Preparing to Apply

Learn About Our Application Process

Applying to any graduate program requires adequate planning and preparation to ensure that your application is successful. Our timeline for applying includes the recommended timing and steps to take when planning your application. Since many of our applicants and current students come from non-materials science and engineering backgrounds, we have also outlined recommended coursework to be completed prior to applying to our program.

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Applying Without a Materials Science and Engineering Background

Depending on the degree track, students without a materials science and engineering background are welcome to apply to our program. Reviewers will be looking for satisfactory completion of coursework in the following subjects:

Subject	UC Davis Equivalent Courses
Single variable calculus	MAT 021A, MAT 021B
Multi variable calculus	MAT 021C, MAT 021D
Linear algebra	MAT 022A
Differential equations	MAT 022B
Classical mechanics	PHY 009A, PHY 009B
Electromagnetism	PHY 009C
Quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics	PHY 009D
General chemistry	CHE 002A
Thermodynamics	CHE 002B
Kinetics and electrochemistry	CHE 002C

Applicants who have completed at least a portion of the following coursework would be especially well-suited for a graduate degree in our program:

Subject	UC Davis Equivalent Courses
Properties of engineering materials	ENG 045
Thermodynamics of materials	EMS 160
Structure and characterization of materials	EMS 162
Kinetics of materials	EMS 164
Functional properties of materials	EMS 172
Mechanical properties of materials	EMS 174

Applicants who have completed the equivalent of UC Davis's ENG 45 and/or upper-division materials science and engineering courses are especially well-suited for a graduate degree in our program.

Application Timeline

Below is our recommended, but not required, timeline for applying to our program. We strongly encourage all applicants to take standardized tests by October to ensure a timely submission of scores, as we are not able to make an admissions decision until all application materials have been received.

September

Research potential faculty mentors.
Draft your personal statement and personal history and diversity statements.
Request letters of recommendation.
Prepare for the TOEFL (or IELTS) exam.

October

Begin filling out the application online.

December

Finalize personal statement and personal history and diversity statements.
Submit application.

January

Upload transcripts to system.
Periodically check your application status via the online system to ensure that test scores and letters of recommendation have been received.

February

File a FAFSA form (if applicable).
Begin receiving notification of admissions decision.