Thank you for your interest in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (DEB) Clinical and Epidemiological Master's or Certificate program. This page covers what to expect from the application, including applicant qualifications, application requirements, how to apply, and program fees/financial aid. We look forward to receiving your application.
Application timeline
October 1, 2026: Application period opens for the 2027-28 year
January 15, 2027: Priority deadline*
- Applications received by this date will be reviewed first.
- International students and students coming from outside the San Francisco Bay area are highly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline.
March, 30 2027: Final application deadline
Mid-July 2027: Admitted students begin courses
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with decisions expected to release within 6 weeks after we determine your application is complete and ready for review. Early application submission is particularly encouraged for applicants from outside of the San Francisco Bay Area who may require housing or student visas and for applicants who will need to apply for financial aid.
Application Requirements
We require transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended after high school. For the application, you may use an unofficial version of your transcript and upload the PDF for review purposes only. Please provide ONLY current versions. Enrollment reports from your student portal, screen shots, and/or other course listings are not accepted. If you have earned multiple degrees from one institution, please list each degree separately (i.e., create a new entry). Note that if you were required to also complete the California High Schools page, the high school will show below as well.
If you have a non-U.S. transcript, we request an English translation with course equivalencies and 4-point GPA scale if at all possible.
If offered admission, you will be required to submit, at your cost, final official versions of your transcript (for U.S. institutions), or an evaluation from preselected servicers (for non-U.S. institutions) by the second week of instruction.
We require three Letters of Recommendation for the Master's application
For certificate applicants, you are only required to include one letter of recommendation.
These letters should be from individuals who are familiar with the nature of your preparation for graduate school and who can provide insight into your potential to succeed as a scientist. We require that at least one letter be from someone who is familiar with your academic strengths and weaknesses, ideally a faculty member with whom you have worked during your education.
Include all applicable information, including but not limited to: education; honors and awards; positions held; membership and service in societies; research experience/projects; computer skills; language proficiency; extracurricular interests; and community service.
Please describe your reasons for interest in the program. Include your objectives, clinical and research interests, and how acceptance into the program can help you accomplish these (2000 characters limit)
Please use this space to share any additional information you would like us to know about your background or application. If available, please include your UCSF Mentor's name and department in this section.
U.S. citizens or permanent residents may qualify for an application fee waiver. International applicants are not eligible to apply for fee waivers. See guidelines on Application Fee Waivers to determine your eligibility for this exemption. To request the waiver, select the “application fee waiver” option in the payment area of the online application.
International applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English. There are two ways to meet this English language proficiency requirement, which are outlined on the Graduate Division’s International Admission Requirements
Fees & Financial Aid
The master’s program is a minimum two-year course of study that requires registration for seven quarters.
The student fees for the master’s program are posted on the Office of the Registrar's student fees page for the current academic year. The two year master's program fees are $68,446 in academic year 2026-27.
Figures for systemwide fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual systemwide fees are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.
- Students do not pay Student Health & Counseling Services Fee, Student Health Insurance Fee, or Student Health & Counseling Supplemental Fee; therefore, these services are not available to students
- Fees are the same for all master's students, regardless of residency status in California or the United States.
- The fees do not include the cost of books, software, supplies, housing, or personal expenses.
The Certificate program is a one-year course of study that requires registration for four quarters.
Fees for the Certificate program are posted on the Office of the Registrar student fees page for the current academic year (click on Graduate Division, search Advanced Training in Clinical Research - Certificate). The total fees for the one-year program are $34,233 in academic year 2026-27.
Figures for systemwide fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual systemwide fees are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.
- Students do not pay student government fees, Student Health & Counseling Services Fee or Student Health Insurance Fee; therefore, these services are not available to students.
- Fees are the same for all certificate students, regardless of residency status in California or the United States.
- The fees do not include the cost of books, software, supplies, housing, or personal expenses.
UCSF Student Financial Services offers opportunities for students to apply for federal loans or federal work-study jobs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note that students in self-supported programs, including Clinical and Epidemiological Research, are not eligible for gift aid or need-based grants.
Please note that only US citizens and eligible noncitizens are eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Refer to the Federal Student Aid website for additional information regarding eligibility.
Non-US citizens and non-permanent residents are eligible for private educational loans. Please refer to the UCSF Student Financial Services website if you are an AB 540 student or international student.
Applicants from outside the US must be eligible to obtain an F-1 visa and demonstrate they have financial support to attend the program and live in the US. If you are offered admission, the UCSF International Students and Scholars Office must document and verify your ability to cover the costs of study first before the I-20 form (required to obtain your student visa) can be issued.
