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.
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 admissions essays.
- Request letters of recommendation.
- Prepare for the TOEFL (or IELTS) exam.
October
- Begin filling out the application online.
December
- Finalize admissions essays.
- 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.