Applicants must submit materials as part of the UCSF Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) application. Please review the admission requirements and application process. 

If you are an international applicant, please review the additional criteria in the "International Applicants" section on this webpage.

Executive Track

Designed for experienced professionals seeking to expand their leadership capabilities and expertise in the evolving global regulatory landscape. Ideal applicants include professionals who:

• Have approximately 5–10 years (or more) of professional experience in healthcare, life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, government, or related industries.
• Aspire to leadership roles that require strategic expertise in regulatory science, policy, innovation, and emerging technologies.
• Seek to broaden their impact while continuing to work full-time.

Applicants will select their preferred track during the admissions process. Placement into either track is subject to approval by the program director.

Foundational Track

Designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking to build expertise in regulatory science and digital innovation. Ideal applicants include individuals who:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in a life science, biomedical science, engineering, public health, pharmacy, or a related field.
• Are interested in careers in the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, diagnostics, or digital health industries, regulatory agencies, consulting, or related sectors.
• Wish to develop expertise in regulatory science, drug development, artificial intelligence, digital health technologies, and health care innovation.

Describe your reasons for applying to the program, 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:

• What experiences have prepared you for graduate study in regulatory science and digital innovation?
• Why is the RSDI program the right fit for your academic and professional goals?
• How do you hope to contribute to – and benefit from – the program?
• What are your long-term career aspirations?

Please limit your personal statement to 1,000 words maximum.

Your résumé or CV should summarize your educational background, professional experience, research activities (if applicable), technical skills, leadership and service, honors and awards, and other experiences relevant to graduate study.

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate their academic ability, professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and readiness for graduate study. 

• Executive Track: Letters may come from academic or professional references. Applicants with significant work experience are encouraged to include current or former supervisors.
• Foundation Track: At least one letter must be from a professor or faculty member. The second letter may come from either an academic or professional reference, including a current or former supervisor for applicants with relevant work experience.

Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts during the application process. Official transcripts will be required only after an offer of admission has been accepted, following UCSF Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs procedures.

Submit all the required materials through the UCSF Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs application portal by the December 1, 2026 deadline.

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual admissions interview. The interview provides an opportunity for the admissions committee to learn more about your experiences, interests, and goals while allowing you to ask questions about the program. Applicants who are invited to interview will receive an admissions decision no later than February 1, 2027.

Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of each application, considering academic preparation, professional experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and alignment with the goals of the RSDI program.