How to Apply
Prospective students are encouraged to begin the admission process as early as possible during the prior academic year. Students must be matched with a faculty advisor to be admitted to the ES program. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to contact prospective advisors prior to submitting their application to ensure that the faculty listed are actively recruiting students with the applicant’s research interests in the current application cycle. Please note that each PI typically receives multiple applications.
The priority application deadline for the Environmental Sciences graduate program for Fall 2025 is December 15, 2025. The general deadline is January 15, 2025. All applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Academic and Application Requirements
Applicant Admissions Criteria:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a major appropriate to the proposed graduate program. This degree must represent the completion of a program equivalent both in the distribution of academic subject matter and scholarship achievement comparable to that offered at the University of California.
- Have a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) is required.
- Provide TOEFL or IELTS test scores (international students only). All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must show evidence of having taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or TOEFL-Internet Based Test or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) examination within the past two years.
GRADUATE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Online Application and Fee
Submit the online admission application. After you have completed the application, make the application fee payment using the online payment system. The application fee is $135 for domestic applicants and $155 for international applicants.
Graduate application fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents based on program participation or demonstrated financial need. A fee waiver may be requested on the admission application. Note: if you apply for a fee waiver, do not pay the fee unless you are contacted by the Graduate Division.
transcripts
For the initial review process, upload a scanned copy of all college level academic work including community college, summer session and study abroad, onto your application. If recommended for admissions, official transcripts of all academic work must be submitted in a sealed envelope issued by the originating institution.
letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for graduate admissions. Preferably from professors or instructors in the proposed field of study.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Submit by March 2 to meet priority processing. This form may be filled out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. UC Merced's federal code is 041271.
TOEFL or IELTS
(international applicants only)
All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must show evidence of having taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or TOEFL-Internet Based Test or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) examination within the past two years.Verification of test scores will need to be provided to the Graduate Division. TOEFL test scores must be verified through ETS using code 4129.
Statement of Purpose and Personal History
A statement of purpose is required to help determine whether your academic objectives can reasonably be satisfied in the graduate program to which you seek admission.
The Personal History and Achievements/Contributions statement is required and provides admission committees insight into an applicant’s background, accomplishments, achievements or contributions that are important in evaluating the applicant for graduate study. Relevant information includes educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities pertinent to the applicant’s academic journey.
Check the status of your application
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with a link to check the status of your application.
send required documents
Send required documents to:
University of California Merced
Attn: Graduate Division, SSB 310 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343