Application Deadlines
- Priority: January 5, 2024
- Final: June 1, 2024
Apply for Graduate Admission online.
Find answers to questions and get further details from the Office of Graduate Studies.
Degrees Offered
- Ph.D.
- M.S. Plan I (Thesis)
- M.S. Plan II (Exam) in Environmental Chemistry
Prerequisites
Applicants do not need to have a degree in chemistry, but are expected to have taken the following coursework:
- Organic Chemistry: 1 year, equivalent to UC Davis courses Chemistry (CHE) 128 A, B, C
- Physical Chemistry: equivalent to either UCD Chemistry (CHE) 107 A, B or Chemistry 110 A, B, C
- Two additional upper division courses in chemistry (e.g., inorganic, biochemistry, analytical, food, pharmaceutical, or environmental
Descriptions of the contents of these courses are here. Any course work deficiencies should be made up by the end of the first academic year by earning a letter grade of ‘B’ or better.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Application Fee
- TOEFL, -IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (see details below)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE scores are not required. Students who wish to report scores must send them electronically from ETS to UC Davis (Institution Code 4834).
Transcripts
UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details, visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submitting-your-transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Letters may be from professors, employers or others who have knowledge of the applicant’s academic qualifications or personal characteristics. All Recommendation Letters MUST be submitted electronically via the UC Davis Application system.
Application Fee
A graduate application fee is required from all applicants.
- U.S. Applicants – $135
- International Applicants – $155
Applicants who choose to apply to more than one graduate program must pay an application fee for each program. The application fee is not refundable and must be paid before the application can be reviewed. Instructions for payment will appear when you submit your online application.
Application fees are only waived for applicants who have participated in or are affiliated with one or more eligible graduate preparation programs. Unfortunately we are not able to offer application fee waivers on any other basis (financial circumstances, participation in programs not listed below, etc.). View the list of eligible graduate preparation programs to see if you are eligible: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/graduate-preparation-programs-eligible-fee-waivers
English Language Test
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit English Language Test scores, unless they have received (or will receive) a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited US school or from a foreign school that provides instruction only in English.
There are three acceptable English Language Tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), the IELTS, and the Duolingo English Test. For the TOEFL iBT, a minimum score of 80 on the internet exam is required. The institution code for sending test scores to UC Davis is 4834; have TOEFL scores sent directly to the Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group. Minimum scores for the IELTS and Duolingo English Test are 7.0 on a 9-point scale and 115, respectively.
For more information, go to https://gradstudies.sf.ucdavis.edu/english-language-examinations
Information about Applying
We are looking for students who are excited to use chemistry to explore important research topics, from contaminants in the environment to antioxidants in wine. Here are some of the criteria that we use to make admissions decisions:
- A good academic background with significant chemistry coursework.
- Previous experience in research or other lab work, although this is not required.
- Enthusiasm about joining our group for graduate school. As part of this, it is helpful if you identify faculty with whom you’d like to work.
- The ability to work independently and overcome problems.
- Contributions to diversity, including assistance to others.
We realize that COVID has made everything more difficult, from performing in classes to finding a research experience, and we take this into account when we read applications.
Academic Diversity
The Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group values a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences among its students – as this diversity strengthens and enriches our research, scholarship, and teaching. A diverse graduate student population also enhances the academic experiences of all students.
We are committed to a multicultural academic environment that supports the success of all graduate students. Diversity among students, faculty, and staff is an integral factor in graduate education at UC Davis, to achieve an equitable, hospitable and inclusive educational environment. More information on university diversity can be found here.
Notification & Inquiries
The Admissions Committee of the Graduate Group reviews each complete application and makes a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Dean makes the final decision and will notify the applicant. Inquiries about our group and the admissions process should be directed to etoxgradadvising@ucdavis.edu.