Admissions
The PhD program in Computational Precision Health welcomes students from a broad range of computational sciences, health sciences, and interdisciplinary backgrounds.
Dates & Application Submission
2024-2025 Graduate Admissions Application the deadline for applications was December 11, 2023 (no rolling admissions). The application for 2025-2026 admissions will open in September, 2024. Admission for the PhD in Computational Precision Health is for the Fall semester only. At present, there is no Master’s degree in Computational Precision Health.
Application fee waiver request information for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents can be found on the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions website.
CPH will award a limited number of application fee waivers for international applicants in each application cycle. Information on that process will be posted here in the next admissions cycle.
Applications are submitted via the UC Berkeley Graduate Division application portal. See Basic Admissions Requirements
Watch the 2023 CPH Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair Presentation here:
Application Overview
Undergrad prep
Well-qualified applicants will have a strong foundation in both the biological or health sciences, and the mathematical or statistical sciences, as well as significant programming experience. We welcome students from across a range of possible majors, including those who have developed foundational skills via non-traditional academic paths. While specific course or major requirements are contrary to the program’s core vision, applicants should illustrate their experience and strength in three core areas:
- Mathematics, and fundamentals of statistics and probability;
- Programming in a procedural language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, R)
- Basic and human biology
Students who have demonstrated excellence in two of the three areas above may demonstrate preparation in the third area through enrollment in core coursework at the time of application, or commitment to complete introductory coursework from approved “bootcamps”, online courses, or summer session courses following admission and before matriculation.
Note that a qualification for all UC Berkeley graduate program applications is a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution, completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Test
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required and, if submitted, may not be seen by the review committee.
Evidence of English Language Proficiency
All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. Full details are available on the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions website [link to https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions]
Students who have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work, in residence at a recognized U.S. institution, and who have attained an average grade of B or better do not need to provide proof of a standardized test of English proficiency. Instead, please provide an unofficial transcript from the recognized U.S. institution.
Calculating GPA
For international students: Institutions can differ in how GPA is calculated. We ask that students reference the back of their official transcripts where a guide is often found. If a guide is not available, international students may leave blank.
Materials Required
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Resume / C.V.
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Statements
- Statement of Purpose & Objectives (2 pages max)
Please describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization, including your preparation for this field of study and any research experience, your academic plans and research interests, and your future career goals. Please be specific about why UC Berkeley/UCSF would be a good intellectual fit for you. - Personal History Statement (2 pages max)
Please describe how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. In this section, you may also include any relevant information on the following:- How you have overcome barriers to access higher education
- How you have come to understand the barriers faced by others
- Your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities and individuals from other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education
- Your research focusing on historically excluded populations or related issues of inequality
- Your leadership among such groups. Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose
- Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Skills (250 words max)
Please indicate the areas of your application that highlight your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills that prepare you for the specific program to which you are applying. This can be completed coursework, such as undergraduate or post-baccalaureate math/statistics or epidemiology/biostatistics courses, quantitative research, data analysis, or evaluation experience, verbal/writing strengths such as professional publications and/or presentations, etc. Note: you may also submit a writing sample or other documents that demonstrate the above skills in the “Supporting Materials” section of the application.
- Statement of Purpose & Objectives (2 pages max)
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Three Letters of Recommendation
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Academic Transcripts
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Relevant Coursework
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Research Experience (optional)
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Writing Sample (optional)
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Application Fee ($135 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents; $155 for all others) Fee waivers may be available based on individual circumstances. U.S. citizens/permanent residents may apply for a fee waiver through the Graduate Division; international students may apply for a fee waiver through CPH by November 17, 2023.
Info Sessions & Contact
Please contact Bianca Victorica, Graduate Student Affairs Officer, to schedule an information session: biancav@berkeley.edu