MS Ocean Sciences at University of California, Santa Cruz

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, personal history statement; applicants to the thesis-track MS are asked to contact an Ocean Sciences core or affiliated faculty member in their area of interest before applying. Application deadline: December 7 (Ocean Sciences MS/PhD). Application fee $135 domestic, $155 international.