HDS Application & Funding

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.

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 provide a succinct response for each of the four questions below. Each response should be limited to 500 characters maximum (approximately 75-85 words). The suggested topics under each question are guidance for your response, not separate questions to answer individually.

1. Why are you pursuing the UCSF Health Data Science [Master’s OR Certificate] program specifically?
   • Suggested topics to address:
     • What drew you to health data science as a field?
     • How does UCSF's program align with your specific goals and interests?
     • What unique aspects of our curriculum, faculty, or research opportunities make this the right fit for you?
2. Describe your quantitative and technical preparation for graduate-level health data science coursework.
   • Suggested topics to address:
     • Relevant coursework in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields
     • Experience with programming or data analysis (if any)
     • Any other relevant skills or experiences you’d like to share
3. What are your career aspirations, and how will this program help you achieve them?
   • Suggested topics to address:
     • Your post-graduation career goals (academia, industry, clinical research, etc.)
     • Specific skills, knowledge, or experiences you hope to gain from the program
     • How you will apply health data science methods in your intended career path
     • If your goals are still developing, how you see this program helping you clarify your direction
4. [Master's applicants only] What are your research interests in health data science, and how have your experiences prepared you for graduate research?
   1. Suggested topics to address:
      1. Specific areas within health data science that interest you most
      2. Research experience, publications, or significant projects (if any)
      3. Preliminary ideas for capstone research (if any)

You are welcome to share any other information that is not included in your CV or elsewhere in your application that might be relevant for the admissions committee to know, such as: What unique characteristics you bring and can contribute to a cohort of master’s students. If you have below a 3.0 GPA or if there is an area of potential concern in your transcript or CV, please address any extenuating circumstances. 

2,000 character limit including spaces.

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. The Health Data Science program minimum internet based TOEFT iBT score is 100.