School of Natural Sciences

About the school

UC Merced became operational on September 5, 2005, as the newest addition to the esteemed University of California ecosystem, and proudly claims to be the very first US research university born in the 21st century. Some notable rankings of UC Merced include: - Washington Monthly’s 2022 rankings show UC Merced at #49 nationally, firmly establishing itself among the top 50 universities in the US. - U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Merced in the top 100 national universities at #97. This recognition reflects its strong standing in the country’s higher education landscape. Numerous alumni make the institution proud. One name that shines brightly within that esteemed list is Nohely Aguilar (founder of Nohely Aguilar Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to college-bound students). Located in Merced, UC Merced enjoys a strategic position within California's agricultural Central Valley. The vibrant city of Merced serves as the epicentre of education, culture, and business for the region, further solidifying UC Merced's role as a thriving hub of learning and opportunity. Historically, Merced has been the “Gateway to Yosemite”; visitors can enjoy outdoor attractions such as skiing, swimming, and fishing.

Where is the school located?

Life at the School of Natural Sciences

UC Merced has an impressive menu of options for students. From intercultural and residential programmes to student-government partnerships, the School has a host of activities lined up. Further, intramural activities will get your heart racing and club sports and athletic teams to join. And don't forget the captivating University events that will keep you entertained. As a student at UC Merced, you are in for an incredible opportunity to gain some precious skills. You will dive into internships and service learning experiences that significantly broaden your horizons. Besides options, they are the key to unlocking a profound understanding of the world around you. UC Merced's got your back covered with comprehensive support services. So, whether you are diving into academics, socialising, getting active, or taking care of your well-being, there is a whole spectrum of activities to keep you engaged and loving your College life to the fullest. You have a smorgasbord of academic, student, and fun stuff waiting for you. Think of it as your journey to becoming a leader and forming rock-solid friendships along the way.

Additional benefits of studying at the School of Natural Sciences

At UC Merced, you will discover an exceptional faculty lineup of experts from all corners of the globe. These accomplished individuals bring a treasure trove of knowledge and a wide range of perspectives to enhance your educational journey. Whether you are in the classroom or conducting experiments in the lab, their diverse insights will undoubtedly enrich your academic experience.

Admissions criteria

If you plan to take the TOEFL iBT, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 80, with specific section scores of 19 in Writing, 26 in Speaking, 17 in Listening, and 18 in Reading. If you opt for the IELTS, you should aim for a minimum overall score of 6.5, with individual section requirements of 5.5 in Writing, 8 in Speaking, 6 in Listening, and 6 in Reading. Beyond language proficiency, you must hold a Bachelor's degree. Alternatively, you can have an equivalent degree from an accredited institution. Your degree should align with the intended graduate programme. A satisfactory scholastic average, often defined as a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B), is typically expected. Kindly note that there is an application fee of USD 155 that international applicants are required to pay. Remember to include 3 letters of recommendation. These letters are pivotal in assessing your suitability for the graduate programme you are interested in. You will need to submit a Personal History and Achievements/Contributions statement. This statement is essential to admission committees as it offers insights into your background, accomplishments, achievements, or contributions. It helps them evaluate your suitability for graduate study and provides a comprehensive view of you beyond your academic qualifications. You must provide a Statement of Purpose. This document evaluates whether your academic objectives typically align with the graduate program goals you wish to join. Here are some typical expenses (ballpark estimates) tied to graduate student admission at the institution. For more precise details, please visit the official school website. - Student life fee: USD 10 - Tuition fee: USD 6,000 - Health services fee: USD 50 -Transportation fee: USD 90

Job placements

If you are into biotechnology, you will want to check out Genentech's internship and co-op programmes. They are top-notch and can offer graduate students like yourself valuable hands-on experience. UC Merced has a fantastic resource, the CCPA, a goldmine for internship and job opportunities. They have an extensive database that will help you kickstart your career journey. And for all you environmentally-conscious students out there, NCSE's Campus to Careers Programme is tailor-made for you. It is all about equipping you with the tools needed for fulfilling careers in the nonprofit sector, government roles, or even the private sector. Let us talk about accessibility. If you have disabilities, ENTRY POINT!, an AAAS programme, has your back. They've got exceptional internship opportunities in various fields, including science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and even some business disciplines. The institution has these multi-campus centres of expertise (COE) that lead the charge in UC-wide educational efforts. They dive deep into collaborative research projects and partnerships. Their main goal is to ensure various programmes and interventions get off the ground successfully.