for the application to be processed. The fee must be in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank.

Non-Degree Applications

In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not wish to study for a degree may be admitted to graduate status on a non-degree basis. The admissions requirements and procedures are the same as those for prospective degree candidates. The applicant must specify the major, and must justify in the statement of purpose that the plan of study has a definite scholarly or professional goal. A non-degree student is accepted for a maximum of one academic year. Students in non-degree status are not eligible for fellowships, nor are their courses ordinarily accepted for credit toward an advanced degree at UCSB should they later decide to apply for admission into a master's or doctoral program. Current non-degree students wishing to apply for admission into a master's or doctoral program must submit a new graduate application - a graduate petition cannot be used.

Renewal Applications

If one applied for graduate study at UCSB the previous year and was admitted but did not register, please contact the admitting department prior to submitting a new application. In some cases, it may not be necessary to re-submit all of the required application materials. The department will be able to assist in determining which materials to re-submit. However, in all cases a new application and fee payment are required to process the new application.

Applications NOT Accepted for Admission

Students who have allowed their registration to lapse must petition for reinstatement to graduate standing, and should not submit a new graduate application. Students who wish to change or add anther degree objective or transfer to another department must do so by Graduate Student Petition. Please contact Graduate Academic Services by email or by phone at (805) 893-2277 for assistance.

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Application Requirements and Deadlines

The following information is provided to aid in completing the graduate application thoroughly and correctly. Failure to read the directions may result in mistakes that in turn will seriously delay the application. The application file may be made inactive if Graduate Division can not match supplementary materials to the application. It is recommended that applicants make personal copies of all application materials.

Each department has its own application requirements. Please visit the Department and Program Index for your prospective department's application requirements.

Additional information and requirements for international applicants are available on the International Applicants information page.

I. Application Deadlines

Each department has its own application deadline. The department's deadline for fellowship competition consideration is sometimes earlier than its final application deadline. Please visit the Department and Program Index for a complete list of department deadlines. A completed application and all supporting documents must be received by the deadline, or the next working day, if it falls on a weekend or holiday, in order to be considered for fellowship support and/or admission. Very competitive departments may close their programs for lack of space earlier than the published deadline. Application deadlines can be subject to change. Early application is strongly advised.

II. Application for Admission

All applicants must complete the Online Graduate Application. All of the application information is entered securely online and is comprised of several sections. No paper applications are available. The application will indicate when all of the required information has been received.

Once the application has been complete, applicants may pay the application fee by check/money order or online via credit card to submit the application (see Application Fee section for further information). Once submitted, you will receive an email confirming successful submission. Throughout the admissions process, applicants may log back in to their application to check their Application Status Page.

All supplemental application materials should be sent directly to the prospective academic department.

III. Application Fee

All applications require a non-refundable application fee of $70 for domestic applicants, and $90 for international applicants. No application will be processed until the application fee has been received.

The application can be paid by one of the following:

1. Credit Card: Application payments may be paid with a Visa or MasterCard, which must be made online as part of the application process. Credit card payments cannot be accepted at any other point.
2. Check or Money Order: If paying by check or money order, please ensure that the applicant name appears on the check or money order made payable to UC Regents, and that it is accompanied by the Check/Money Order Submission Form found on the last page of the application or within the Application Status Page. If paying by check or money order, the Check/Money Order Submission Form must be printed, signed, and mailed with the check/money order fee payment to the Graduate Division. This submission form is an important part of the application for two reasons: it provides the Graduate Division with a signature that creates a legal and binding contract between the applicant and the University of California, and it allows the Graduate Division to match the fee payment to the submitted application. International applicants, if not paying by credit card, must send an International Money Order or a check drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars.

Do not send cash. The Graduate Division cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected fee payments. It is highly recommended that applicants secure a receipt of mailing from the post office if the application payment is mailed.

An application fee paid to another University of California campus is not valid for an application to UCSB. The application will not be processed until the application fee is received and processed.

Please note: The application fee is not refundable under any circumstances. This includes applicants submitted after the graduate program's application deadline has passed. Please contact the program of interest to submit an application after the program deadline, and do not submit unless permission has been granted directly from the academic department's Graduate Program Assistant, and the Graduate Division Admissions section has been notified in advance.

IV. Fee Waivers

A limited number of application fee waivers are available to qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents who demonstrate evidence of financial need or proof of participation in an undergraduate research program. Fee waivers are not available to international applicants.

Please see the Graduate Division Policies and Procedures Handbook and the Fee Waiver Request Form for more information.

In support of the national efforts of the McNair Scholars Program and Project 1000, participants are entitled to an application fee waiver at UCSB. To obtain this fee waiver, submit the Fee Waiver Request Form along with a letter from the program director confirming participation. Additional proof of financial need is not required.

To apply for a fee waiver, an applicant must submit the Fee Waiver Request Form, which must be accompanied by proof of financial need or participation in an undergraduate research program. Examples of financial need include a letter from a financial aid officer, an official financial aid award letter, or a copy of income tax returns. Failure to include this information with your request will delay the processing of the graduate application. A copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) is not acceptable documentation. Please do not mail in a Fee Waiver Request Form prior to  completing and submitting the online graduate application. Note: In order to submit the online graduate application, please select the check or money order payment option, but DO NOT send a payment. Instead, send in the Fee Waiver Request Form. Payments submitted will not be refunded.

Please send fee waiver materials to the following address:

UC Santa Barbara Graduate Division
Attn: Graduate Admissions
3117 Cheadle Hall

University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2070

To follow up on the status of your fee waiver request, please check your Application Status Page to determine whether your application is considered "paid and submitted." If your fee waiver request is approved, the application will be processed and no further action is needed. If denied, you will be notified by email and the application will not be processed until the application fee is received, which must still be received by the application deadline. When a fee waiver request is denied, applicants are asked to mail a check or money order to the Graduate Division.

V. Statement of Purpose, Personal Achievements/Contributions, and Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Two copies of the following documents must be sent to the academic department as part of your application:

• Statement of Purpose
• Personal Achievements/Contributions statement
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Please attach these three documents to the Coversheet for Statement, Achievements, and Resume/CV. The coversheet enables departments to match these documents to your online application.

The Coversheet also contains (1) prompts for writing and (2) full instructions for submitting the Statement of Purpose, Achievements, and Resume/CV packet to the department.

VI. Letters of Recommendation

Online Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required as part of your application. Letters of recommendation are submitted online through the Online Graduate Application. You will be asked to supply the name, email address, and current institution of each recommender. Once supplied, the online application will provide instructions to each of your recommenders via email. Recommenders may upload letters in PDF, DOC, or TXT file formats.

Once you submit your online application, you can manage your letters of recommendation through your Application Status Page. Here, you can:

• Add or replace a recommender
• Send a follow-up notification to each of your recommenders
• View the status of each letter

The faculty members who write the letters of recommendation should be aware of the applicant's scholarly abilities and capability to do graduate work. They should speak analytically of achievements and research abilities. Applicants can provide recommenders with background information to assist them in writing a strong letter, such as copies of papers written, copies of the Statement of Purpose, a Resume/CV, or a list of courses and grades received from the professor.

Nonacademic letters may be useful when they relate directly to the intended area of study, such as work experience, internships, teaching, etc.

Letters Submitted via Postal Mail

In instances where your recommender is unable to submit a letter online, a letter of recommendation may be sent directly to your prospective academic department. A Letter of Recommendation Coversheet must accompany the letter. Please note: the preferred method for letter submission is online.

On the Letter of Recommendation Coversheet, the sections marked "This Part to Be Completed by the Applicant" and the lower section pertaining to the "Waiver of Right of Access" must be completed by the applicant before giving the form to the recommender. Please note that your recommenders must complete the section on the coversheet marked "This Part to Be Completed by the Recommender" in addition to writing a recommendation.

VII. Transcripts

NOTE: If your current degree program is still in progress, you will be required to submit final and official transcripts with the degree awarded once your program is complete, if you are admitted.

For U.S. applicants, two official copies of the applicant's transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs, must be sent to the proposed department as part of the application. Transcripts must show all courses taken, credits or hours, grades or marks in each subject, and rank or class level if given. The institutional grading scale, including maximum and failing grades, should be provided. Also required is the type of degree awarded or in progress (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), and the date of the award if the program is complete. Records submitted to UCSB will not be copied, returned, or sent to another institution.

For international applicants, two official copies of documents showing all post-secondary academic work completed must be sent to the proposed department as part of the application. All transcripts and translations must be received in envelopes sealed and stamped by the school. All academic documents should be sent in the native language along with authorized, complete, and exact, literal English translations by the school or an official agency. Unofficial copies made by the applicant or UC faculty and staff are unacceptable. Additionally, documents must show the type of degree awarded or in progress (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), and the date of the award if the program is complete.

NOTE for U.S. permanent residents: U.S. permanent residents who received a degree from a U.S. institution should follow the application guidelines for U.S. applicants. U.S. permanent residents who received a degree from an international institution should follow the instructions for international applicants.

VIII. Standardized Tests

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE is required for all graduate degree programs, except Art Studio. Official GRE scores are those submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Official GRE test score dates must be within five years from the time of application (i.e. from the day the applicant submits the online graduate application). Scores may be submitted by the applicant directly to the Graduate Division only if (1) the applicant possesses an official and original score report and (2) the scores cannot be sent directly from ETS. Tests should be taken early enough for results to be received prior to the fellowship deadline. Many departments require applicants to take the Advanced GRE Subject Area tests; check with the academic department for specific requirements.

Applicants must make arrangements to take the GRE directly with ETS and should instruct ETS to report scores to UCSB; the institution code is 4835. A department code is not required. While the Graduate Division does not have a general minimum GRE score for applicants, individual departments are free to establish minimum GRE test score requirements as appropriate for their selection process.

Applicants who take the GRE examination a second time and want scores updated must request the new scores be sent to UCSB. Please note: For admissions purposes, UCSB reviews only the most recent and complete set of test scores reported. It is not possible to mix-and-match multiple score reports from separate test sittings. Applicants who want to improve GRE scores will need to retake the entire test.

Please see the Graduate Division Policies and Procedures Handbook for more information.

Miller Analogies Test (MAT)

Applicants who apply to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education may take the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) as an alternate to the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Official MAT test score dates must be within five years from the time of application (i.e. from the day the applicant submits the online graduate application). Scores must be submitted directly from Harcourt Assessment Inc. to the Graduate Division. Scores may be submitted by the applicant to the Graduate Division only if: (1) the applicant possesses an official and original score report and (2) the scores cannot be sent from Harcourt Assessment, Inc. While the Graduate Division does not have a general minimum MAT score for applicants, TEP is free to establish minimum MAT test score requirements as appropriate for their selection process. Only the most recent test score report will be reviewed for admission.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

UCSB does not admit students conditionally in order to learn English prior to beginning an academic program; an excellent command of written and spoken English is required prior to enrollment.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or the IELTS. Exemptions or exceptions to this requirement will be considered for those students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate education at an institution whose primary language of instruction is English. Proof must be provided by sending the final/official transcripts associated with the degree. The transcripts must indicate that the coursework and degree program was completed at the previous institution. Please contact the department of interest at UCSB if there are any further questions. The minimum TOEFL score for consideration is 550 when taking the paper based test (PBT) and 80 when taking the internet based test (IBT). Please note: CBT scores will only be valid through September 30, 2008 due to phasing out. Some departments require a higher score. The minimum IELTS score for consideration is an Overall Band Score of 7.

Applicants choosing to take the TOEFL must make arrangements directly with the Educational Testing Service (ETS). ETS should be instructed to report scores to UCSB. UCSB's institution code is 4835. A department code is not required. Official TOEFL test score dates must be within two years from the time of application (i.e., from the day the applicant submits the online graduate application).

Applicants choosing to take the IELTS must make arrangements directly with the International English Language Testing System. An institution code is not required to report the score results to UCSB. Official IELTS test score dates must be within two years from the time of application (i.e., from the day the applicant submits the online graduate application).

Please note: For admissions purposes, UCSB reviews only the most recent and complete set of test scores reported. It is not possible to mix-and-match multiple score reports from separate test sittings. Applicants who want to improve TOEFL and IELTS scores will need to retake the entire test.

IX. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete and submit the FAFSA by March 2. Please consult Financing a Graduate Education for more information.

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Submitting an Application

Please note that once your application has been submitted, you cannot make changes to the content of your online application. Please review your application carefully before submitting and print out a copy for your files.

Submitting and mailing application materials for graduate study can be a complex process and is very often the source of many processing delays. Supporting materials must be sent to the academic department, and check or money order payment to the Graduate Division. The Graduate Division cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected fee payments, applications, or supporting materials. It is highly recommended that applicants apply one month before the printed deadline and secure a "Receipt of Mailing." FedEx or DHL services are preferred.

Please follow the guidelines and instructions below when preparing and mailing your application materials:

• Please Send to the Academic Department

1. Two copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
2. Two copies of your Statement of Purpose, Personal Achievements/Contributions Statement, and Resume or Curriculum Vitae along with the required coversheet
3. Three Letters of Recommendation submitted online (NOTE: if Letters are submitted via postal mail, Coversheets must be attached)
4. Other materials that may be required by the academic department, including a supplemental application, writing samples, or any additional materials

All supplemental application materials above should be sent directly to the prospective academic department using the department specific mailing address and zip code + 4-digit mail code (93106-xxxx), and not to the Graduate Division, using the following format:

Department of ________________________
Attn: Graduate Program Assistant (GPA)
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-____ (departmental 4-digit code)
(USA)

• Please Send to the Graduate Division

1. Application fee paid by check or money order along with the Check/Money Order Submission Form, if not already paid by credit card during application submission; or, Fee Waiver Request Form (if applicable)
2. Official GRE, MAT, TOEFL, or IELTS scores (when applicable). UCSB's ETS institution code is 4835; no department code is necessary

The Graduate Division's mailing address is:

Graduate Division
Attn: Graduate Admissions
3117 Cheadle Hall
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2070
(USA)

The Online Graduate Application and all supporting application materials must be submitted and received by the department's application deadline. Failure to submit materials by the deadline will make your application ineligible for admissions consideration. If you anticipate that your materials may arrive after the deadline, please contact the academic department immediately.

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Updating an Application

It is important that proposed departments are notified of any changes in your address, phone number or e-mail address during the application process. Otherwise, important notifications regarding applications, missing supporting materials, or admissions decisions may be seriously delayed or lost. Departments will notify the Graduate Division of any changes.

Please note that once your application has been submitted, you cannot make changes to the content of your online application. Please review your application carefully before submitting and print out a copy for your files.

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Project 1000 Application Procedures

Students applying through the Project 1000 program should consult the Project 1000 office as well as their prospective department for assistance in applying to UCSB. Supplemental application materials received via the Project 1000 program will be treated as official documents and processed accordingly. Fee waivers are also available for Project 1000 students and will be issued upon receipt of the Fee Waiver Request Form along with a letter from the Project 1000 program coordinator confirming participation.

NOTE: Students must complete the UCSB Online Graduate Application. The Project 1000 application cannot be used in place of the UCSB application. In some cases, additional application materials will be required, such as a writing sample, departmental application, etc. Each department has its own criteria for admission. Please visit the Department and Program Index for your prospective department's requirements.

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Legal Statements

Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy disability¹, age, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or service in the uniformed services². The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.

¹Pregnancy includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.

²As defined by the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

Inquiries regarding the University's student-related nondiscrimination policies may be directed to: Ricardo A. Alcaíno, Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3217A Phelps Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2060.T: (805) 893-4504.

Personal Information Statement

Information furnished on the application will be used by various university offices to determine your admissibility to a graduate program. It may also be released to state and federal government officials if required by law. Students are permitted to review personal information maintained in accordance with university policy. Application materials become the property of the Graduate Division and cannot be returned. For further information, contact the Graduate Division, 3117 Cheadle Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2070; or e-mail Graduate Admissions.

Use of Social Security Numbers

SSN disclosure is required. The University is required by federal law to report SSN and other pertinent information to the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to the reporting requirements imposed by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The University will use the SSN provided to verify the identity of each applicant, to link the admissions file with Financial Aid Office data, to link financial awards and admission data to registration histories and student records, and to link to the Payroll Office to verify amounts paid to students receiving teaching assistantships and research assistantships. This record-keeping system was established before January 1, 1975, pursuant to the authority of the Regents of the University of California under Article IX, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of California. This notification is provided as required by the Federal Privacy Act of 1974.

Accuracy of Information

The submission of any false or misleading information of any kind in support of an application for admission to the Graduate Division at the University of California, Santa Barbara, may result in the permanent cancellation or rescinding of admission or financial awards by the Dean of the Graduate Division. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

Statement on Admission

Admission of an applicant to a graduate program does not constitute a commitment on the part of the University to accept the applicant as a candidate for a degree or to recommend the applicant for a credential or a degree.

Notice of Availability of Campus Security Reports

As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective students are entitled to request and receive a copy of the Security Report of any campus of the University they are interested in attending. Each Security Report includes statistics for the past three years concerning crimes and incidents (whether they occurred on campus, in off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University, or on public property adjacent to campus) reported to campus security authorities. Each report also provides campus policies and practices concerning security - how to report sexual assault and other crimes, crime prevention efforts, policies/laws governing alcohol and drugs, victims' assistance programs, student discipline, campus resources, and other matters. Copies of the UCSB report may be obtained by contacting University of California, Santa Barbara, Office of Student Life, 2201 Student Affairs and Administrative Services Building (SAASB), Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5010 or by accessing the following web site.