MS Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The METX MS provides interdisciplinary training in microbiology, toxicology and environmental health sciences through Plan I (thesis) or Plan II (capstone) routes. Graduates are prepared for research or management roles or for doctoral study.

Faculty: Physical and Biological Sciences Division | Department: Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology | Duration: Plan I about 2 years; Plan II about 1 year; minimum 40 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Coursework includes a core in Interdisciplinary Approaches in Environmental Toxicology, a scientific communication writing course, a field-specific course (Advanced Topics in Environmental Health or Advanced Microbiology) and an advanced course such as Environmental Microbiology or Molecular and Cellular Basis of Bacterial Pathogenesis. Plan I students complete a research thesis; Plan II students complete an individual written project.

Career pathways

Research or management positions in microbial and environmental health sciences, education, and doctoral study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UC Santa Cruz graduate admission: bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university awarded before the entry quarter, a B average or better in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, and demonstrated English proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English: TOEFL iBT minimum 83 (4.0 on the 2026 scale) or IELTS Academic overall 7; waiver may be requested by applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree from an English-speaking institution. GRE General and Subject tests not required. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation (up to five accepted). Programme materials: resume or CV, statement of purpose with a research interest statement (1 page) and a statement of previous research (2 pages), personal history statement (1 page). Application deadline: March 1 (Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology MS). Application fee $135 domestic, $155 international.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). California resident graduate tuition; excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees and health insurance Source

International applicants: USD 15,102 a year (2026-27). Nonresident Supplemental Tuition, charged in addition to the 13,722 tuition for non-California residents and international students Source

Duration: Plan I about 2 years; Plan II about 1 year; minimum 40 credits

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