PhD Program
Please note that we have two PhD programs:
1 Chemistry Graduate Program, and
2 Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology BMSB Graduate Program.
NOTE: While UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry department does not offer a traditional Master’s degree program, we offer a Master’s degree focused on Applied Chemistry. For more information, please see MACS Program Web Site » .
Application Deadlines
- The deadline for Chemistry applications is December 1, 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time.
- The deadline for Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology BMSB applications is December 5, 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time.
Application Fees
- $120: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
- $140: All other applicants
Fee waivers are available for applicants who participated in an eligible program or demonstrate financial need. There are no exceptions. To see if you are eligible, visit the Fee Waiver section in https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/research-requirements/
Application
Complete the UCLA Graduate Application https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/admission-application-for-graduate-admission/. You will create an application account and you may complete the application throughout multiple sessions by logging back in. Complete all required sections.
University regulations do not permit an applicant to apply to more than one major. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry does not participate in concurrent or articulated degree programs.
Cohort Data
Click on
for information about Chemistry PhD 2014-2018 incoming student profiles, including: gender, citizenship, and ethnicity/race.
Click on
for information about BMSB PhD 2014-2018 incoming student profiles, including: gender, citizenship, and ethnicity/race.
How to Apply – US Domestic Students
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Graduate Record Examination GRE
The general GRE test is required for Chemistry applications and optional for Biochemistry applications. Self-report your score and upload an unofficial copy. Please Note the Following Update: The Chemistry program is waiving the GRE requirement for Fall 2024 for all applicants (this includes international applicants).
If you self-report your test scores on the application, we will accept your official GRE score after the application deadline.
The subject GRE test is not required for domestic applicants i.e. US Citizens and Permanent Residents but applicants may report their subject exam if they choose to do so.
If you take more than one GRE exam, you may input your best scores for each section into the application and upload all unofficial copies.
Request that all official GRE scores be sent to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
- GRE Codes
- GRE UCLA code: R4837
- Chemistry department: 0301
- Biochemistry department: 0202
Transcripts & GPA
Report your undergraduate GPA in the correct fields. The minimum cumulative GPA for graduate applicants is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale “B” average. You will have the option to report your major GPA. Upload one copy of a transcript for each institution you attended for your undergraduate degree and if applicable, graduate degree.
UCLA does not require your official transcript unless you are accepted into the program. If you are accepted, we will request that you send official transcripts. Uploaded unofficial copies are sufficient for the application.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is an integral part of your application for graduate admission and consideration for merit-based financial support. It is used to understand your academic interests, and to evaluate your aptitude and preparation for graduate work, as well as your fit with the proposed program of study. It is also used to assess your ability to write coherent and convincing prose.
Instructions: Respond to the following. Your statement can be up to 500 words in length approximately 1-page, single spaced, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font. You do not need to answer every question; focus on the elements that you feel are most relevant to your candidacy.
- What is your purpose in applying for graduate study in your specified degree program? Describe your areas of interest, including any subfields or interdisciplinary interests.
- What experiences have prepared you for advanced study or research in this degree program? What relevant skills have you gained from these experiences? Have your experiences led to specific or tangible outcomes that would support your potential to contribute to this field examples: performances, publications, presentations, awards or recognitions?
- What additional information about your past experience may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA? For example, you may wish to describe research, employment, teaching, service, artistic or international experiences through which you have developed skills in leadership, communication, project management, teamwork, or other areas.
- Why is the UCLA Chemistry/Biochemistry graduate program the best place for you to pursue your academic goals? We encourage you to indicate specific research interests and potential faculty mentors.
- What are your plans for your career after earning the PhD?
Personal History Statement
The Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA. It will also be used to consider candidates for the Cota-Robles fellowship.
Instructions: Respond to one or more of the following prompts.
Your statement can be up to 500 words in length 1-page, single spaced, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font. To be considered for the Cota-Robles fellowship, be sure to describe your contributions to diversity. The University of California Diversity Statement can be found online:
https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/governance/policies/4400.html
- Are there educational, personal, cultural, economic, or social experiences, not described in your Statement Purpose, that have shaped your academic journey? If so, how? Have any of these experiences provided unique perspectives that you would contribute to your program, field or profession?
- Describe challenges or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education. What motivated you to persist, and how did you overcome them? What is the evidence of your persistence, progress or success?
- How have your life experiences and educational background informed your understanding of the barriers facing groups that are underrepresented in higher education?
- How have you been actively engaged e.g., through participation, employment, service, teaching or other activities in programs or activities focused on increasing participation by groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education?
- How do you intend to engage in scholarly discourse, research, teaching, creative efforts, and/or community engagement during your graduate program that have the potential to advance diversity and equal opportunity in higher education?
- How do you see yourself contributing to diversity in your profession after you earn your advanced degree at UCLA?
Research Statement
Describe your research experience and interests in the Research Experience section. In the Faculty of Interest section, report the top 3 faculty members you are interested in working with. For the Chemistry program, the application will prompt you to pick your top 3 specialization choices.
3 Letters of Recommendation are Required
Input the name and email address of each recommender. UCLA will send an automated email with instructions to your recommender. Your recommender will have the opportunity to complete the evaluation online and upload their letter pdf format. The letters must come directly from your recommender and cannot be mailed by the student. Recommendation letters must be uploaded by the deadline. Your recommenders will be able to submit their letters of recommendation once your application is submitted.
English-Language Exam
Domestic students who received their degree from a university outside the United States or in a country where English is not the primary spoken language nor the medium of instruction must take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Visit this website for more information: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements/
Minimum TOEFL & IEFLS requirements:
- TOEFL: Your overall TOEFL score must be an 87 or higher. The department requires a minimum speaking score of 24.
- IELTS: Your overall IELTS band score must be 7.0 or higher. The department requires a minimum speaking score of 7.0.
- TOEFL codes
- Institution code: 4837
- Chemistry: 62
- Biochemistry BMSB: 34
Documents to be Uploaded by Applicant:
- Statement of purpose,
- Personal statement,
- Research statement,
- Resume or CV,
- Unofficial transcripts,
- Unofficial GRE scores,
- Publications if applicable,
- Fee – US Domestic Students waiver program or financial verification if applicable,
- Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS scores if applicable
A writing sample is not required for our department. If the system continues to prompt you to upload a writing sample, you may upload a document that states “not required”.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
Once you have checked that your application is complete and all information is correct, you should pay the application fee or submit a fee waiver.
Fee waiver eligibility: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/research-requirements/Please note that paying the application fee does not mean you submitted the application. After you pay, the system will prompt you to submit your application.
How to Apply – International Students
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Graduate Record Examination GRE
The Chemistry program is waiving the GRE requirement for Fall 2023 applicants.
The general GRE test is required for all Chemistry applicants (unless waived for the current year). The subject GRE test is required for Chemistry international applicants, but not BMSB applicants.
Chemistry international applicants should register for the Chemistry subject GRE exam early as it may be offered only 1-2 times annually in some countries.
Self-report your GRE scores and upload an unofficial copy to the application.
If you self-report your test scores on the application, we will accept your official GRE score after the application deadline.
If you take more than one GRE exam, you may input your best scores for each section into the application and upload all unofficial copies.
Request that all official GRE scores be sent to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
- GRE Codes
- GRE UCLA code: R4837
- Chemistry department: 0301
- Biochemistry department: 0202
English-Language Exam: TOEFL or IELTS
International applicants who received their undergraduate degree outside the United States or in another country where English is not the primary spoken language of daily life and not the medium of instruction must take the TOEFL or IELTS exam
Minimum TOEFL & IEFLS Requirements:
- TOEFL: Your overall TOEFL score must be an 87 or higher. The department requires a minimum speaking score of 24.
- IELTS: Your overall IELTS band score must be 7.0 or higher. The department requires a minimum speaking score of 7.0.
- Visit this website for more information: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements/
- TOEFL codes
- Institution code: 4837
- Chemistry: 62
- Biochemistry BMSB: 34
Transcripts
Upload one copy of a transcript for each institution you attended for your undergraduate degree and if applicable, graduate degree. Submit two copies of your official transcripts to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. One copy in English and one copy in the language of instruction are required.
Once you graduate, request that two copies of your diploma and certificate be mailed to our department. One copy in English and one copy in the language of instruction are required.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is an integral part of your application for graduate admission and consideration for merit-based financial support. It is used to understand your academic interests, and to evaluate your aptitude and preparation for graduate work, as well as your fit with the proposed program of study. It is also used to assess your ability to write coherent and convincing prose.
Instructions:
Respond to the following. Your statement can be up to 500 words in length approximately 1-page, single spaced, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font. You do not need to answer every question; focus on the elements that you feel are most relevant to your candidacy.
- What is your purpose in applying for graduate study in your specified degree program? Describe your areas of interest, including any subfields or interdisciplinary interests.
- What experiences have prepared you for advanced study or research in this degree program? What relevant skills have you gained from these experiences? Have your experiences led to specific or tangible outcomes that would support your potential to contribute to this field examples: performances, publications, presentations, awards or recognitions?
- What additional information about your past experience may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA? For example, you may wish to describe research, employment, teaching, service, artistic or international experiences through which you have developed skills in leadership, communication, project management, teamwork, or other areas.
- Why is the UCLA Chemistry/Biochemistry graduate program the best place for you to pursue your academic goals? We encourage you to indicate specific research interests and potential faculty mentors.
- What are your plans for your career after earning the PhD?
Personal History Statement
The Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA. It will also be used to consider candidates for the Cota-Robles fellowship.
Instructions: Respond to one or more of the following prompts. Your statement can be up to 500 words in length 1-page, single spaced, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font. To be considered for the Cota-Robles fellowship, be sure to describe your contributions to diversity. The University of California Diversity Statement can be found online:
https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/governance/policies/4400.html
- Are there educational, personal, cultural, economic, or social experiences, not described in your Statement Purpose, that have shaped your academic journey? If so, how? Have any of these experiences provided unique perspectives that you would contribute to your program, field or profession?
- Describe challenges or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education. What motivated you to persist, and how did you overcome them? What is the evidence of your persistence, progress or success?
- How have your life experiences and educational background informed your understanding of the barriers facing groups that are underrepresented in higher education?
- How have you been actively engaged e.g., through participation, employment, service, teaching or other activities in programs or activities focused on increasing participation by groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education?
- How do you intend to engage in scholarly discourse, research, teaching, creative efforts, and/or community engagement during your graduate program that have the potential to advance diversity and equal opportunity in higher education?
- How do you see yourself contributing to diversity in your profession after you earn your advanced degree at UCLA?
Research Statement
Describe your research experience and interests in the Research Experience section. In the Faculty of Interest section, report the top 3 faculty members you are interested in working with.
For the Chemistry program, the application will prompt you to pick your top 3 specialization choices.
3 Letters of Recommendation are Required
Input the name and email address of each recommender. UCLA will send an automated email with instructions to your recommender. Your recommender will have the opportunity to complete the evaluation online and upload their letter pdf format. The letters must come directly from your recommender and cannot be mailed by the student. Recommendation letters must be uploaded by the deadline.Your recommenders will be able to submit their letters of recommendation once your application is submitted.
Documents to be Uploaded by Applicant:
- Statement of purpose,
- Personal statement,
- Research statement,
- Resume or CV,
- Unofficial transcripts,
- Unofficial GRE scores,
- Publications if applicable,
- Fee – US Domestic Students waiver program or financial verification if applicable,
- Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS scores if applicable
Statement of purpose, personal statement, research statement, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, unofficial general and subject GRE scores, publications if applicable, fee waiver program or financial verification if applicable, unofficial TOEFL or IELTS scores if applicable
A writing sample is not required for our department. If the system continues to prompt you to upload a writing sample, you may upload a document that states “not required”.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
Once you have checked that your application is complete and all information is correct, you should pay the application fee or submit a fee waiver.
Only students in certain programs or who meet the financial requirements are eligible for a fee waiver, no exceptions.
Fee Waiver Eligibility:
Please visit
for more information on fee waiver eligibility:
https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/research-requirements/
Please note that paying the application fee does not mean you submitted the application. After you pay, the system will prompt you to submit your application.
Graduate Office Address:
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate Office
University of California, Los Angeles
4009 Young Hall, BOX 95159
607 Charles E. Young Drive East
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569
If you experience technical difficulties with your application, please contact technical support: onlineapphelp@grad.ucla.edu or call 310 206-3411
For application questions not addressed on this website, visit our FAQ site link or contact: chemgrad@chem.ucla.edu
For general UCLA Graduate Division requirements and common application questions, please visit UCLA’s Graduate Division website: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/