The University of California, Berkeley’s Chemistry PhD program is a highly competitive program with an acceptance rate of 9.30%. This prestigious program is known for prioritizing the development of creative scientific research skills in its students, making it a top choice for those looking to advance their careers in the field of chemistry.

In order to be considered for admission to the UC Berkeley Chemistry PhD program, applicants must meet certain minimum requirements. These include having a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution and a satisfactory academic record, typically a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Meeting these requirements is essential for being considered a competitive applicant for this highly selective program.

The admission process for the UC Berkeley Chemistry PhD program is rigorous and competitive. Applicants must submit a complete application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores. The admissions committee will review applications and select candidates for interviews based on their academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, and fit with the program. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative research community at UC Berkeley.

Topic	Details
Acceptance Rate for UC Berkeley Chemistry PhD	9.30%
GPA Requirement for UC Berkeley PhD	Minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
Quality of Education at UC Berkeley	UC Berkeley’s Chemistry PhD program focuses on developing creative scientific research skills in students.

Uc Berkeley Chemistry Phd Acceptance Rate

uc berkeley chemistry phd application

We appreciate your interest in pursuing doctoral studies in Chemistry at UC Berkeley. Below, please find information regarding application deadlines and requirements.

Questions concerning the admission process can be directed to the Graduate Student Affairs Office at chem_grad_info@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail).

Application Requirements

The 2021 application for graduate admission to the Department of Chemistry is electronic (paper applications cannot be accepted). The application is available from the Graduate Division Admissions(link is external) website beginning in early September. The application deadline is December 1, 2021. The deadline for supplemental information (transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation, research summary) is also December 1, 2021.

It is not required to contact faculty for application purposes, however, if you are interested in particular faculty, please list them on your application.

Application Fee Waivers

Application fee waivers are provided to members of various professional societies and program participants, including those that are members of (or previously participated in) NSF-REUs, NSBE, NOBCChE, SACNAS, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps, among many others. Fee waivers are also considered for those with a demonstrated financial need. Please see the following Graduate Division website for more information on requesting an application fee waiver: https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/fee-waiver/(link is external)

GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

Due to the uncertainty of testing centers being available for the GRE due to COVID-19, we will not require General or Subject test scores during the Fall 2022 admissions cycle. Our department conducts holistic reviews, and carefully considers the context of each applicant’s past achievements and academic record. The admission committee will make no assumptions if GRE scores are not included with an application.

Transcripts

Upload PDF files of all college level transcripts, with the application for initial departmental review. These must include your name and the name of the institution. Official transcripts of all college-level work will be required if you are admitted and intend to register for Fall 2022.

Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. These should be from faculty you have worked with closely or supervisors from industry-related work experience. Your recommenders will be contacted via email to submit their letters on-line. (See online application for details.)

Additional Written Material

Describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization, including your preparation for this field of study, your academic plans or research interests, and your future career goals.  Please see: https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/statement-purpose/(link is external)

Personal History Statement: Describe how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree.  For more information about a Personal History Statement, please see:  https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/personal-statement/(link is external)

International applicants

Please note the following additional admissions requirements All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency(link is external).

If you have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better in residence at a recognized U.S. institution, you do not need to take a standardized test. Instead, you must upload an unofficial transcript from the recognized U.S. institution.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For the TOEFL: The minimum score is 90 for the Internet-based test (iBT). Tests taken before June 2019 will not be accepted by the University. The institution code is 4833. For IELTS: For Fall 2021, tests taken before June 1, 2019 will not be accepted. Your most recent overall Band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale. For more information regarding the TOEFL and IELTS please see the following webpage: https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/requirements/(link is external)

Berkeley Graduate Division

Berkeley Graduate Profile 2018–19• Among the 42,515 students at Berkeley, 27% are pursuing doctoral and master’s degrees in more than 100 disciplines.• The fall 2018 incoming graduate class of 4,057 students was selected from among 42,531 applicants

Business (for profit)College or university Government Hospital/clinicK-12 schoolNational laboratory Self-employed Other/ unknown Total
Count 666 1,377 86 13 33 116 25 146 2,462
Percent 27.0% 55.7% 3.4% .5% 1.3% 4.7% 1.0% 6.4% 100%
CAREER OUTCOMESCareer placement of doctoral degree recipients
First positions of students who graduated between 2011 to 2016 (based on a survey conducted 12-18 months after graduation). First positions taken by Berkeley Ph.D.s who went into academia: tenure-track faculty 395 29% postdoctoral appointment 511 37% non-tenure track faculty 192 14% other 279 20%
GRADUATE MAJORS (FALL 2017 ENROLLMENT)
Berkeley offers 101 graduate majors (master’s and doctoral), 93 of which grant doctoral degrees.
School/College Doctoral Master’s/ First Professional Total
Business Administration 71.5 1,568.5 1,640Chemistry 462 49 511Education 175.5 85.5 261Engineering 1,376.5 758.5 2,135Environmental Design 72 385.5 457.5Journalism – 112.5 112.5Law 71.5 1,236 1,307.5Letters & Science (all divisions) 2,504 105 2,609
Arts & Humanities 610.5 11 621.5Biological Sciences 468 0 468Mathematical & Physical Sciences 597.5 59 656.5Social Sciences 828 35 863
Natural Resources 380.5 94 474.5Optometry 40 282 322Public Health 127.5 543 670.5Public Policy 12 210 222School of Information 23 708 731Social Welfare 29 180.5 209.5Individualized Major 2 – 2
TOTAL 5,347 6,318 11,665
Berkeley Graduate Division
DEGREES GRANTED
Degree Date Doctoral Master’s/ Professional
2003 – 04 770 2,2952004 – 05 801 2,3902005 – 06 753 2,3372006 – 07 895 2,3512007 – 08 864 2,4062008 – 09 863 2,3852009 – 10 888 2,3972010 – 11 906 2,4812011 – 12 887 2,5062012 – 13 936 2,5522013 – 14 930 2,0452014 – 15 1,066 2,7642015 – 16 818 3,0842016 – 17 765 2,9912017 – 18 963 3,531
Long-term employment trends
(based on a survey of Ph.D. recipients who graduated between 1968 and 2008) • 57% of Berkeley doctoral alumni (and 78% arts and humanities Ph.D.s) work in 4-year academic institutions, compared to 41.4% nation-wide • 23% work in the private for-profit sector • 13% work in the non-profit sector or for state, local or national governments • 7% are self-employed or have other employment
Top 5 academic institutions that hire Berkeley Ph.D.s • University of California System • Stanford • University of Michigan • MIT • HarvardThe four divisions of the College of Letters & Science collectively enroll the most students, with the College of Engineering, the School of Business, and the School of Law enrolling the next highest numbers. Overall, almost equal numbers of students are enrolled in doctoral programs and master’s/professional degree programs

FAQ’s for prospective Chemistry Graduate Students:collapse all

What GPA is required for admission? (collapse)

The minimum grade point average required for admission is 3.0.

Are there minimum scores required for the GRE? (collapse)

Due to the uncertainty of testing centers being available for the GRE due to COVID-19, we will not require General or Subject test scores during the Fall 2021 admissions cycle. Our department conducts holistic reviews, and carefully considers the context of each applicant’s past achievements and academic record. The admission committee will make no assumptions if GRE scores are not included with an application.

How Important Is Undergraduate Research In Evaluating An Application? (collapse)

Undergraduate research is a decisive factor in admission. It reflects the applicant’s depth of interest in chemistry, potential for commitment to a doctoral program, and potential scientific creativity.

What Financial Aid Is Available To Graduate Students? (collapse)

All students admitted to our graduate program receive a stipend for the duration of study in the form of teaching and research assistantships as long as they are in residence and demonstrate good progress toward the degree. Most funds for this support derive from research contracts and grants.

My Application Is Not Completed By The Application Deadline, Will I Still Be Eligible For Fellowships? (collapse)

Your application must be complete, including letters of recommendation, transcripts and test scores, by the application deadline to be eligible.

How Many Applicants Are Offered Admission Each Year? (collapse)

The numbers vary, but the department usually receives about 800 applications each year. The number of applicants offered admission depends on the admission allotments determined annually by the Graduate Division. Each year the department receives far more qualified applicants than can be admitted.

Does The Department Offer A Master Of Science (Ms) Degree? (collapse)

The department only admits students for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Students normally complete the Ph.D. program in four to six years.

How Many International Students Are Admitted Each Year? (collapse)

Due to funding considerations only a few of the most outstanding international students can be admitted each year. However, we are firmly committed to the continued admission of exceptionally qualified international students

Can The Toefl Requirement Be Waived? (collapse)

Yes, the TOEFL requirement can be waived if you have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better in residence at a U.S. university at the time of application. Please see https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/requirements/(link is external) for more information about TOEFL/IELTS.

Can I Be Admitted To Start In The Spring Semester? (collapse)

No, we admit our students to begin their studies in the fall semester only.

uc berkeley chemistry graduate program acceptance rate

The UC Berkeley Chemistry Phd has an acceptance rate of 20%.

The UC Berkeley Chemistry Phd is a doctoral program in the department of chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. The school offers both a terminal degree and a professional degree, with each requiring four years to complete.

The terminal degree is designed for students who want to become professors or researchers at universities and other research institutions. The professional degree is intended for those seeking jobs outside academia, such as working in industry or government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).