ucsb physics phd application deadline

• Configure block

Looking for someone?

Search for Faculty & Staff

Search our website index:

Find your way around campus:

Interactive Campus Map

• UC Santa Barbara

Graduate Admission

Dreaming of a doctorate? Maybe a master’s degree? With more than 50 graduate programs available in a diversity of disciplines — from physics to philosophy — your Ph.D., M.A., or M.S. aspirations can be realized here. Take our academic distinction, add in our socially engaged community and inclusive environment and boom, you’ve got the recipe for one rewarding graduate career.

Graduate Degrees

UCSB offers master’s degree and Ph.D. tracks in diverse disciplines, with top programs in engineering, the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, and the arts. Many of our graduate programs are inherently interdisciplinary, such as Materials Science, Global and International Studies, and Media Arts and Technology.

Graduate Degrees – General Catalog

Graduate Division

A world-class education and the opportunities, resources, and support for career attainment — that’s what we provide our graduate students. We strive to cultivate individual strengths and talents and welcome every student as our partner. We value collaboration and discovery across disciplines and recognize the critical role of diversity in realizing our potential for excellence and innovation. 

Bren School of Environmental Science & Management

To solve environmental problems — that’s our aim. We’re making good on that goal by integrating science, management, law, economics, and policy. Our interdisciplinary approach is rare among U.S. universities and unique to the West. And it’s one reason we’re considered among the best schools of our kind in the country.

Gevirtz School of Education

Advancing scholarship. Educating scholars. Training educators. Tackling societal challenges by innovating educational models for research, teaching and service. Aiming to improve pre-collegiate public education,The Gevirtz School is a hub for all those efforts and more.

The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education

Nobel Laureates

UCSB’s renowned faculty includes six winners of Nobel Prizes for landmark research in chemistry, physics and economics. An alumna of our College of Creative Studies won the 2009 Nobel in Physiology or Medicine. 

National Institutes and Centers

The campus is home to ten national institutes and centers. Among them are the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Materials Research Laboratory, both funded by the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Army-funded Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies.

Majors, Degrees & Credentials

From hard sciences to studio art and all points in between, your educational opportunities abound at UCSB. We offer more than 200 majors, degrees and credentials, a number than includes 90+ undergraduate majors and more than 50 graduate programs.

Financial Aid

Time to talk numbers. Get the skinny on the cost of attending UCSB — from tuition and fees to the many options for financial assistance and scholarships — right here.

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Mountains, ocean, 360-degree beauty. You need to see this place. And feel it, too. Immerse yourself for a few hours or a full day and experience our vibrant, welcoming community first-hand. Live it, love it.

Visit UC Santa Barbara

PhD Advising

As a Physics Ph.D. student, you have your own individual strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals. You’re all different, right? True! But in our experience some pieces of advice apply to everyone.

General Advice

We know you’re busy. Being a TA and doing homework for grad classes can take a lot of time. But nevertheless it is important to take time to connect with the community. Finding out now what is going on in Broida and on campus will make it much easier to locate and connect with a research advisor. So, make the most of graduate seminar, attend colloquia, Gradloquiua, and journal clubs and check out the opportunities for outreach. Check out the department and GradLife calendars for events!

The Faculty Graduate Advisor, your Supervising Committee, and the rest of us in the department, will work with you to design a Ph.D. program that is right for you. The rules of the Department allow substantial flexibility, built around a solid core which defines what it means to be a Physics Ph.D. Talk to the Faculty Graduate Advisor if you think you need some extra courses to fill in missing background, or if you think should be exempted from some of the required courses. Would you like to check out an advanced course but don’t have the time? Think about auditing the course, just sitting in on some lectures, or taking it pass/fail.

It’s never too early to start talking to faculty, postdocs, and fellow students in your areas of interest. Maybe you’re wondering when to start doing research and what background you need? Ask and find out! Sooner is better than later. Not sure which of several areas you want to pursue? Try them out! Talk to the faculty about doing some sort of trial project, or reading course, or maybe just attending their group meetings to see what’s going on.

You can get further advice from your Supervising Committee or the faculty advisor. For further advice from your fellow grad students, check out the GradLife Advice Pages, or contact any of the grad student members of the GradLife committee. Likewise, if you have any advice for us about how to improve graduate life in the department, please let us know!

Faculty Graduate & Research Advisors

The Faculty Graduate Advisor provides guidance on course selection, progress to degree, preparing for advancement, selecting a research advisor, and any issues that influence students’ academic progress. Students meet with the Faculty Graduate Advisor on a quarterly basis to complete an academic progress evaluation until the time they select a Research Advisor and advance to candidacy.

Jennifer Farrar

Zvonimir Dogic

  related links.

• Physics Graduate Student Life
•   Mailing address: Department of Physics Broida Hall University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9530
•   People
•   Give Feedback
•   Jobs
•   Main office hours: [PST] Monday through Friday 9am-12pm and 1-4pm
• Business Operations
• Room Reservations
• Material Services
• Machine Shop
• Computer Support
• Information
• Terms of Use

Department of Physics • UC Santa Barbara 2024 © Regents of the University of California

Questions? 

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions from applicants.

• How to Apply

FAQs for Applicants

• Coronavirus Impacts on Admissions

Programs and Application Deadlines

Completing your application, application requirements, graduate application fee, letters of recommendation, exam scores, gender, pronouns, and sexuality application questions, undocumented/dream scholars applicants, admissions decisions, incoming students, international teaching assistants, other topics, coronavirus impacts.

My undergraduate institution switched to Pass/Fail grading for some academic terms and/or courses in 2020 and/or 2021. Will this negatively impact my application?

No. As admissions bodies review applications in future admissions cycles, we will respect decisions made by individual students and/or by their academic institutions with regard to the enrollment in or adoption of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, Pass/No Record, Credit/No Credit, Pass/Fail and other similar grading options during the pandemic disruptions. You can read UCSB’s full statement  here .

Can the GRE requirement be waived if I’m unable to sit for the exam?

Many departments have opted not to require the GRE for 2023 applicants. Please see our  Departments and Programs page  to determine whether or not the exam is required for the program to which you are applying (if the GRE is not listed under "Requirements," then it is not required). If your program requires the GRE, you will need to take the exam and submit your scores in order to complete your application.

Will UCSB accept TOEFL ITP Plus, Duolingo, or other language exams in lieu of the traditional TOEFL iBT?

The following exams are accepted for meeting English Language Examination admissions requirements: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iBT Paper Edition; IELTS (Academic), IELTS Online (Academic), IELTS Indicator, and Duolingo English Test (DET). The following exams are not accepted: TOEFL ITP Plus, TOEFL Essentials, and other exams not specifically noted above. If you are unable to take a required language exam in time to meet your application deadline, please contact your  department/program  of interest directly for more information.

What graduate programs does UCSB offer?

 A list of graduate programs offered is available on the  Graduate Departments and Programs page .

What is the application deadline?

The deadline varies by department. To determine the deadline for your department of interest, visit the  Graduate Departments and Programs page . You are strongly advised to submit your online application and all required supporting materials well in advance of the official deadline.

May I apply after the deadline?

Do not apply after the deadline unless you receive advance permission and instructions from the both the Graduate Division and the Staff Graduate Program Advisor (GPA) in the academic department. If you do not receive permission from the Graduate Division and department to apply after the deadline, do not apply. Your application fee will not be refunded, and your application will not be reviewed.

May I apply to more than one program?

Only one application may be submitted per application quarter. Simultaneous applications are not accepted.

What should I do if I applied to more than one program?

If you accidentally applied to multiple programs, you must choose the program to which you would like to apply and ask the Graduate Division (email us at  [email protected] ) to withdraw your application(s) to the other program(s). Also, please notify the academic departments of your decision. The application fee for your withdrawn application is non-refundable.

How many students are admitted to each program? How many receive funding?

The UC Doctoral Program Statistics Infocenter provides annual campus-wide and department-specific admissions, enrollment, and alumni outcomes data. You may also contact your department/program of interest directly with specific questions. 

How do I apply to graduate school?

Please visit the  Online Graduate Application . A paper version of the application is not available. In order to ensure that your application is complete by the department's deadline, please (1) complete and submit your online graduate application, (2) pay the application fee, and (3) submit any additional materials required by the academic department.

Where do I send my application materials?

Please submit the following materials in your online graduate application:

• Statement of Purpose;
• Personal History and Diversity Statement;
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• Letters of Recommendation (referee information and waivers);
• Transcripts;
• Application payment, if paying by credit card;
• Any supplemental materials marked for online submission by your Department. See the  Departments & Programs  listing for details.

Please send to the Graduate Division:

• Application fee, if not already paid by credit card during application submission;
• Official GRE and TOEFL scores (if applicable), sent electronically from ETS. UCSB's institution code is 4835, and the department code should be left blank.
• Official IELTS scores (if applicable), sent in the mail or electronically.
• Official Duolingo English Test (DET) scores (if applicable), sent electronically.

I’m completing the Education History section of the application, but my school/institution does not appear on the drop-down list. What should I do?

Schools are listed alphabetically in the institution drop-down menu after you have selected the location. First, double-check that you have entered the correct location. Next, check to see if your school is listed under a common abbreviation (for example, a California State University may be listed under “CSU”). If you still cannot locate your school, select "Other" from the drop-down menu and then type the name of your school into the text box exactly as it appears on your transcripts. 

What is my application status? Is my application complete?

Your  application status  is available online using the email address you used and the password you created when you started your application.

Whom should I contact if I cannot remember my password?

Your password can be reset  online . An email will be sent to the email account that you used to originally create your application. If you do not receive an email with an updated password, first check your junk or spam mail. If you still do not have access to your updated password, please contact  Graduate Division Admissions .

What do I do if the deadline is approaching, but the department has not received my materials?

You must check your  Application Status  and Application Sections online to determine which materials have been received. Contact your department/program of interest if you are not sure which materials are still needed. Application deadlines are typically strict, requiring that all materials, including test scores, be received by the application deadline. The Graduate Division Admissions staff can confirm whether your application fee, fee waiver, and test scores have been received (note: you can also check your Application Status Page for this information). Please contact the Staff Graduate Program Advisor in your academic department regarding all other application materials.

I called and emailed the department, but I did not get a response. What should I do?

Please be patient. The departments are very busy and it can often take several business days to return either your email or phone call. Please make sure the information you are looking for cannot be accessed on the academic department or Graduate Division websites.

How can I update my name and contact information?

If your name or contact information has changed during the application process, email  Graduate Division Admissions  and the department  Staff Graduate Program Advisor  with your updated information. If you are updating a mailing or email address, include a date when the address will no longer be valid. If you need to change your personal information after completion of the online Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and online Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), please contact the  Office of the Registrar .

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

To be considered for admission, you must have received a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university prior to the quarter for which you seek admission, and have at least a B average (3.0 GPA) in your undergraduate coursework. Satisfaction of minimal standards does not, however, guarantee admission, since the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of spaces available. As a consequence, many well-qualified applicants cannot be accommodated.

What do you require in the Statement of Purpose?

Review the Statement of Purpose guidelines located on the  How To Complete the Online Application page . The length of your Statement of Purpose can depend on the individual departmental requirements, though approximately two pages or more is typically recommended. For additional information about the Statement of Purpose, speak to the Staff Graduate Program Advisor Graduate in the academic  department  to which you are applying or click here .

In addition to the Statement of Purpose, applicants are also required to submit a (1) Personal History and Diversity Statement and a (2) Resume or Curriculum Vitae. Instructions for each document are located in the Statements and Supplemental Documents section of the online application and on the Graduate Division’s  How to Complete the Online Application page . Note that applicants are required to respond to different prompts/questions for each statement and that statements must be written in essay format.

Do I need to order UCSB transcripts if I attended (or I am currently attending) UCSB?

No, you may upload an unofficial UCSB transcript to your application for review. If you are admitted, the Graduate Division will verify your coursework and degree(s) completed. However, the UCSB Graduate Division reserves the right to require official transcripts at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any offer of admission made if discrepancies between uploaded and official transcript(s) are found.

How do I pay the application fee and how much is it?

The non-refundable graduate application fee is  $135.00 for US citizens and Permanent Residents; and  $155.00 for all others , paid in US dollars by check, money order, or credit card. Please make checks and money orders payable to UC Regents. Checks and money orders must be drawn on a bank that has a branch in the United States and mailed to the Graduate Division with the Check/Money Order Submission form found on the final page of your  Online Graduate Application . Applicants may also pay using a Visa or MasterCard, but only at the point of submission. Cash is not accepted.

May I receive a fee waiver?

A limited number of fee waivers are available for qualified US citizens and permanent residents. McNair Scholars and California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP) applicants are among those eligible. Fee waivers are not available to international applicants.

How do I apply for a fee waiver?

You may apply for a fee waiver within the  online application .  Within your application click on the Payment Information tab and scroll down to the fee waiver information. Submit your request online by selecting the option relevant to you and uploading your supporting documentation. You must submit your fee waiver request at least two weeks before the application deadline. Do not submit a fee waiver request the day before the application deadline; it will not be processed and your application will not be reviewed. 

How will I know if my fee waiver has been processed?

You will receive an email once a decision about your fee waiver has been made. You can also check the Application Info box, located at the top of your online application, to view your fee waiver status. If your fee waiver has been approved please complete your online application and submit your application on or before the  application deadline . If your fee waiver is denied you will receive an email with information as to why it was denied. If you believe you qualify for a fee waiver under a different option, or made an error in your first request, you may submit another request. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver you must pay by credit card or check/money order on or before the application deadline. Do not submit a fee waiver request the day before the application deadline, it will not be processed and your application will not be reviewed.

When will my recommender(s) be contacted by UCSB? Will they receive an email automatically when I type in their email address?

Once you submit the required electronic waiver, our system will automatically email your recommender a request for a letter of recommendation. Once you finish the online application, you will be able to log back into the Application Status page at your convenience to send a new request to your recommender if you wish to do so.

My recommender has not received a recommendation request from UCSB. Why hasn't the request been sent and what should I do next?

 If you have already completed a mandatory waiver and your recommenders still have not received a message, please ask your recommenders to set their email accounts to allow messages from Graduate Division,  [email protected]  and [email protected] . It is possible that the messages we sent were filtered out by your recommenders' email spam settings.

How can I re-send the request for a recommendation to my recommender?

You may prompt the electronic system to send new emails to your recommenders. To do so: 

Please  log in to your electronic application  and go to your Application Sections page.

In the Letters of Recommendation section, hit click on the Edit button.

To generate a new request for a recommender, click on the Resend button next to their name.

Note : A new email will generate a new link for your recommender, invalidating the link in the original email. Your recommender should refer to the most recent email received when submitting your letter.

I want to add a new recommender or modify recommender information. How can I do that?

To add or edit recommender information, complete the following steps:

• L og in to your electronic application  and go to your Application Sections page.
• Click on the Edit button next to the recommender for whom you wish to modify information.
• You may add up to four recommenders in the Letters of Recommendation section. If you have already input three recommenders, you may click the link to add a fourth.
• You may replace a recommender with someone new if they have not yet submitted a letter of recommendation. To do so, click on the Delete button next to the recommender you wish to remove. Then, use the Add Recommender button to add a new recommender. If you replace a recommender, please notify them personally, as they will no longer be able to upload a letter per the instructions UCSB has provided them via email.

May I use a letter service to submit my letters of recommendation in hard copy?

You may use a Letter Service to submit your letters of recommendation. Letter Services may submit letters via mail or online. Even if a Letter Service is submitting letters on behalf of a recommender, you still must enter the recommender name, email address, and institution into the online application. You must fill out an electronic waiver for the recommender. You may then identify that the letter will come from a Service. You may also indicate whether the Letter Service will send the letter electronically or in hard copy.

May I ask more than four recommenders to submit electronic letters of recommendation?

No. Our electronic application will only accept four letters of recommendation electronically per applicant. If you have more than four recommenders, additional recommenders must submit hard copy letters of recommendation via mail to the department to which you are applying.  Coversheets  are required for hard-copy letter of recommendation submissions.  Please also contact your  department  to determine whether or not more than four letters of recommendation can be reviewed with your application.

Am I required to take the GRE?

The  GRE  is required for some of our graduate degree programs, but not all of them. Be sure to review the complete list of application requirements on our  Department and Programs page  to determine whether or not the program to which you are applying requires the General GRE (if the program requires the GRE, it will be listed in the Requirements section of the page). Some departments also require applicants to take the Advanced GRE Subject Area tests; check with the academic department for  specific requirements .

Do you have my test scores?

Once you ask ETS, IETLS, or Duolingo to send score reports to UCSB, please allow up to three to four weeks for processing. Please also be sure to report your exam information by completing the Exam Scores section of your application. Once your scores have arrived, the status of your scores in this section of your  eApp  will be updated accordingly. If you have not self-reported your scores in your online application, we will not be able to locate your official scores from ETS. Please note that the Graduate Division will not supply test score reports to applicants, outside persons, or other institutions.

If you have specific questions about the status of your scores, please login to your account portal or contact the exam administering organization directly. If you have additional questions after doing so, you may contact UCSB Graduate Admissions at [email protected]. All inquiries regarding IELTS scores must include your Test Report Form (TRF) number.

I ordered my GRE scores to be sent to UCSB. Why haven’t they been received?

When ordering your GRE scores or sitting for the exam, if you listed UCSB only as your Undergraduate Institution (UI) and not as a Graduate Institution (GI), we will not receive them. You will need to reorder your scores through ETS. UCSB must be listed under "Graduate Institutions" in the "Designated Score Recipients" section of your score report. If you ordered your GRE scores to be sent to the GI, waited 3-4 weeks for processing, and checked your status via your online application, you may e-mail  [email protected]  to inquire about the status of your scores. Please attach a copy of your score report.

What if my test scores will arrive after the department's deadline?

Contact the department if the scores will arrive after the deadline. A delay in your test scores could make your application incomplete and ineligible for application review.

Will UCSB send copies or a printout of my test scores to me or other schools?

No, all exam score reports become property of UCSB Graduate Division Admissions and cannot be reprinted or recreated for applicants, outside persons, or other institutions.

How do I update my test scores if I took the test again?

You can request the new scores be sent to UCSB. For admissions purposes, UCSB reviews the  most recent and complete set of scores reported . It is not possible to mix-and-match the best scores (TOEFL MyBest® and IELTS One Skill Retake scores are not accepted ). If you want to improve your test scores, you need to retake the entire test. If you have already submitted your online application with complete scores and wish to replace them, please first notify the department and the Graduate Division.

What are competitive scores?

The Graduate Division does not set minimum score requirements for the GRE. Some academic departments do have certain exam standards and you should contact the department directly. GRE scores must be valid within the five years after your exam administration date. If you are not sure when your scores expire, please contact  ETS  directly to inquire.

For nonnative English speakers who are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) the minimum score requirements can be found here . Please note that some departments or programs may also require higher minimum scores. TOEFL, IELTS, and DET scores can be no more than two years old at the time of application.

Will you accept a photocopy or pdf of my test scores?

No. The Graduate Division requires official scores, submitted directly from ETS, Duolingo, or the International English Language Testing System. GRE scores are valid for five years after your test administration date. If you are not sure when your scores expire, please contact  ETS  directly to inquire. Please do not send your original paper score report since you may not be able to obtain another copy and the Graduate Division is unable to release the original copy back to you or another university.

The following exams are accepted for meeting English Language Examination admissions requirements: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iBT Paper Edition; IELTS (Academic), IELTS Online (Academic), IELTS Indicator; and Duolingo English Test (DET). The following exams are not accepted: TOEFL ITP Plus, TOEFL Essentials, and other exams not specifically noted above. If you are unable to take a required language exam in time to meet your application deadline, please contact your  department/program  of interest directly. Or see the How to Apply Guide for more information.

May I waive English Language Admissions Requirement?

Exemptions from the English language admissions requirements are permitted for applicants who have completed an undergraduate (bachelor's or equivalent) or graduate (master's, doctoral, or equivalent) degree at an institution where the verified sole official language of instruction is English. Refer to the How to Apply page for complete details on how to qualify for an exemption.

Why did UC ​Santa Barbara add questions pertaining to gender identity and sexual orientation to the Graduate Application?

On October 8, 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 620, which includes a request that UC provide the opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to report their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression on any forms used to collect demographic data.  In 2012, then UC President Mark Yudof created and charged the Task Force & Implementation Team on LGBT Climate and Inclusion (LGBT Task Force) with developing priorities, strategies, and expected resource requirements to advance recommendations submitted by the LGBT Working Group of the President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate and Inclusion. On May 30, 2014, the LGBT Task Force presented a report to UC President Janet Napolitano with a recommendation to implement AB 620.  In September 2014, UC President Janet Napolitano formed the President’s Advisory Council on LGBT Students, Faculty, and Staff, which is comprised of faculty, LGBT Center staff, students, and community experts. They were charged with making the UC system a gold standard for LGBT issues, and to provide recommendations for the implementation of AB 620 by collecting data on gender identity and sexual orientation through the admission application.  Providing the LGBT community with the option to self-identify supports the University’s priorities of creating an inclusive and welcoming campus environment across the UC system. Including these questions on the graduate application will signal to applicants that UC is an inclusive environment and that the LGBT community is part of it. As with all other demographic questions on the admission application, providing gender identity and sexual orientation data will be voluntary, optional, and as required by law, not impact admission decisions.

Why does the UC Santa Barbara graduate application include questions pertaining to pronouns?

The University of California's nondiscrimination policy includes protections for sex and gender identities. A key element of creating a safe space for people of all sexes and gender identities is the respectful use of pronouns. Asking UCSB community members what their pronouns are and consistently using them correctly is one of the most basic ways to show respect. To learn more about pronouns and why they are important, please visit the  UC Santa Barbara Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (RCSGD) web site .

What is the wording of the questions pertaining to pronouns, gender identity and sexual ​orientation?

Here is the wording for the application questions pertaining to pronouns, gender identity, and sexual ​orientation:

1. Pronouns

• She/Her/Hers
• They/Them/Theirs
• Ze/Hir/Hirs
• I do not use a pronoun
• Other, please ask
• I use all gender pronouns
• None (will not display)

2. Gender Identity: How do you describe yourself?

• Female  
• Trans Female/Trans Woman
• Trans Male/Trans Man
• Genderqueer/Gender Non-Conforming
• Different Identity
• No Selection

3. Sexual Orientation: Do you consider yourself to be:

• Heterosexual or Straight
• Gay or Lesbian
• Not listed above (please specify)
• No Selection 

How were the gender identity questions developed?

The Transgender Health Advocacy Coalition in Philadelphia, PA developed the two-step question protocol for gender identity data collection in 1997. The Center of Excellence for Transgender Health and UC San Francisco began advocating the use of the two-step protocol in 2007, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adopted it in 2011. The two-step method was also cognitively tested by two research teams as part of the Williams Institute’s research on best practices to identify transgender people and other gender minorities through population-based surveys.

How was the sexual orientation question developed?

The Williams Institute at UCLA recommended the question regarding sexual orientation after a five-year study of sexual orientation measures. The question has been thoroughly tested and is currently in use in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), and other state-level surveys. In keeping with approaches employed by NHIS and CHIS, respondents are provided a space to self-identify if the available answer options do not suit them.

How will UC Santa Barbara use responses?

Data collected on gender identity and sexual orientation will provide UC Santa Barbara with meaningful population data necessary for targeting resources and other student support services (e.g., scholarships and themed housing). These data will also enable campuses to develop curricular and co-curricular offerings that reflect students’ diverse perspectives, and that promote a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. As a recipient of federal Title IV financial aid funds, UC Santa Barbara is required to gather and report demographic data for undergraduate and graduate students, including gender data. For federal reporting purposes (i.e., IPEDS), it is recommended that Trans Female/Trans Woman be reported as Women, and Trans Male/Trans Man be reported as men. In addition, genderqueer and gender non-conforming individuals should be reported as their sex assigned at birth.  Data collected should be included on the student record, unless the student opts for “only aggregate” reporting. If a student opts for exclusion from their personal record, these data should be maintained in aggregate form at the campus and student classification levels.  Students will be provided with an avenue to update or change their gender identity or sexual orientation data through online campus student portals or an alternate method determined by the campus.

What is the definition of the terms used in the data collection questions?

• Bisexual  – A person whose primary sexual and affectional orientation is toward people of the same and other genders, or toward people regardless of their gender.
• Gay  – A sexual and affectional orientation toward people of the same gender.
• Gender  – A social construct used to classify a person as a man, woman, or some other identity.
• Gender Expression  – How one expresses oneself, in terms of dress, mannerisms, and/or behaviors that society characterizes as “masculine” or “feminine.”
• Gender Non-Conforming  – People who do not subscribe to gender expressions or roles expected of them by society.
• Gender Queer  – A person’s whose gender identity and/or gender expression falls outside of the dominant social norm for their assigned sex, is beyond genders, or is some combination of them
• Heterosexual/Straight  – A sexual orientation in which a person feels physically and emotionally attracted to people of a gender other than their own.
• Lesbian  – A woman whose primary sexual and affectional orientation is toward people of the same gender.
• Transgender  – Used most often as an umbrella term; some commonly held definitions: 1) someone whose gender identity or expression does not fit within dominant group social constructs of assigned sex and gender; 2) a gender outside of the man/woman binary; 3) having no gender or multiple genders.
• Trans Man/Trans Male  – A female-to-male (FTM) transgender person who was assigned female at birth, but whose gender identity is that of a man.
• Trans Woman/Trans Female  – A male-to-female (MTF) transgender person who was assigned male at birth, but whose gender identity is that of a woman.​​​

Who is a Dream Scholar?

Student who qualify for AB 540 legislation and are undocumented fall into the category of Dream Scholars. The terminology is UCSB specific; it reflects the academic success of these students on our campus. 

Can Dream Scholars apply for graduate studies at UCSB?

Yes. The UCSB Graduate Application is available to all applicants online .

How much does the application cost for Dream Scholars?

The application fee for Dream Scholars is $155. Dream Scholars may request a fee waiver . You may apply for a fee waiver within the online application. Within your application click on the Payment Information tab and scroll down to the fee waiver information. Submit your request online by selecting the option relevant to you and uploading your supporting documentation. You must submit your fee waiver request at least two weeks before the application deadline. Do not submit a fee waiver request the day before the application deadline; it will not be processed and your application will not be reviewed. 

Is in-state tuition available for Dream Scholars?

UCSB recognizes the AB-540 nonresident tuition exemption. All admitted applicants who choose to attend UCSB must complete a Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), which determines the tuition and fees assessed. You can find more information about UCSB’s SLR process and AB540 regulations on the  Office of the Registrar's web site . 

Do Dream Scholars need to fill out a FAFSA?

No. Dream Scholars should not file a FAFSA for UC Santa Barbara. Dream Scholars who qualify for the AB-540 nonresident tuition exemption should file the  California Dream Act Application  by the posted deadline (March 2nd of the year prior to enrollment) to be considered for financial aid.

Are Graduate Student Dream Scholars able to hold teaching and/or research assistantships?

If a student has DACA certification, they may have an opportunity to work as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR), Teaching Assistant (TA), Teaching Associate, Reader, or Tutor through their program. (Note: If a student is eligible for DACA, but not for AB 540, they can still be employed by UC). 

What other types of funding are available to Graduate Student Dream Scholars?

UCSB regularly offers fellowships, scholarships, and “block grants” to graduate students to help cover tuition, fees, and stipends.  Dream Scholar graduate students who have AB 540 status are eligible for block grants, private scholarships, and fellowships donated to the UC Regents and administered by the UC. (Disclaimer: Some fellowships may be restricted to only US citizens/permanent residents.  Additionally, some fellowships require employment, in which case the student must have DACA certification.)  If a student does not have AB 540 status, that student cannot receive institutional fellowships or block grants from either UC or from private donors administered through UC. 

Does UCSB have any point of contact for Dream Scholars?

Yes. Information is available on the  UCSB Dream Scholars resources page . The UCSB  Dream Scholar Resource Team  is an active campus network of staff and faculty who “promote diversity, create safe spaces, and provide direct assistance and mentorship to Dream Scholars.” Finally, UCSB has a very active, student-run organization called  IDEAS  (Improving Dreams, Equality, Access, and Success).

How do I find out about my admissions decision?

You will be notified by email when a decision has been made on your application, and your  Application Status Page  will be updated with a decision letter.

When will I find out about my admissions decision?

Most departments begin reviewing applications shortly after the application deadline and continue doing so over several months. The time needed to finalize admissions decisions varies greatly depending on the size of the department, the application deadline(s), and other factors. Admissions decisions are typically released throughout winter and spring, Please be patient if you have not yet received a final decision on your application.

I have been admitted, now what do I do?

Congratulations! Complete the  Statement of Intent to Register  through the Application Status Page. This form lets us know whether you plan to attend UCSB. If you accept the offer of admission, your information will be transmitted to the Office of the Registrar. If you also received a financial offer with your admission, you will need to formally accept or decline the offer according to the instructions outlined in your offer letter. If you inform us you are not coming, we will close out your application. Additionally, please notify your department of your decision and inquire as to whether there is any additional information that they need.

How can I find out why I was denied?

The academic departments make all admissions decisions. Contact the  department  to which you applied.

If I was denied, may I reapply?

Yes, you can reapply if it is in your best interests and those of the department. If, after consulting your department, you are encouraged to reapply, you will need to submit a new online application and pay a new application fee. Please contact the  academic department  where you last applied to determine what application materials, if any, can be reused.

May I have my application materials?

No, the application file and all contents are property of UCSB and will not be released to the applicant or another institution. This includes, but is not limited to, transcripts, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and test scores. You may, however, continue to log into your online application and access materials that you previously submitted yourself. 

What is "provisional admissions status" and how do I remove it?

Provisional Admissions Status means that you were granted admission under the condition that you will provide final/official transcripts (and other documents, if applicable) from all post-secondary institutions as well as any missing application materials. These materials will be noted in your decision letter from the Graduate Division and in the Required Documents tab of your online application. See below for final/official transcript requirements. Details of the document submission requirements are described on the  Admitted Students web page (refer to Step 2).  

What are final/official transcripts? How do I submit them?

If sending paper documents by mail, transcripts and other documents are considered official when they are sent to the UC Santa Barbara Graduate Division directly from the school in the institution's sealed envelope, with all official seals and stamps intact. If sending electronic documents, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution's approved official document delivery service to  [email protected]  to be considered official. Transcripts are considered final when all grades have been finalized and posted to your official student records and all degrees reported have been finalized and conferred. If you reported a degree in your online application (such as a master's degree or credential) that you do not intend to complete after all, please contact your  department  immediately.

Have you received my documents?

You may review which document(s) are still needed (and determine which have been received) at any time. To do so:

• Log into your eApp by clicking on the Existing Applicants option.
• Select the  Required Documents  tab and review the information provided

If a partial set of documents was received, your Decision Letter and your Required Documents tab will reflect only the portion that is still pending (for example, “final/official transcripts in the native language of your institution,” indicates that we have received only the English version). When all required documents have been received, your admissions status will be changed from Provisional Admission to Unconditional Admission and the Required Documents tab will no longer display. Once your status is changed to “Unconditional” no further action is required.

Note: Due to the high volume of documents we receive, please allow 4-6 weeks for review and processing of your documents after the expected date of delivery to campus.

What if I will not be able to meet the deadline to submit my final/official transcripts?

Please contact the Graduate Division’s admissions staff at  [email protected]  to request an extension. Extensions are not guaranteed.

When do I receive my registration materials?

If you accept the offer of admission via the Statement of Intent to Register, your information will be transmitted to the Office of the Registrar, registration information will be generated, and registration instructions will be emailed to you. If you do not receive an email from the Registrar by August, contact the  Office of the Registrar . International applicants should review the  Office of International Students and Scholars  website for additional steps and information.

Do graduate students have to pre-enroll?

No. Graduate Students have registration priority over undergraduates in all courses.

Where may I receive financial support information?

 The University will contact you concerning available campus aid if you completed a FAFSA or received a funding offer. Visit  Financial Support  or contact your department regarding funding opportunities. All domestic applicants must complete the  FAFSA .

Who handles matters of legal residency?

The  Office of the Registrar  handles all matters of legal residency. Please contact the  Residence Deputy , (805) 893-3033 with specific questions.

Who handles visas and I-20s for international admits?

The  Office of International Students and Scholars  provides service and support to international students.

What is the testing requirement?

All prospective international teaching assistants (TAs) whose first language is not English are required to take the TA Language Evaluation in order to be certified for sole classroom teaching responsibility. This exam is scheduled by your department faculty and conducted through the  English for Multilingual Students (EMS)  Program prior to the beginning of each quarter. The Language Evaluation requires the prospective TA to give a brief oral presentation in English and respond to questions from a panel of department and EMS faculty.

The University will contact you concerning available campus aid. Visit  Financial Support  or contact your department regarding funding opportunities. All domestic applicants must complete the  FAFSA .

May I take classes without applying to graduate school?

Yes, you can take classes through  UC Santa Barbara Open University  or  Summer Sessions . These programs are separate from the graduate application process. Please consult these departments regarding courses and deadlines.

More questions?

Contact Graduate Admissions .

A Solid Foundation

The Astronomy and Astrophysics group benefits from being part of a the Physics Department. Study in the wider discipline of Physics provides a broad basis of knowledge, enabling students to apply general physical concepts to particular problems in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Early Exposure

Undergraduates in the department have the opportunity to take any of three rigorous courses in astrophysics including Stellar Astrophysics, Galaxies & Cosmology, and Observational Astrophysics (as well as two introductory courses in astronomy for majors and non-majros alike). These courses, along with other electives in the Physics and Geology departments, may be combined for a minor in Astronomy and Planetary Science (more information on this and other degree options available here ).

Undergraduate Education -->

• College of Letters and Sciences
• Major (B.A. or B.S.) in Physics
• Minor in Physics
• Minor in Astronomy and Planetary Science
• College of Creative Studies : Major (B.S.) in Physics
• Undergraduate Office Phone: (805) 893-3888
• Email Undergraduate Advisor
• Physics Department Undergraduate Education
• Physics Courses

Astronomy and Planetary Science Minor

The minor in Astronomy and Planetary Science is a flexible program that compliments a Physics major or with some extra work, can stand on its own. In additon to the introductory sequence of math and physics courses, students will take the following upper division (junior/senior) courses:

• PHYS 132: Stellar Structure and Evolution
• PHYS 133: Galaxies and Cosmology

and choose from a number of courses in the Physics and Earth Science departments, possibly including

• PHYS 131: General Relativity
• PHYS 134: Observational Astrophysics
• PHYS 141: Optics

Graduate Education -->

The Physics doctoral program is a point of pride at UCSB, recently being ranked as a top five program by the National Research Council and in the top 10 programs in the world in the Space Science subfield by US News and World Report . The program combines one to three years of coursework with several years of directed research. Students are typically fully funded through fellowships, research funding, and/or teaching assistantships. There are two options for the Physics Ph. D.:

• Traditional Physics Ph.D.
• Astrophysics Emphasis Physics Ph.D.

For more details on the structure of the Ph. D. program and application instructions, see the Physics Department graduate education page .

• Graduate Office Phone: (805) 893-4646
• E-mail Graduate Advisor
• Physics Department Graduate Education

Astrophysics Emphasis

While the traditional Physics Ph.D. program gives students a broad and strong slate of courses to prepare them for research in any area of Physics, the Astrophysics emphasis is designed for student that know they want to get started immediately in Astrophysics research.

Fewer core physics courses are required and instead students start taking the suite of astrophysics courses in their first year:

• PHYS 232: Stellar Structure and Evolution
• PHYS 233: Interstellar Medium
• PHYS 234: High Energy Astrophysics
• PHYS 235: Extragalactic Astrophysics
• PHYS 236: Cosmology
• PHYS 237: Galactic Dynamics

A more detailed description of the Astrophysis emphasis can be found here .

UC Santa Barbara \ College of Engineering

Search form

Materials - UC Santa Barbara

Materials graduate program, graduate advisor.

Questions? Contact:

AJ Johnson , Staff Graduate Advisor

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Please meet our  UCSB Materials alumni .

UCSB Materials Alumni on LinkedIn

UCSB Materials students and alumni are invited to join our LinkedIn group .

The Next Leaders for Tomorrow's Materials

Our researchers and students make a tremendous impact on the world.  The UC Santa Barbara Materials graduate program is consistently ranked the best graduate program in materials science and engineering in the country, and in the world. Our prestigious graduate program in materials science and engineering has been ranked #1 among public universities by US News several years in succession, and #1 by the National Research Council's most recent rankings. 

Program Overview

Ph.D. in Materials, with specialization in any of the following areas of research:

• Electronic & Photonic Materials (compound semiconductors, quantum structures, advanced lasers, solid state lighting, microelectromechanical systems)
• Functional & Quantum Materials (ferroelectrics, optical materials, zeolite molecular sieves and catalysts)
• Macromolecular and Biomolecular Materials (self-assembling polymers, complex fluids, biopolymers, biomembranes, conducting and photonic polymers)
• Structural Materials (advanced alloys, ceramics, composites, coatings, structural polymers, multifunctional materials)

Program of Study

The curriculum in each area has the flexibility needed to provide multidisciplinary educational opportunities in the field of advanced materials, encompassing topics such as optoelectronic devices, composites, and micromechanics. Materials synthesis, processing and characterization feature prominently with courses in the processing of ceramics, alloys, composites, semiconductor materials, and polymers, as well as advanced topics in electron microscopy. Programs of study and research are individually tailored to accommodate research needs and student interest. Multidisciplinary education is strongly encouraged by means of joint faculty supervision of research and by the selection of courses. Students are also encouraged to cross over traditional boundaries into other campus departments (for example, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry and Physics) through collaboration and taking courses in those departments, as appropriate. There is no foreign language requirement.

The Materials Department features an outstanding faculty . Ten faculty members hold membership in the National Academy of Engineering, which reflects an exceptionally high national standing. Further, several faculty members have been awarded the most prestigious prizes and awards in their respective fields, including the NSF Career Award, the Sloan Fellowship, the Humboldt Senior Scientist Award, the APS Fluid Dynamics Prize, the ASM Gold Medal, and the SIAM Dahlquist Prize. Faculty in the department look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with talented and motivated graduate students.

Graduate Fellowships

The Department invites applications from keen students and offers a number of attractive fellowships and teaching and research assistantships. It is our experience that students enjoy UC Santa Barbara’s tradition of open collaboration and interdisciplinary research. Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal campus with many cultural and recreational opportunities to augment student life. The overall environment is very supportive of scholarly and creative work.

Diversity Statement

The Materials Department is deeply committed to supporting a diverse graduate student cohort, and encourages and mentors students from all backgrounds to develop as scholars and professionals.  A list of resources related to diversity supported by the department and campus can be found here ( https://materials.ucsb.edu/about/diversity ).  The Department adheres to the University of California Diversity statement( https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/governance/policies/4400.html ) that underscores the importance of educating a diverse population.   The Graduate Division further provides programming and resources for students ( https://ext-prod.graddiv.ucsb.edu/our-services/mentorship-inclusivity ).

www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/admissions/diversity/diversity-resources-for-graduate-students

MATERIALS DEPARTMENT Engineering II Building, 1355 University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5050

Phone: (805) 893-4362 Email: [email protected]    

• Graduate Program
• Accessibility
• Terms of Use
• Web Feedback

Graduate Admissions

Applying to UC Berkeley's Physics Graduate Program

The application deadline for Fall 2025 admission to the Berkeley Physics Ph.D. program is:

December 13 2024, at 8:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Your application should be complete — meaning that all of your letters and supplemental materials should be uploaded — by this deadline. Application review commences immediately after the deadline; as such, we cannot guarantee that materials received after the deadline (including letters of recommendation) will be fully reviewed.

Apply for graduate admission online (click here to go to online application)

Updates for Fall 2025 graduate admissions

• Submission of a  Physics Subject GRE score is  OPTIONAL
• General GRE scores will  not be reviewed . Please do not submit your general GRE scores to Berkeley Physics.

At this time, no determination has been made if the GRE and/or Physics GRE scores will be required application materials for graduate admission in fall 2026 and beyond.

Our graduate admissions committee conducts a holistic evaluation of all applications, which takes into consideration recommendation letters, academic achievements, research experience, a record of leadership and outreach activities, efforts to promote diversity, personal history, and more.

We require a minimum of three letters of recommendation. You will invite your recommenders to submit their letters through the online application. All letters should be uploaded by the application deadline.

Please do NOT send updated transcripts, publications, etc. after the application deadline. Applications will not be updated after the December 11th deadline with transcripts showing fall grades. Letter writers are still able to upload letters of recommendation via the Slate submission links, but we cannot guarantee that the committee will have them available for review since the application deadline has passed.

Please read the application instructions thoroughly. All supporting materials, including your transcript(s), should be uploaded to your application. Your application will be reviewed with your unofficial transcripts. If you ultimately are admitted and enroll at Berkeley, you will submit official transcripts prior to matriculating.

You must submit a course and textbook list of all the third- and fourth-year physics, astrophysics, and mathematics courses that you have completed. Download our  "Course and Textbook List" form here  ( alternate link 1  /  alternate link 2 ). You may complete our form directly, or you may use our form as a template to create your own document; please save the completed document as a PDF and upload it to the Physics Program page in the online application.

We typically begin making offers of admission in mid-February. Our final offers of admission will be made no later than mid-March.

Please check our  frequently asked questions (FAQ) , compiled from inquiries by prospective graduate students. 

To contact our staff regarding graduate admissions, please email  [email protected] . 

How to Apply

Graduate program application process.

Students seeking admission to graduate status at the University of California must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution of acceptable standing. The program of preparation should be substantially the same, both in the distribution of academic subject matter and in scholarship achievement, as the requirements for a comparable degree at the University of California.

Applicants for admission are evaluated by the prospective major department and the Graduate Dean regarding their scholastic qualifications and preparation for the proposed field of study.

The Graduate Dean makes the final decision, guided by the recommendation of the major department. The Dean may deny admission if the applicant's scholastic record is undistinguished, preparation is judged inadequate as a foundation for advanced study, or the department's facilities are already filled to capacity. If the undergraduate background of an otherwise qualified applicant is found to be somewhat deficient in fundamental training, the student may be admitted with the provision that certain specified undergraduate courses be completed. No credit toward an advanced degree will be allowed for such courses.

Deadlines for Fall Quarter 2025

In order to be considered for the full range of financial aid opportunities, complete applications should be submitted by December 15, 2024 . However, in rare circumstances, exceptionally strong candidates will be considered beyond this deadline, subject to financial aid availability. (The Mechanical Engineering Department ONLY accepts applications for Fall Quarter.) The deadline for Fall 2024 applications has passed.

Application Process

• Apply via the web: Graduate Division
• How to complete the online application
• GRE scores are not required for admission to the ME graduate programs
• The minimum cumulative GPA for all applicants is 3.0.
• The Mechanical Engineering Department ONLY accepts applications for the Fall Quarter.
• Application period for Fall 2025: September 1-December 15, 2024

International Students

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at UCSB serves the needs of international students and scholars, including assistance with visa status.  International students apply through the UCSB Graduate Division, and upon acceptance to the MS or PhD program, OISS will assist with immigration documents and procedures.

5-Year BS/MS Students

Please review the Fifth Year Combined BS/MS Program page for more details on the application and admissions process.

Admissions Committee

The admissions decision is based on a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's intellectual potential and promise, involving a review of the following criteria:

• Applicant's undergraduate education and records (and MS education and record, if applicable)
• Past research experience
• Research interests formulated by the applicant and their programmatic fit with existing research areas in the department
• Letters of recommendation (3)

Admission decisions will be sent via the email listed on your application between January-early April

If your application is not advanced by the Mechanical Engineering program but deemed a potential fit to one of the Departments/Programs listed below, you may use the transfer permission form to consent for your application to be transferred for possible consideration by up to two other programs.  Complete the Transfer Permission Form and upload it with your application.

• Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BMSE)
• Bioengineering (BioE)
• Dynamical Neuroscience (DYNS)
• Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB)

Financial Support

Everyone who is admitted to graduate standing in our Department is automatically considered for various types of financial support which include fellowships, grants, teaching assistantships (TAs), and graduate research assistantships (GSRs). While it is not guaranteed all graduate students admitted will receive financial support from our Department, 90% of the Fall 2024 PhD incoming class received full financial support.

Application Fee Waivers

The Mechanical Engineering Department is committed to training and supporting graduate students from diverse identities and backgrounds, recognizing our commitment to serving the greater community and the critical role that diversity plays in innovation.  We strongly encourage applications from first-generation, low-income, systemically marginalized, disabled, and/or underrepresented groups in chemical engineering and other STEM fields. 

While our admissions process requires an application fee, it should not prevent qualified applicants from considering our program.  The UCSB Graduate Division grants fee waivers to students that meet at least one of three criteria:

• Affiliated or participated in any of a number of research & professional programs and organizations, such as CAMP, Gates Millennium Scholars, MARC, McNair Scholars, NSBE, SACNAS, etc.
• Received significant financial aid from their current university.
• Demonstrated household income below thresholds specific to family size.

We strongly encourage qualifying students to apply.  All details of the above eligibility requirements, as well as fee waiver application instructions, are available at the Graduate Division website .

For students who are not eligible for or are declined a fee waiver by the Graduate Division, the Mechanical Engineering Department has the ability to sponsor application fees for a limited number of applicants demonstrating strong potential for our program. To apply for a Department-supported fee waiver, email [email protected] with “Department fee waiver request” in the subject line and you will be provided further detail of our process.