Computational Precision Health

Admissions

Admissions

Admissions

The PhD program in Computational Precision Health invites students with diverse backgrounds in computational sciences, health sciences, and interdisciplinary fields to apply.

We welcome students from across a range of possible majors, including those who have developed foundational skills via non-traditional academic paths, in three core areas:

  1. Mathematics, and fundamentals of statistics and probability;
  2. Programming in a procedural language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, R);
  3. 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 matriculation.

Application Overview (Full application details in the tabbed section below)

Application Open and deadline:
  • The application for Fall 2025 admission will open on September 12, 2024.
  • The deadline to submit applications and all supporting materials is December 3, 2024 by 8:59 pm PST/11:59pm EST.

Prospective students may apply to one program per University of California campus. CPH is a joint program between UCSF and UC Berkeley; currently our admissions application is through UC Berkeley. Prospective students considering another program at UCSF may also apply for that program via UCSF in the same admissions cycle.

Standardized Tests and GPA Requirements
  • GRE scores are not required for admission to CPH, nor will they be evaluated or considered if submitted.
  • Students are required to submit a GPA calculation based on a 4.0 scale. A GPA calculator is available, and international students are encouraged to reference the back of their official transcript, where a guide is often found.
  • Guidance on the English language proficiency requirements can be found at the UC Berkeley Graduate Division website.
Application Fees

Application Fee: $135 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents; $155 for all others. Fee waivers may be available based on individual circumstances.

Watch a Computational Precision Health program presentation, featuring Co-Directors Ida Sim and Maya Petersen, here:

2023 CPH Gradaute Diversity Admissions Fair presentation icon -- click through for link to video recording

Computational Precision Health welcomes and is committed to supporting students from all backgrounds, including those from groups historically underrepresented or minoritized in STEM fields. One working definition of underrepresented minority (or URM) is available here: https://diversity.ucsf.edu/programs-resources/urm–definition
Find out more about the programs and initiatives to support students offered by the UC Berkeley Office of Graduate Diversity, and the UCSF Graduate Division.
Application ProcessApplication MaterialsContact Us

Application Details

The Admissions Committee encourages students to:

  1. Schedule an information with the Graduate Student Advisor to help answer initial questions and to discuss your background and interests to confirm that CPH is a good fit.
  2. Research core faculty to identify those whose research aligns with your own interests. It is possible, although not mandatory, to reach out to potential faculty sponsors to ask if they are open to accepting graduate students or to arrange a lab rotation, if admitted. 

Admissions Timeline

Once the application period closes, the CPH Admissions Committee will review all applications. In early January, the committee will invite a number of students to interview for further consideration. All admissions offers will be made in early February. Students placed on a waitlist will be notified directly.

Materials Required

  1. Resume / C.V. (required)
  2. Statement of Purpose & Objectives (required)

    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. 2 page maximum, single spaced.

  3.  Personal History Statement (required)

    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. 2 page maximum, single spaced.
  4. Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Skills (required)

    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. 250 words maximum.
    Note: Please upload this document under “supporting materials.”

  5. Three Letters of Recommendation
  6. Academic Transcripts (required)

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application; if admitted, official transcripts are required by the Graduate Division before the time of matriculation.

   7. Relevant Coursework (required)
   8. Research Experience (optional)
   9. Writing Sample (optional)

For more information or to inquire about upcoming information sessions, contact Bianca Victorica at biancav@berkeley.edu