Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to apply to the doctoral program?
The application deadline is January 15th. As long as the application is on time we will allow supporting materials to follow. Exceptions to the application deadline are reviewed on a case by case basis. Requests should be made to msibley@uci.edu.
What is the admission process?
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as files are reviewed upon receipt, although offers may be made up until mid-April. Applicants are often invited to visit, either individually or as part of a group. Students are always welcome to visit on their own. We are happy to assist you in planning your visit and arranging meetings. Please contact msibley@uci.edu.

What should I write about in my personal statement or statement of purpose?
For admission to the ESS Ph.D. program you should focus on your statement of purpose. This can usually be handled in about one page. The information we are most interested in is why you wish to study Earth System Science at UCI. We want to know what your research interests are, your career objectives, any experience you may have, and any faculty members that you might be interested in working with.

Is there funding available for the Ph.D. program?
Full funding is available for all Ph.D. students. Students are encouraged to apply for any scholarships and fellowships for which they might be eligible.
What is the coursework like?
ESS has a core curriculum, consisting of 19 five-week courses which are completed in the first year. In addition, students are required to take one elective course and attend Seminars and Special Topics courses throughout their studies.
What kind of academic training do I need for the ESS doctoral program?
Applicants should have a scientific background, with an undergraduate degree in natural science (Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Biology) or a related field such as Applied Mathematics or Engineering. Preparation should include mathematics, through differential equations, and a yearlong sequence of physics and chemistry. The core curriculum addresses the interdisciplinary aspect of the department, offering a wide breadth of courses, recognizing that students will have very different backgrounds and experiences.
What if I have not completed all of the required course work?
We admit students with very different backgrounds - geology, chemistry, biology, even economics, so we try to be flexible about requirements. We are careful that students have sufficient quantitative background to succeed in the course work. If a student is missing one course (like differential equations) but has everything else, a summer course or study program might be recommended. Other than basic math, chemistry, and physics, we have no fixed requirement for undergraduate course work.
Is there housing available for graduate students?
Yes. UCI has guaranteed graduate housing for incoming students. Students are encouraged to apply early for housing regardless of admission status. For more information, or to apply, please see http://www.housing.uci.edu/graduate/.
Do I need to contact individual faculty when applying?
We encourage you to review our faculty web pages and the research currently taking place here. If you do have specific research ideas or faculty advisors in mind please do not hesitate to e-mail individual faculty directly (http://www.ess.uci.edu/faculty/).
Does ESS have a Master's Degree program?
No. Students in the Ph.D. program are awarded a Master's Degree when they Advance to Candidacy, but there is not a terminal Master's Degree program.
Can admitted students start before the fall quarter begins?
Absolutely! We encourage students to start early to get settled and perhaps begin working on research or in a lab (subject to faculty approval). Coming early gives students and excellent opportunity to get familiar with campus and the department before coursework begins.
How many quarters can I expect to be a teaching assistant?
Three quarters of teaching assistant funding is the standard in ESS. We consider being a TA an excellent opportunity to learn pedagogical techniques as well as serve the department, but the majority of your academic career in ESS is devoted to research.
Are the General GRE, Subject GRE, or any other type of exam, such as A.P. exams, required?
We require General GRE's, scores are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Scores should be directed to institution code R4859. There is not a specific department code.