We are no longer accepting applications for the 2013-14 academic year. The application period for the 2014-15 academic year runs from October 1, 2013, through April 1, 2014.

All UCSC graduate program applications are done online through the Embark application system.  You may access the instructions and links to apply through the UCSC Graduate Division website.

Our deadline for preferred scholarship consideration for fall 2014 admission is February 1, 2014. Usually, six to eight members of the class gain admission in February and March. The final application deadline for remaining spots in fall 2014 is April 1, 2014. Applications and letters of recommendation are accepted only through the online system.

Be sure to read the current application instructions thoroughly.

Note: While working on your application in the online system, remember to save often. Also, please send an email to let us know that you will be submitting an application, and feel free to ask questions: scicom (at) ucsc.edu.

Director Robert Irion is available for phone conversations with serious applicants. Please send a request via the scicom email address above.

The science writing program requires GRE scores. All applicants must submit general GRE scores. Applicants who do not have a Ph.D. also must submit a subject test score in a field of their choice. See the Educational Testing Services (ETS) for details. The program will accept old scores, but only if you have an original statement. Contact the program office for information on how to submit them.

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted or postmarked by midnight on the deadline date. We have a rolling admissions process and will offer early admission to outstanding students. If you wish to know the status of your application, contact the program office. The director interviews all finalists, preferably in person.

The basics: GRE scores (general test for everyone and subject test for those without a Ph.D.), use school code 4860; three to five letters of recommendation (online only); transcripts from all colleges attended; UCSC Graduate Studies online application (via Embark); and the application fee ($80 for domestic applicants; $100 for international applicants). The two required writing samples are included in the application as the Statement of Purpose and the Personal History. Be sure to list your research experience where indicated. Use the Additional Information section if you'd like to add more details, a longer list of publications, upload a c.v., write special notes to the reviewers, or include anything that wouldn't fit in the body of the application. See the FAQ section or the application instructions of the Graduate Division site for information on reactivating your application from a previous year.

Foreign students may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Apply online through the UCSC Graduate Division

The application fee may be paid with a credit card when applying online. Please refer to the instructions at the application website. Transcripts and letters of recommendation that are not done through the online registration option should be sent to Graduate Application Processing at the address below.

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Mail hardcopy materials (transcripts, official GRE scores) to:

Graduate Application Processing
UC Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064

If sending materials using special carrier services, such as Express Mail, Federal Express or UPS overnight, be sure to include the office location of 2nd floor Kerr Hall, and their phone number: 831.459.5905.

ETS school code: 4860 for GRE scores. There are no department codes.

Mail any optional additional materials (sample articles, unofficial/older test scores) directly to:

Science Communication Program
UC Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064

If sending materials using special services such as Express Mail, Federal Express, or UPS overnight, be sure to include the office location of Kresge Annex A.

SciCom phone: 831.459.4475
SciCom fax: 831.459.5052