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Demystifying the UCI Grad School Acceptance Rates and Application Process

uci math phd acceptance rate

As an education reform expert and UC Irvine insider, I‘m sharing my all-encompassing guide to help you crack the code on UCI graduate school admissions. With acceptance hovering around 30% overall but varying widely by department, you need expertise guiding your application strategy.

Lean on my comprehensive analysis of key statistics, trends, and tips tailored to your UCI success. Let‘s dive in!

Parsing UCI‘s Grad School Acceptance Rates by Program

Out of over 30,000 applicants vying for limited seats, only UCI‘s academic cream of the crop matriculate each fall. But acceptance hinges enormously on your field of study.

Across UCI‘s 12 schools and programs, 2017-2022 admit rates reveal striking contrasts:

Table 1. UCI graduate school acceptance rates by discipline:

Statistics Source: UCI Graduate Division, 2022

Surprised? From a hyper-competitive 21% admit rate for engineering to 50/50 odds in certain humanities, UCI acceptance demonstrates striking variability.

So rather than fixating on the "30% average" figure, applicants must target their strategy to actual rates in their intended school and program.

Now, let‘s explore the key drivers shaping UCI‘s admission decisions across disciplines.

What Impacts Your UCI Grad School Admissions Odds

While UCI employs a holistic review encompassing academics, test scores, experiences and more, a few vital factors weigh heaviest across programs:

Stellar Undergraduate Achievement

Your undergraduate transcript provides the first quantitative indicator of academic readiness for UCI‘s rigorous graduate curricula.

Across admitted students in 2022, average GPA stood at 3.7. Yet Environmental Engineering admits averaged 3.85, while History PhDs fell around 3.6.

So calibrate expectations to your field–a lackluster transcript likely necessitates compensating strengths elsewhere.

GRE Excellence: 80th Percentile+

With 125 points possible per GRE section, UCI‘s average admitted scores require calibrating expectations:

Table 2. Average GRE scores among admitted UCI graduate students:

Scoring below these benchmarks demands exceeding expectations through a phenomenal personal statement, research profile or other areas.

Glowing Recommendations

Beyond attesting to your scholarly potential, compelling letter writers illuminate your interpersonal leadership,persistence through challenges, and other intangibles core to UCI’s collaborative culture.

"We evaluate whether a student will thrive within and contribute to our community–not just their test scores,” notes UCI’s Psychology Chair Dr. Rizzo. “Balanced, enthusiastic recommendations offer that complete picture."

So choose your references strategically.

Demonstrated Research Excellence

With research spearheading graduate study, UCI prioritizes candidates exhibiting relentless curiosity through publications, presentations, lab roles, field study and other investigative work.

"Budding scholars who drive their own learning excite me tremendously," shares Epidemiology Professor Dr. Daniels. "I advise students to actively pursue research opportunities years before applying."

Follow her guidance by proactively developing this vital experiential foundation.

Clearly, UCI admissions spans well beyond numerical scores into a holistic portrait of your academic mindset and trajectory.

Next, let‘s move onto application tips and timelines.

8 Expert Application Tips for UCI Admissions Success

As an esteemed UC Irvine insider, I‘m sharing 8 ACTIONABLE application tips leveraging deep faculty perspectives:

1. Start Preparing Early

Begin studying for GRE tests or drafting your personal statement 12-18 months pre-application. Rushing pivotal materials jeopardizes conveying your best self.

"By working ahead gradually, students craft truly compelling, authentic narratives we remember," emphasizes Psychology Director Dr. Henley. "Procrastinated applications often look sloppy, reflecting poorly on applicants’ work ethic."

2. Pursue Opportunities Expanding Your Horizons

From academic conferences, research fellowships or volunteer work to prestigious roles in student government, pursue selective opportunities elevating your experiences beyond classroom walls.

Such extracurriculars demonstrate well-roundedness key for thriving in UCI’s collaborative culture centered on mutual enrichment.

3. Choose Recommenders Strategically

Secure letters from faculty mentoring your upper division honors coursework or research collaborations.

"Letters from instructors simply lecturing students lack the nuanced perspectives that admissions committees prioritize," notes Dr. Matthews, Associate Dean of Engineering. "We want deep exposure highlighting applicants’ critical thinking and technical abilities."

So select writers interfacing extensively with your scholastic development over time.

4. Explain Any Red Flags Proactively

If you lack certain expected experiences or face extenuating circumstances like health issues impacting your academics, thoughtfully address these preemptively through an addendum statement.

"Rather than appearing concerning, students thoughtfully explaining weaknesses demonstrate maturity and perseverance highly valued at UCI," shares Neurobiology Chair Dr. Kapur.

So get ahead of any questions underlying your application‘s facade.

5. Convey Your Personality Authentically

With UCI valuing students’ overall diversity of perspective, highlight extracurricular projects, travels or responsibilities unveiling your multifaceted intellectual identity.

"Well-rounded, curious scholars who think across disciplines match our campus DNA," says Education, Teaching and Learning Chair Dr. Brandt. "We reject robotic academic drones! Showcase what fires you up."

So move past grades and test scores alone to unveil your human essence.

6. Apply Only to Well-Matched Programs

With UCI graduate schools spanning vast numbers of degrees, research each program exhaustively to target best-fit options optimally aligned with your goals.

"Mismatched aspirations or poorly researched interests raise red flags on an applicant’s judgment," warns Psychology Director Dr. Kaplan. "We advise casting a focused net tailored to your aims."

By demonstrating tightly honed ambitions through tailored applications, your dedication shines through.

7. Start Early to Allow Proper Time

From drafting your personal statement to taking GREs to requesting letters, begin CHECKING OFF application to-do’s 12 months pre-deadline.

Without proper time cushions, rushed materials filled with typos or missing crticial information may tank your chances when competing against polished candidates applying ahead.

8. Pursue Feedback to Strengthen Your Candidacy

Ask advisors, mentors and UCI graduates to review your materials, then incorporate feedback intelligently.

"The strongest applicants display supreme self-awareness by continually assessing and improving their candidacy over time through external perspectives," notes Nursing Science Director Dr. Schultz.

So position your materials in front of critical eyes, and leverage insights to intensify your competitive edge.

In today‘s ultracompetitive admissions landscape, securing any advantage is crucial. Apply my tips to masterfully curate your application‘s tone, scope and impact!

Next, let‘s examine UCI application deadlines shaping your strategy.

UCI Graduate Application Timeline At-a-Glance

Preparing your application demands keen attention on pivotal deadlines across UCI‘s departments. Here‘s an at-a-glance timeline to pace yourself methodically:

June – August

  • Brainstorm application plan and prepare testing materials
  • Application portals open
  • Confirm test dates for GRE/GMAT

October – November

  • Request letters of recommendation
  • Draft personal statement and short answers

November – December

  • Submit finalized applications components
  • Application deadlines strike for most programs

January – mid April

  • Admissions decisions roll out on a rolling basis
  • Interview invites and acceptances land!

April – mid June

  • Accept offer and confirm enrollment

Late September

  • Matriculate at UCI!

With myriad moving pieces, applying demands methodical dedicationMonths before deadlines hit. Submit polished materials early, then celebrate when acceptance calls!!

Now let’s crystallize key insights so far…

Conclusion: Mastering the UCI Grad Admissions Formula

Simplify success. With UCI graduate acceptance hovering around 30% but fluctuating by discipline, mastering admissions requires targeted strategies aligning your experiences and passions with departmental priorities through compelling written narratives.

Shore up any weak spots like lackluster test scores or light research involvement with phenomenal letters of recommendation underscoring your perseverance and leadership intangibles core to the Anteater way.

Cast a focused net by applying only to select UCI graduate programs where research, curriculum details and faculty bios clearly resonate with your scholastic vision. Demonstrate meticulous dedication throughout the 9-12 month admissions marathon.

Do this, and I‘m confident an acceptance letter awaits in your future.

I wish you tremendous luck as you carry the Anteater torch forward into UCI’s next era of strategic thinkers and global change makers!

Please don‘t hesitate to reach out if any other questions arise about optimizing your UCI graduate school application.

uci math phd acceptance rate

A dedicated father and former high school English teacher, Chris's journey into education advocacy is both personal and profound. His passion for equitable education sparked not in the classroom, but at home, as he navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising his children within the public education system.

After receiving his Master's in Education, Chris embarked on a teaching career, enriching young minds with literature and critical thinking skills. However, it was his transition to full-time parenthood that brought a new dimension to his understanding of education. He witnessed firsthand the effects of underfunding and standardized test pressures on schools and students alike.

Motivated by these experiences, Chris took his advocacy to the digital world. His blog, born from a blend of professional insight and parental concern, delves into the nuances of educational policy, resource allocation, and the need for a balanced approach to student assessment. Chris's unique perspective as both educator and parent offers a compelling call to action for quality, accessible public education.

Chris, residing with his family in [City, State], continues to be a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others through his writings and community involvement.

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UC Irvine (UCI) Acceptance Rate by Major for 2023

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Adebayo Samson

February 5, 2024

The University of California Irvine receives 100s of thousands of applications annually and only accepts the best applicants.

This article explains the UC Irvine acceptance rate for 2023 first-year and transfer students and its admission statistics. Do you have what it takes to get into UCI?

Now, let’s get to business.

Table of Contents

Is UC Irvine hard to get into?

While UC Irvine can be very selective regarding admissions, getting in is doable. It’s one of the top 50 higher institutions in the nation, receiving thousands of applications annually. What else do you expect?

What’s funny is that you can even tick all the boxes and still get rejected or waitlisted. Some people blame UCI for yield protection when the institution doesn’t think they are a perfect fit.

Since most applicants have good enough grades and GPAs, improving areas, like essays and extracurricular activities, seems like the way to go. Just be more competitive.

There’s also the transfer student route which will save you money and increase your chances of getting in, especially if you study at a California community college . For example, a 3.40 unweighted GPA makes you eligible for the TAG program, whereas it doesn’t cut it for a first-year applicant.

Lastly, how difficult getting into UCI may be for you depends on your major. Competitive majors like nursing, CS, and the like require you to have more than just great grades.

UC Irvine acceptance rate 2023

The UC Irvine acceptance rate for the class of 2027 is 25.7% . This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 25 are admitted.

It received 121,095 freshman applications and 21,995 transfer applications for 2023. This sums up to over 143,000 applications.

Based on residency, UC Irvine’s out-of-state acceptance rate is 73.9% . The acceptance rate for international students is 37.8%, while that of California residents is 20.1% .

Also Read :

  • UC Merced acceptance rate
  • UC Santa Cruz’s acceptance rate
  • UC Riverside acceptance rate
  • UC San Francisco acceptance rate
  • UCLA acceptance rate

UCI transfer acceptance rate

An aerial view of UCI campus

UC Irvine has a transfer acceptance rate of 43.4% for 2023. This implies that out of every 100 transfer applicants, only about 43 are admitted.

When we compared the transfer admit data for 2023 to the previous year, UCI saw a 3.8% decrease in transfer applications and a 2.7% increase in the transfer acceptance rate.

Note : A minimum of 60 UC transferable semester units must have been completed before applying. Also, it is important to declare your major of interest in your application.

UC Irvine acceptance rate by major

Who gets into uci.

According to UCI’s admit data for fall 2021, these people are offered admission to study at UC Irvine.

  • 56.88% Female
  • 41.01% Male
  • 1.53% Undeclared
  • 0.58% Nonbinary
  • 50.29% California residents
  • 26.44% Out-of-state students
  • 22.11% International students
  • American Indian/Alaskan Native – 0.15%
  • Asian/Asian American – 29.52%
  • Black, non-Hispanic – 2.68%
  • Hispanic – 21.05%
  • Pacific Highlander – 0.10%
  • White, non-Hispanic – 15.59%
  • Two or more ethnicities (URM) – 2.34%
  • Two or more ethnicities (non-URM) – 3.71%
  • Unknown – 2.75%
  • International – 22.11%

SAT and ACT Averages

While UC Irvine does not use standardized test scores for admission or scholarships, some students submit them.

University of California Irvine GPA Requirements

First-year students who are residents of California need a minimum GPA of 3.0, while non-residents need a 3.4 GPA to apply. However, you need at least a 3.95 GPA on a 4.0 scale to get in.

On the other hand, in-state students need a 2.4 GPA, while non-Californians need a minimum GPA of 2.8 to transfer to the University of California Irvine.

The median GPA of students transferring from a California community college to UCI is 3.77 . That’s enough to apply for the TAG program.

UCI Admission Requirements

UC Irvine Verano

Below are some of the most important selection factors used by the admission committee at UC Irvine.

1. GPA . Your GPA is a good indicator of your academic excellence during high school or your previous institution. While UCI requires nothing less than a C in the 15 A-G subject courses, you need many As to stay competitive.

Being a class topper may also give you an edge over other applicants, especially if you are a California resident.

2. Residency . While most schools in the University of California system prefer in-state students, UC Irvine accepts more out-of-state students than California residents. This makes it one of the most oos-friendly institutions in the UC system.

This may be because non-residents pay about 3x of the normal cost of attendance and hence are the cash cows. Note that this doesn’t displace that a good chunk of its student body is in-state students.

3. Personal Statement . When filling out the UC application, applicants must answer 4 of the eight questions. Answers must not exceed 350 words each.

This part of the application is where most applicants ignore and write some regurgitated answers they got from the internet. Though mostly overlooked, it is an opportunity to distinguish yourself.

4. Extracurriculars . Activities such as community service, sports, educational clubs, demonstration of leadership skills, etc., complement the academic curriculum and are important if you want to get into UC Irvine. You may need to up your game if you have no extracurriculars because most applicants do.

5. Honors credits . Honors classes such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) are rigorous and are usually considered by all schools in the UC system. Students who earn good scores on these exams will receive credit toward graduation at UCI.

6. English Proficiency (for international students). International students who studied where English was not the language of instruction must submit proof of English language proficiency for admission.

UCI accepts tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, DET, etc., for admission purposes. Also, the score must be self-reported in the UC application.

By now, you know the UCI acceptance rate for the class of 2027 and its admission requirements for freshman and transfer admissions. UCI’s transfer selectivity rate is almost twice that of first-year students.

Sharing this article will go a long way and support us. Feel free to use the comment section if you have any questions or suggestions.

  • UCI Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Adebayo samson

Sam is a brilliant young Nigerian biochemistry student and an aspiring entrepreneur. Despite facing many challenges, he has never lost his passion for learning and drive to make a difference in the world. Read more about him here .

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UCI Mathematics

UCI Mathematics

Master's program, master of science in mathematics.

The Master's program serves a dual purpose.  For some students it will be a terminal program of mathematics education; for others it will lead to study and research at the doctoral level.  To earn the Master of Science degree, the student must: (1) satisfy course and (2) residency requirements, and (3) achieve two passes at the M.S. level among four exams in Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Algebra or Applied Mathematics.

To satisfy the exam requirements, students are required to take qualifying exams in Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Algebra or Applied Mathematics, which are offered in June and September or each year.  Students must pass two exams by the end of their first year, and they may not attempt to pass an exam in any particular area more than three times.

First year students are expected to take either Math 205 or Math 210; specific recommendation will be determined by assessment prior to the start of the students' first year by the Vice Chair of Graduate Studies, upon consultation with the Graduate Studies Committee. The students may pass the Comprehensive Exam in Analysis in lieu of achieving an M.S. pass in one of the qualifying exams that must be obtained prior to the start of their second year. 

The total number of required courses for the M.S. degree is 12, completed with satisfactory performance (B or better).   Students are required to complete at least one series of the following courses: Mathematics 210A-B-C, 220A-B-C, or 230A-B-C.  At most, one undergraduate course may count as an elective course, provided it is sponsored by rank faculty and approved by the Graduate Advisor.  At most, one elective course (of at least three units) is allowed outside the Department.

Students who fail to pass the required examinations within the period specified will be recommended for academic disqualification.

MATH 199, 297, 298, 299, and 399 may not be used to fulfill course requirements.

The residency requirement ordinarily is satisfied by full-time enrollment for three quarters immediately preceding the award of the M.S. degree.  When appropriate, a leave of absence may be granted between matriculation and the final quarters of study.

In order to confer the MS degree, one must advance to candidacy at the MS level, prior to the quarter in which they plan to graduate. If the candidate is not advanced before the beginning of the quarter in which all requirements are completed, the degree will not be conferred until the end of the following quarter.  Deadlines for submission of the Application for Advancement to Candidacy are published on the Graduate Division website , where filing fees and deadlines may also be found.

Master’s Exit Survey

o   All students earning a master’s degree whether comprehensive exam or thesis are now required to complete a master’s exit survey.  For those earning the MS degree via the comprehensive exam, the department will attach the verification of the exit survey to the final degree paperwork when submit to the Graduate Division.

Please note, only students earning a terminal master’s degree will complete the exit survey and receive e-mail confirmation to submit.  Doctoral students earning a master’s degree while working toward to the PhD will need to initially sign in to the master’s exit survey; however, they will not be required to actually complete the survey.  Instead, they will get a message on the screen saying they do not have to take the survey at this time; please print and submit to the Graduate Coordinator in order to be submitted with the MS final degree paperwork.  

Students whose degree objective is the PhD will only be required to take the doctoral exit survey, at the time they earn the doctoral degree.

PLEASE NOTE: Do not submit the MS exit survey at the time of advancement, it is submitted with the MS conferral paperwork.  You will be notified by the Graduate Coordinator when to submit the exit survey.

https://apps.grad.uci.edu/exitsurvey/

The Department of Education will not offer the MAT/Teacher Credential Program beginning 2016.  They will offer MAT + Credential.  MS Math Students who are interested in pursuing a teaching credential at UCI will need to formally apply to the MAT program and begin taking courses during the first summer session. 

For more information, please refer to the Department of Education: http://education.uci.edu/admissions/matwtc.php

  • Current Students
  • Prospective Students
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Faculty & Staff

Application Deadline: December 1

School of Biological Sciences

  • UC Irvine Home Page

School of Biological Sciences

Doctoral Programs

Departmental doctoral programs.

The School of Biological Sciences offers graduate training in a collaborative environment with several schools and graduate programs. This provides excellent research training and professional development for graduate students pursuing the doctorate. Training opportunities include broad areas of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences including Neuroscience, Immunology and Pathogenesis, Cancer Biology, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Systems and Computational Biology, Genomics, Structural Biology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers direct admission to the PhD program. However, the other BioSci departments offer admission through a gateway disciplinary program such as CMB or INP.

uci math phd acceptance rate

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is home to 38 faculty and about 60 doctoral students. Research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology uses a range of methodologies spanning field studies, experimental approaches, and computational approaches. Students and faculty have easy access to field sites that include marine, desert, and California chaparral communities. The faculty have diverse interests including evolutionary biology, population genetics, genomics, behavioral ecology, physiology, and global change biology. Faculty in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology have extensive collaborations with scientists in neuroscience, molecular biology, genomics and microbiomes, global climate biology, systems biology, mathematics, as well as with faculty at other institutions.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers admission directly to a departmental graduate program with full financial support. Students initiate research with a faculty thesis advisor while they take required coursework and complete other degree requirements. Departmental programs offer an excellent opportunity for students that have decided to work in a specific area or with an individual faculty supervisor

University of California, Irvine Student Learning Outcomes for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, PhD

School of Biological Sciences PLOs

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology M.S./Ph.D.

PLO1: Core Knowledge

  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biological sciences
  • Understand the current concepts in ecology, evolutionary biology, and organismal physiology
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a specialized discipline within ecology and evolutionary biology sufficiently to carry out substantive independent research

PLO2: Research Methods and Analysis

  • Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature
  • Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field
  • Design, conduct, and interpret their independent research projects
  • Understand the range of tools appropriate for research in their sub-field
  • Understand and follow research ethics

PLO3: Pedagogy:

  • Communicate effectively to large and small groups in pedagogical settings including teaching, research seminars, and other formats
  • Identify and effectively deploy suitable technologies for use in all aspects of instruction

PLO4: Scholarly Communication:

  • Review and discuss relevant literature and their significance
  • Publish research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation
  • Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues
  • Make clear and cogent oral presentations, including effective use of technology

PLO5: Professionalism

  • Write compelling abstracts describing their research for consideration at research conferences
  • Prepare oral presentations suitable for presentation at a research conference
  • Make effective contributions to research teams and learning seminars
  • Make effective contributions to department, university, community, and professional service
  • Mentor junior researchers (e.g., undergraduates, beginning graduate students)

PLO6: Independent Research

  • Develop their own research projects that meet high standards of theoretical and methodological rigor with lasting impact
  • Produce scholarship that is comparable in scope and format to articles that appear in leading peer-reviewed journals in ecology, evolutionary biology, and organismal physiology
  • Supervise junior researchers (e.g., high school students, undergraduates, beginning graduate students) effectively

Learning Outcomes by Department

Ecology and evolutionary biology, phd, neurobiology and behavior, phd.

Neurobiology and Behavior M.S./Ph.D.

  • Understand the current concepts in molecular biology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences
  • Demonstrate specialized knowledge of cellular and molecular biology sufficient to carry out substantive independent research
  • Produce scholarship that is comparable in scope and format to articles that appear in leading peer-reviewed journals in molecular and biomedical sciences

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, PhD

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry M.S./Ph.D.

  • Master current concepts in molecular biology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences
  • Acquire specialized knowledge of cellular and molecular biology sufficient to carry out substantive independent research

PLO2: Research Methods and Analysis 

  • Design, conduct, and interpret experiments to complete an original research project
  • Understand the range of tools appropriate for research in the specific sub-field
  • Appreciate and adhere to research ethics

PLO3: Pedagogy: 

  • Communicate effectively to small and large groups in pedagogical settings such as teaching and research seminars

PLO4: Scholarly Communication: 

  • Review and discuss relevant literature and its significance
  • Complete an individual development plan (IDP) at the time of entering the MBB program (Fall quarter of the 2 nd year) and update it annually
  • Submit fellowship proposals to private and governmental agencies to solicit independent funding for graduate research
  • Anticipate and meet the needs for professional transitions in a timely fashion (prior to degree completion)
  • Write compelling abstracts describing research for consideration at research conferences

PLO6: Independent Research 

  • Effectively supervise junior researchers (e.g., high school students, undergraduates, beginning graduate students)

Interdepartmental Doctoral Gateway Programs

Gateway programs offer admission to the doctoral programs affiliated with the Schools of Biological Sciences, Medicine, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Information & Computer Science. Students enroll for the first academic year while they do lab rotations and take required coursework. Then, students select a thesis advisor and transfer to a department and complete remaining degree requirements. Gateway programs offer students excellent opportunities to perform laboratory rotations with any of a large number of faculty participants in that program, and in many areas of biological sciences.

Dev Cell

Cellular Molecular BioSciences

The PhD program in Cellular & Molecular Biosciences (CMB) at UC Irvine provides ideal training to launch the careers of talented researchers in diverse fields of biological and biomedical sciences. With five different study focuses, the CMB PhD program gears future scientists to be ready for a diverse field.  The program offers a rigorous but flexible curriculum with an extensive choice of laboratories and allows students to tailor their training to individual interests and goals. Outstanding facilities, a collaborative culture, a commitment to diversity, and guaranteed on-campus housing all contribute to a productive graduate experience. Applicants receive full financial support that covers tuition, a generous stipend, and health insurance.

For more information, please visit the CMB website.

Woman holding Brain

Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program

Neuroscience is an inherently broad and multidisciplinary area of scientific pursuit and scholarship. It has intellectual links to fields as diverse as developmental and cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, psychology, computer science, and physics. The substantial breadth of Neuroscience is one of its strengths as a discipline, and one of the features that makes it an attractive and important area for graduate study. The Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (INP) provides a vehicle for meeting the diversity and challenges of graduate training in such a broad discipline. Neuroscience faculty from several departments and schools that represent many broad areas of research participate in the INP. Students may train with any participating faculty member and are exposed to a variety of approaches before deciding on a research area for focused dissertation work. After the initial year of academic coursework and laboratory rotations, students join the more specialized graduate program of their chosen thesis advisor.

uci math phd acceptance rate

Mathematical, Computational, and System Biology

The goal of UCI’s program in Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology (MCSB) is to provide students from a variety of academic backgrounds with doctoral training suitable for research careers in the nascent field of Systems Biology. The program emphasizes in-depth classroom study, interdisciplinary research rotations, and individualized advising. The MCSB Program is supported by funding from UCI’s Graduate Division, by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences grant to the UCI Center for Complex Biological Systems, and an NIH Training Grant.

The program begins with an initial “gateway” year, known as the Mathematical and Computational Biology (MCB) program, during which students receive basic training in principles of biology, as well as in mathematics, engineering and computer science. Students also participate in research rotations, workshops, and directed reading of the Systems Biology literature. Upon successful completion of the MCB year, students select a thesis advisor and complete the doctorate in departments throughout the biological, physical and information sciences and engineering. Students also have the option to complete a Doctorate in Mathematical Computational and Systems Biology directly from the MCSB program. The MCSB Gateway program provides complete financial support to admitted students during the first year, which includes an annual stipend, as well as full tuition and fee remission, including health benefits.

Related Doctoral Programs

  • Links to related doctoral programs

Pharmacological Sciences Doctoral Program

Cognitive Sciences Doctoral Program

  • Links to departmental doctoral programs

Developmental and Cell Biology

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Neurobiology and Behavior

Note: Only the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers direct admission to their PhD program. The 3 other BioSci departments offer training opportunities after entering an interdisciplinary gateway program such as CMB, INP or Mathematical Computational and System Biology.

University of California Irvine

  • Chancellor’s Message

Print Options

2023-24 edition.

  • Mathematics, B.S.

The Department offers a B.S. in Mathematics. Within this program there are seven tracks; besides the standard track, there are six specializations or concentrations (in Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Finance, Data Science, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Mathematics for Education, and Mathematics for Education/Secondary Teaching Certification). In addition, the Department offers minors in Mathematics and Mathematics for Biology.

Undergraduate mathematics courses are of several kinds: courses preparatory to advanced work in mathematics, the exact sciences, and engineering; courses for students of the social and biological sciences; and courses for liberal arts students and those planning to enter the teaching field.

Students may be admitted to the Mathematics major upon entering the University as freshmen, via change of major, or as transfer students from other colleges and universities. Information about change of major policies is available in the Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office and at the UCI Change of Major Criteria website . For transfer student admission, preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall and who have satisfactorily completed the required coursework of one year of approved calculus. Additional course work in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations is strongly recommended.

All students must meet the University Requirements . School Requirements: None.

Core requirements for all mathematics majors, requirements for the pure mathematics major, sample program — pure mathematics.

The Department offers two concentrations and three specializations. Note that all require the completion of an application and an interview with the faculty advisor for that concentration or specialization. Admission into a concentration or specialization is not guaranteed.  Students must complete the basic "Core" requirements for the B.S. in Mathematics along with the lower- and upper-division requirements specified for each concentration and specialization.

Requirements for Mathematics Major with a Concentration in Data Science

Admission to this specialization requires approval in advance by the Mathematics Department. Students need a GPA of 3.0 in all lower-division and upper-division MATH courses to be admitted to the concentration and must maintain the GPA to remain and graduate in the concentration. The admissions process begins with completing a form at the Department office, and includes an interview with the Department’s advisor for the specialization. This approval should be applied for no later than the end of the junior year.

Sample Program - Mathematics Major Concentrating in Data Science

Requirements for mathematics major with a concentration in mathematical finance.

Admission to this concentration requires approval in advance by the Mathematics Department. Students need a GPA of 3.0 in university mathematics courses to be admitted to the concentration and must maintain the GPA to remain and graduate in the concentration. The department may limit the number of students admitted into this concentration during impacted years. The admissions process begins with completing a form at the Department office and includes an interview with the Department’s advisor for the concentration. This approval should be applied for after the student has completed ECON 20A - ECON 20B , but no later than the end of the junior year.

Sample Program — Mathematics Major Concentrating in Mathematical Finance

Requirements for mathematics major with a specialization in applied and computational mathematics.

Admission to this specialization requires approval in advance by the Mathematics Department. The admissions process begins with completing a form at the Department office, and includes an interview with the Department’s advisor for the specialization. This approval should be applied for no later than the end of the junior year.

Sample Program — Mathematics Major Specializing in Applied and Computational Mathematics

Requirements for mathematics major with a specialization in mathematical biology.

Admission to this specialization requires approval in advance by the Mathematics Department. The admissions process begins with completing a form at the Department Office, and includes an interview with the Department’s advisor for the specialization. This approval should be applied for no later than the end of the junior year.

Sample Program — Mathematics Major Specializing in Mathematical Biology

Requirements for mathematics major with a specialization in mathematics for education.

Admission to this specialization requires approval in advance by the Mathematics Department. The admission process begins with completing a form at the Department office, and includes an interview with the Department’s advisor for the specialization. This approval should be applied for no later than the end of the junior year.

This specialization is designed to help prepare students for teaching mathematics. Students wishing to go on and teach at the intermediate and high school levels should also consult with an academic advisor in the School of Education. A Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved subject-matter program (SMP) in Mathematics can be easily satisfied in tandem with this specialization, and enables students to waive a subject matter exam for teachers. Specific SMP requirements and enrollment procedures are available from the School of Education.

Sample Program — Mathematics Major Specializing in Mathematics for Education

Requirements for mathematics major with a concentration in mathematics for education/secondary teaching certification.

Admission to this concentration requires approval in advance. The admission process begins with completing an Intent form at the Cal Teach Resource and Advising Center.

Following completion of the Intent form, students must complete an application in the Mathematics Department office and an interview with the Department’s advisor for the concentration. These approvals should be applied for no later than the end of the sophomore year.

This concentration allows students pursuing the B.S. in Mathematics to earn a bachelor’s degree and complete the required course work and field experience for a California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential at the same time. With careful, early planning, it is possible for students to complete both in four years. For additional information about teacher certification requirements and enrollment procedures, see Preparation for Teaching Science and Mathematics or contact the Cal Teach Resource and Advising Center. A Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved subject-matter program (SMP) in Mathematics can be satisfied in tandem with this concentration, and enables students to waive a subject matter exam for teachers. Specific SMP requirements and enrollment procedures are available from the Cal Teach Resource and Advising Center or the School of Education.

NOTE: Students may pursue either the concentration in Mathematics for Education/Secondary Teaching Certification or the specialization in Mathematics for Education, but not both.

Sample Program - Concentration in Mathematics for Education/Secondary Teaching Certification

The Honors Program in Mathematics is designed for students contemplating graduate work in mathematics. The program is open to junior and senior Mathematics majors who meet the minimum academic qualifications of a 3.5 GPA in Mathematics courses and a 3.2 GPA overall. It is highly recommended that students meet with the Honors Advisor by the beginning of their junior year to begin planning courses. Students should officially apply for the Honors Program no later than the Fall quarter of their senior year. Recognition for completing the program is conferred upon graduation.

Participants must meet the following requirements:

These requirements are in addition to the Mathematics major requirements and the requirements for any specialization/concentration. However,  MATH H120A - MATH H120B - MATH H120C  in item C may be used to satisfy upper-division electives or taken in place of  MATH 120A - MATH 120B - MATH 120C  and  MATH 121A - MATH 121B . Similarly,  MATH H140A - MATH H140B - MATH H140C  may be used to satisfy upper-division electives or taken in place of  MATH 140A - MATH 140B - MATH 140C  and  MATH 141 .

NOTE:  If all requirements are completed and the student’s work and final GPA satisfies the program restrictions, the student will graduate with Honors in Mathematics, and this distinction is noted on the transcript.

Sample Program — Mathematics Major Honors Program

In order to prepare for independent study/independent research, it is highly recommended that students take at least one course sequence in the field they are interested in studying. The following list contains the major mathematical disciplines and the course work suggested for completion prior to doing independent study in that field:

  • Applied Mathematics: MATH 117 and MATH 118
  • Algebra: MATH 120A - MATH 120B - MATH 120C
  • Probability and Statistics:  MATH 130A - MATH 130B - MATH 130C
  • Analysis: MATH 140A - MATH 140B - MATH 140C
  • Logic: MATH 150
  • Geometry: MATH 162A - MATH 162B
  • Number Theory: MATH 180A - MATH 180B

For all Mathematics majors, or prospective majors, assistance in planning a program of study is available from the School of Physical Sciences academic counselors, as well as from the Mathematics Department Undergraduate Advisor for the various tracks. The application process for the specializations and concentrations requires students to plan a program of study with the assistance of a faculty advisor ( https://www.math.uci.edu/undergraduate-studies/concentrations-and-specializations ).

Those in the specialization for Education should note that MATH 184 may not be offered more than once every other year and thus should be taken when offered.

  • Mathematics for Biology, Minor
  • Mathematics, M.S.
  • Mathematics, Minor
  • Mathematics, Ph.D.

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2023-2024 Catalogue

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 catalogue.

Admitted Student Profile

Snapshot of the 2023 Admitted First-Year and Transfer Classes

First-Year Applicants: 121,095 ​ First-Year Admits:  31,181 ​ First-Year Admission Rate: 25.7%

Transfer Applicants: 21,995 Transfer Admits: 9,545 Transfer Admission Rate:  43.5%

*as of August 2023

GPA Averages

If you’re like most applicants to UCI, you excelled in high school or your current higher education institution. Congratulations on your success!

But there’s more to a UCI student than a great academic record. At UCI, we also value uniqueness. So whether or not you have the highest GPA, we want to know what distinguishes you from everyone else.

Use the following statistics as a general guide to selectivity and  not  as a predictor of your chance for admission to UCI.

Weighted GPA

First-Year Median:  4.2 First-Year Middle 25% - 75%:  4.07-4.28

Unweighted GPA

First-Year Median: 3.95 First-Year Middle 25% - 75%: 3.86-4.00

Transfer GPA

Median GPA of CA Community College admits: 3.77

Learn more about UCI eligibility requirements

First-year applicants.

Prospective first-years must meet certain criteria to be eligible for admission. International students must also demonstrate English proficiency and score well on UCI-accepted entrance examinations. Learn more about first year admissions criteria .

Transfer Applicants

Prospective transfer students must meet certain criteria as well as  school-specific requirements  set by their intended school of study. International students must also demonstrate English proficiency.

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, uci majors acceptance rate.

Hey everyone, I'm applying to UCI soon and I'm trying to decide on a major. I'm curious if acceptance rates differ significantly between majors at UCI. Are there any majors that are known to have higher or lower acceptance rates than others? Thanks in advance!

Hello! While it's true that acceptance rates can vary between majors at certain universities, it's important to note that at UCI, the acceptance rate is generally competitive across most majors. That being said, there might be slight differences in the selectivity of different programs.

Some majors, such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Administration, can be a bit more competitive due to the high demand for these fields. On the other hand, majors in the humanities and social sciences might have slightly higher acceptance rates in comparison. Keep in mind, though, that these differences are usually not drastic, as UCI is a competitive institution overall.

When choosing a major, it's essential to prioritize your interests and passions rather than focusing solely on acceptance rates. Admissions officers want to see genuine enthusiasm for your chosen major. So, take the time to explore different fields, investigate the programs offered by UCI, and select the major that you find most engaging and align with your future goals.

Good luck with your application to UCI!

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COMMENTS

  1. Ph.D Program

    Completion of the PhD: Average completion time is 5.8 years; maximum time permitted is seven years. The Department will not financially support students past their sixth year in the PhD program. Completion of the PhD degree must occur within 9 quarters (three years) of advancement to PhD candidacy.

  2. Demystifying The UCI Grad School Acceptance Rates And Application

    Across UCI's 12 schools and programs, 2017-2022 admit rates reveal striking contrasts: Table 1. UCI graduate school acceptance rates by discipline: Field of Study. Acceptance Rate. Admissions Trend. Engineering. 21-31%. Slightly rising.

  3. Admission

    A completed UC Irvine Graduate Division online application, including the application fee ($135.00 for US Citizens/Permanent Residents, $155.00 for all other applicants). This payment must be paid by credit card only; checks will no longer be accepted. Please note that fee waivers are available to qualified domestic applicants only including ...

  4. Welcome to the UCI Mathematics Department Graduate Program homepage

    Each seminar is conducted by a faculty member specializing in the subject field. For seminar schedules go to Seminars/Colloquium at the department website. Department of Mathematics Program Learning Outcomes. Professor Knut Solna. Vice Chair of Graduate Studies. 440E Rowland Hall.

  5. acceptance to UC Irvine!! (I have questions for other Math people)

    Funny-Emotional. acceptance to UC Irvine!! (I have questions for other Math people) Applied Sciences. This is my first acceptance from any university for Fall 2022. It's also my top choice school!! I'm really excited!! I haven't heard any decisions yet from any other schools. I was admitted for a PhD in Mathematics.

  6. Mathematics, Ph.D. < University of California Irvine

    Mathematics, Ph.D. Overview. Requirements. Graduate courses are designed to meet the needs of students doing graduate work in mathematics and in those disciplines that require graduate-level mathematics for their study. Among the fields covered are analysis, algebra, applied and computational mathematics, mathematical biology, geometry and ...

  7. Home

    The Department of Mathematics at UCI is committed to excellence in research and education. Our top-notch faculty conduct active research in various fields of mathematics and its applications and has garnered numerous distinguished awards. Our undergraduate and graduate programs provide high quality education and research experience that prepare ...

  8. Requirements

    PhD Requirements Summarized. - By the beginning of the 2nd year: Pass Comprehensive exams in Algebra and Analysis. - By end of the 2nd year: Declare a major specialization. - By the beginning of the 3rd year: Select an advisor specialist in the major area and form a committee for the Advancement to Candidacy oral exam.

  9. FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions Welcome! Here you'll find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Admissions into UCI Graduate Programs. Note that these are general admissions questions and address overall campus admission requirements for graduate programs; for questions specific to your program of interest, please contact the program directly. Contact information can be found here ...

  10. UC Irvine (UCI) Acceptance Rate by Major for 2023

    UCI transfer acceptance rate. UC Irvine has a transfer acceptance rate of 43.4% for 2023. This implies that out of every 100 transfer applicants, only about 43 are admitted. When we compared the transfer admit data for 2023 to the previous year, UCI saw a 3.8% decrease in transfer applications and a 2.7% increase in the transfer acceptance rate.

  11. Master's Program

    The Master's program serves a dual purpose. For some students it will be a terminal program of mathematics education; for others it will lead to study and research at the doctoral level. To earn the Master of Science degree, the student must: (1) satisfy course and (2) residency requirements, and (3) achieve two passes at the M.S. level among ...

  12. Applying to UCI

    Applying to UCI UC Irvine offers a wide variety of highly ranked academic and professional degree programs, and we encourage talented and forward-thinking student from across the country and around the world to apply. Choose from over 120 degree programs taught by world-renowned faculty. Start Your Application Check Application Status Connect with a Grad Ambassador

  13. Mathematics M.S.

    Graduate Division 120 Aldrich Hall Irvine, CA 92697-3180 949-824-4611 [email protected]. Directions to/maps of UCI Campus. Questions? Graduate Admissions and Application Questions Contact Graduate Admissions. School or Program Inquiries Graduate Degree Programs. General Forms Forms and Applications.

  14. Doctoral Programs

    The goal of UCI's program in Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology (MCSB) is to provide students from a variety of academic backgrounds with doctoral training suitable for research careers in the nascent field of Systems Biology. The program emphasizes in-depth classroom study, interdisciplinary research rotations, and ...

  15. Mathematics, B.S. < University of California Irvine

    Similarly, MATH H140A-MATH H140B-MATH H140C may be used to satisfy upper-division electives or taken in place of MATH 140A-MATH 140B-MATH 140C and MATH 141. NOTE: If all requirements are completed and the student's work and final GPA satisfies the program restrictions, the student will graduate with Honors in Mathematics, and this distinction ...

  16. Admitted Student Profile

    Use the following statistics as a general guide to selectivity and not as a predictor of your chance for admission to UCI. ... 31,181 First-Year Admission Rate: 25.7%. Transfer Applicants: 21,995 Transfer Admits: 9,545 Transfer Admission Rate: 43.5% *as of August 2023. GPA Averages.

  17. UCI Majors Acceptance Rate

    While it's true that acceptance rates can vary between majors at certain universities, it's important to note that at UCI, the acceptance rate is generally competitive across most majors. That being said, there might be slight differences in the selectivity of different programs. ... SAT: 720 math. 200. 800 | 800 verbal. 200. 800. Gender not ...