Admissions

The MS in AICD3 degree program at UCSF provides a welcoming environment for a wide range of diversity in its student population, including students with disabilities. Typically, qualified applicants will have diverse backgrounds with an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences, genetics, chemistry, bioinformatics, pharmacology, engineering or pharmacy. We encourage applicants with a strong quantitative background and an interest in computational drug discovery and development to apply.

Criteria for evaluation

Our program is committed to increasing equity in our application process and will be as transparent as possible.

The following categories are used by the admissions committee to evaluate and rank candidates during the application review process.

The committee reviews all categories and academic accomplishments in the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion for a more equitable selection process. For example, scholarly potential is evaluated in the context of the applicant’s access to resources and opportunities. Letters of recommendation are carefully interpreted given the implicit biases present when describing people from different demographic backgrounds or gender.

Desired Academic Backgrounds

  • Preferred degree backgrounds:
    These degrees should demonstrate the applicant’s capability for success in technical studies Applicants with degrees in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Bioengineering
    • Bioinformatics
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Computer Science
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Statistics
    • Data science
    • Mathematics

Academic preparation

  • Essential Courses

    • Calculus, Introductory Class to Programming, and at least one from the following:

      • Biology

      • Chemistry

      • Physiology

      • Biochemistry

  • Typical standard of competitive applicants in this category:

    • Science/STEM classes with rigorous coursework, or (as a proxy) rigorous institution/program

    • High GPA in STEM (last two years of your most recent degree)

    • At least 1-2 years of computational research experience related to computational drug discovery and development

Scholarly potential

  • Found in CV/resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose

Life skills

  • Found in statement of purpose and letters of recommendation

  • Excellent self-management

  • Clear evidence of leadership

  • Initiative

  • Extracurricular accomplishment (service, engagement, or outreach), commitment, or mentorship

  • Relevant life skills acquired from personal distance traveled or adversity overcome

Program fit or match

  • Found in statement of purpose

Application window

If you are an interested student, sign up to stay informed about any updates or the latest news regarding the admission process and timelines.

We do not accept applications on a rolling basis.

The application for Fall 2025 is now closed. 

Information Sessions

We will not be holding any further information sessions for the remainder of 2024. If you would like to receive a recording of the sessions, please contact [email protected].

Requirements

Overview

The minimum degree requirement for application is a bachelor’s degree. There are other requirements as specified by the Graduate Division. See Admission Requirements and Application Process.

The following materials are required for program admission:

2 letters of recommendation

Preferably from recommenders who are familiar with your research experience.

Personal statement

Please limit your personal statement to two pages maximum (single- or double-spaced, 500 to 1,000 words). Describe your reasons for applying to the MS in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Drug Discovery and Development (AICD3) program at UCSF, including your preparation, research interests, career plans, and any relevant aspects of your background that demonstrate your motivation for graduate study. 

Here are some prompts to guide your statement:

  • Why are you interested in the AICD3 Program?
  • How will completing the program help you achieve your career and/or professional objectives?
  • What motivates you to pursue graduate education within the AICD3 Program?
Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for review purposes only. High school transcripts are not required. Final official transcripts must be submitted upon enrollment if an offer of admission is extended.

Non-refundable fee

This fee is set by the Graduate Division. Need-based fee waivers are available for domestic applicants. Details are provided in the application.

We no longer require or accept GRE scores.

Admissions interview

Prospective candidates will be invited to participate in an admissions interview conducted virtually. This is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and learn about the program. 

Candidates that were invited to interview will be informed of their admissions decisions by March 19th the latest.

International applicants

In addition to the following, please review the international admission requirements set by the UCSF Graduate Division.

Submit TOEFL score

International applicants must also submit TOEFL (administered by ETS or the IELTS) scores to institution code 4840. Exemptions to this requirement are available. Details: minimum scores and exemptions.

Submit WES report by mid-point of first term

Once you have been granted admission to UCSF, any transcripts you submitted in support of your application from institutions outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES), an accredited third-party credential evaluation service. Students are responsible for submitting an official WES transcript evaluation report to UCSF by the mid-point of the first term enrolled. Do not send physical copies of your WES evaluation through the mail.

Translation

International transcripts that are translated into English from another language may be used only to make preliminary admission decisions. WES does not translate documents and requires precise, word-for-word translations when your academic documents are not issued in English. Be sure to allow enough time for your institution to translate and provide your documents to WES in English.

FALL 2025 APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED. 

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