Thank you for your interest in the Genetics, Genomics, & Bioinformatics (GGB) Graduate Program at U.C. Riverside! Our program is unique, encompassing all facets of contemporary research within genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics. We provide innovative state-of-the-art interdisciplinary training in these fields. More than 75 faculty from the following departments participate in the GGB Graduate Program.
Our faculty are not only leaders in their fields but also exceptional mentors to graduate students. This combination makes for a vibrant and productive graduate program.
Apply to the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics Graduate Program
Application Information
- Program Entry Requirements
- Application Deadline
- Financial Support
- Program Admission Rubric
- Contacting Faculty Before Applying
- Exam Requirements
- Transcripts and Degree Diplomas
- WES iCAP Course by Course Evaluation
- Letters of Recommendation
- Supporting Materials
- Application Fee
- Application Fee Waivers - From University
- Application Fee Waivers - From Program
- Start Your Application
- Contact Us
Program Entry Requirements:
The Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics (GGB) Graduate Program accepts students with a diverse array of academic training given the breadth of our curriculum and faculty research interests. An undergraduate degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution with a major appropriate to the proposed graduate program is required. Some International Applicants may also be required to have an M.S. Degree.
The GGB Graduate Program has separate entry requirements for applicants coming from a genetics/molecular or bioinformatics/computational background. Occasionally, students enter the GGB Graduate Program and have not taken all of the entry-level classes. In these instances, the graduate student takes the needed background class(es) in the first quarter in residence.
| Background in Genetics and Molecular Biology | Background in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or Statistics |
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| * If you are missing any of the entry requirements, they will be consider as deficiencies. If admitted into the program, will you have the opportunity to take these missing courses in your first year. | |
Admission to the GGB Graduate Program is recommended by the GGB Admissions Committee. Admission is based on a number of factors, including academic degrees and records, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, and relevant experience. The appropriateness of the applicant's goals to the degree program and its relationship to the research interests of the faculty is also considered.
GGB Application Deadline:
Application opens in September for the subsequent Fall quarter admission. (i.e. September 2025 for Fall 2026 admission)
The deadline Fall 2027 application deadline is December 1, 2026 11:59 PM (PST). The system will not accept applications after this deadline.
Application materials are due by December 15, 2026 11:59 PM (PST).
Financial Support:
Prospective GGB graduate students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. To be considered for financial assistance for your graduate training in the GGB Graduate Program, your application must be completed by December 1st. The GGB Admissions Committee recommends student applicants for the competitive fellowships, tuition grants, and fee grants that are supported by the UC Riverside Graduate Division.
GGB graduate students are supported in part by fellowships and grants from the UC Riverside Graduate Division. In addition, financial assistance for GGB students also includes appointments as teaching assistants or graduate student researchers. Most often, the GGB Graduate Program, Graduate Division, and a GGB faculty mentor will partner their funds to offer incoming students multi-year financial packages. The costs of graduate education and specifics about many aspects of financial aid can be found at the UC Riverside Graduate Division website on Financial Support.
Students are encouraged to take independent steps to find alternative sources of funding. Domestic students can find information about alternative funding sources through the Graduate Division. Many of the competitive national fellowships must be submitted during the first few months of graduate school. Please plan ahead. Acquiring a competitive national fellowship is a real sign of achievement.
Program Admission Rubric:
| 3 points | 2 points | 1 point | |
| A. Academic Preparation | |||
| Applicant has the academic preparation in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics (GGB), and related fields needed to succeed in GGB's course and research work. | Applicant’s undergraduate cumulative GPA is greater than 3.5. | Applicant’s undergraduate cumulative GPA is between 3.0 and 3.5. | Applicant’s undergraduate cumulative GPA is below 3.0. |
| Applicant has completed all prerequisite coursework. | Applicant has completed most prerequisite coursework. | Applicant has not completed most prerequisite coursework. | |
| Grades in past science and/or GGB-related coursework are universally very strong (mostly A grades). | Grades in past science and/or GGB-related coursework are acceptable (A or B grades). | Grades in past science and/or GGB-related coursework are not strong (mostly B, C or lower grades ). | |
| Strong letters of recommendation are included from past instructors in science and/or GGB-related coursework. | Good letters of recommendation are included from past instructors in science and/or GGB-related coursework. | Letters of recommendation from past instructors are weak or not included. | |
| B. Research Experience | |||
| Applicant demonstrates the ability to creatively perform research in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics (GGB), or related fields at the undergraduate and/or MS level. | Applicant has regularly and consistently been involved in research activities as an undergraduate or MS student. At least one strong letter recommendation is from a current or past research supervisor. | Applicant has participated in research occasionally as an undergraduate or MS student, as documented in letters of reference. At least one recommendation is from a current or past research supervisor. | Applicant has not participated in research or participated only for a short time (e.g., one or two terms) as an undergraduate or MS student. A letter from a current or past research supervisor is absent. |
| Applicant has made extensive contributions to GGB-related research areas as an undergraduate or MS student. This is documented by one or more of the following: authorship on peer-reviewed publication(s), or letters of reference from past research supervisor(s), or other elements of the application materials. | Applicant’s past research experience did not result in publication authorship. Previous contributions or creativity are documented explicitly in letters of reference from past research supervisor(s), or in other elements of the application materials. | Because applicant has little or no research experience, no past contributions and/or creativity are documented in the application materials. | |
| C. Program Fit | |||
| Applicant’s research interests align with the research programs and interests of GGB Program faculty. | Applicant's research interests strongly align with one or more GGB Program faculty in an experimental or computational field, or both. | Applicant’s research interest are only moderately aligned with GGB Program faculty research activities. | Applicant does not express interest in specific GGB Program faculty research. |
| Letters of reference advocate for the applicant’s alignment specifically with GGB Program faculty research interests. | Letters of reference are positive in a general sense, but do not address the applicant’s alignment specifically with GGB Program faculty research interests. | Letters of reference provide evidence that the applicant’s interests do not align with GGB Program faculty research interests. | |
| At least one GGB Program faculty express strong interest in the applicant. | GGB Program faculty express moderate interest in the applicant. | GGB Program faculty are not interested in this applicant. | |
| D. Communication | |||
| Applicant demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly with faculty and peers. | Applicant demonstrates strong knowledge of the literature, either through their personal statements or through the reference letters. | Applicant demonstrates evidence of knowledge of the literature, either through their personal statements or through the reference letters. | Applicant demonstrates little or no evidence of knowledge of the literature. |
| The personal statements of the applicant provide an articulate narrative for why the applicant is seeking admission to the GGB Program. This narrative includes strong reasoning and logical organization of clear arguments. | A borderline personal statement may include a narrative for why the applicant is seeking admission to the GGB Program. However, this narrative may lack strong logical organization of clear arguments. | An unacceptable personal statement does not include an explanation of why the applicant is seeking admission to the GGB Program, and lacks logical organization and reasoning. | |
| Reference letters document very well-developed oral and written communication skills. | Reference letters document well-developed oral and written communication skills. | Reference letters do not document well-developed oral and written communication skills. | |
| Scoring: Each admission rubric category (A-D) will receive a numerical score from 1.0 to 3.0. Partial sores between 1-3 can be assigned to applicants who meet the specified requirements partially. Candidates will be ranked by the sum of the 5 scores. | |||
Contacting Faculty before applying to the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics Graduate Program is not required but it might help your chances in getting into the program if faculty know who you are. You can view the list of programs faculty here. https://genetics.ucr.edu/people/faculty
Exam Requirements:
This exam is not required for admission.
Once you submit your application, the Graduate Student Services Advisor will manually waive the GRE requirement. Please ignore any automated emails regarding this exam.
English Language Proficiency Examinations
All applicants entering graduate study at UCR whose native language is not English and who have not earned an undergraduate (bachelor's or first-degree equivalent) or advanced degree (master's or doctorate) at an institution where English is the exclusive language of instruction must demonstrate English language proficiency through the following options.
If you meet one of the qualifications below, you will qualify for an English Language Requirement Waiver. The Graduate Program or the Graduate Admissions Office will review and note approved waivers on your application status portal.
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You earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited US college or university where English is the sole language of instruction OR
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You earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited international college or university that provides instruction solely in English.
- You earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited international college or university from the following countries: Australia, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, and Canada (excluding French language universities). OR
- You earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited international college or university that lists English as their sole language of instruction in the IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED). OR
- Your institution notes language of instruction is English via: statement on its official transcript, a letter accompanying the transcript, or on the institution's official website.
Transcripts
For the purpose of applying to our graduate program, you may use unofficial transcripts in your graduate application. The university will only request official transcripts if you are admitted into the program.
Foreign transcripts must be submitted in their original language and in a certified English translation.
Degree Diplomas
Diplomas must be in English.
Diplomas from foreign institutions must submitted in their original language and in a certified English translation.
World Education Services (WES) iCAP Course by Course Evaluation
- WES ICAP Course-By-Course evaluations are only required for international institutions.
- WES Evaluations are only required once you have been offered admissions.
- If you have WES Evaluations complete at the time of submitting your application, feel free to include them in your application as "Additional Information".
- If you attended an institution in the United States and see this requirement, please disregard. For U.S. institutions please request and send official documents through the appropriate source (i.e. Parchment).
Letters of Recommendation:
The graduate program selected requires three (3) letters of recommendation. The most important aspect of letters of recommendation is that they be completed by the individuals who are in a position to analyze your academic ability and potential for success in a rigorous graduate program. Your recommender must submit the reference letter electronically as instructed in the email they will receive upon entering and saving their contact information in your application. Paper copies of letters of recommendation received in support of your application will not be accepted.
Recommender Guidelines
- At least two of the three letters should be requested from individuals in a position to evaluate your performance in college-level coursework or research completed while pursuing your bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
- If you have been enrolled in or completed a graduate program, obtaining a letter from your program's research advisor, program advisor, or a faculty member who taught you in a graduate-level course is encouraged.
- If you wish to submit a letter from an employer, please contact the graduate program advisor to determine if this will be acceptable.
Tips:
- All letters of recommendation must be submitted in English.
- If you wish to waive your right to inspect the letters of recommendation, mark the appropriate response. Only enrolled UCR students are permitted to inspect letters of recommendation for which they did not waive their right to access. The earliest you may inspect any letters you did not waive your rights, is after the third week of classes in your first quarter as a graduate student at UCR.
- Letters of recommendation cannot be released to the applicant, even if rights are not waived, nor be forwarded elsewhere.
- Applicants using Interfolio's online portfolio service may have their letters uploaded to our online application by providing a unique email address. To do so, please visit the Interfolio Help Article on where to find that email address. If you have questions, contact Interfolio at help@interfolio.com or (877) 997-8807.
Supporting Materials:
Explain your decision to apply, your academic or professional preparation, your motivation, and how UCR's faculty and resources support your goals.
In your statement, ensure you address the following areas:
- Academic and/or Professional Background - academic journey (coursework and major areas of study), and relevant experiences (academic, research, or professional) that prepared you for graduate study.
- Research or Professional Interests - key areas, themes, or problems you want to explore, and how they connect to your field of study.
- Fit with UCR - how your interests or goals align with UCR's faculty, programs, labs, or professional resources.
- Motivation for Graduate Study - what drives you to pursue this degree at this stage of your academic journey or career. Please share any long-term scholarly/professional aspirations.
- Future Goals & Societal Impact - how your work or this degree will help you address professional, academic, or broader societal needs or contribute to the public good.
- Contributions to the Academic, Professional, and UCR Community - how you hope to engage through leadership, collaboration, mentorship, or outreach.
Statement must not exceed 2,000 words.
Application Fee:
Domestic - US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Undocumented (AB540, DACA, or both) Applicants
Application Fee: $135
International Applicants
Application Fee: $155
Application Fee Waivers - From the University:
All fee waivers must be approved and applied to your online application prior to submission. Do not pay the application fee to submit your application prior to receiving a response from our office regarding your fee waiver request. We are unable to waive or refund the application once it has been paid.
Who is Eligible?
US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Undocumented (AB540, DACA, or both) applicants who:
- Demonstrate financial need/financial hardship OR
- Be a current or recent participant in certain graduate preparation programs that qualify for a fee waiver
Waiver Deadlines
- Waiver requests need to be submitted a minimum of 5 business days prior to the graduate program’s posted application priority deadline. Complete requests will be processed within 2-3 business days by our office.
- The Graduate Admissions Office will be closed December 24, 2026 - January 1, 2027. Any requests received on or after December 22, 2026 will not be processed until the week of January 4, 2027.
Financial Hardship
All available fee waivers have been allocated for the 2026-27 application cycle. The Financial Hardship Fee Waiver form for the 2027-28 application cycle will open at 8:00AM (PT) on October 1, 2026.
Instructions: Complete the Financial Hardship Fee Waiver form to waive the $135 application fee. A limited amount of fee waivers are available and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A fee waiver can only be applied to one application.
Eligibility Criteria 2027-2028
- Federal Aid - U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and Dream Scholars with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $6,000 or less. .
- Financial Hardship - Not exceeding the Gross Income Maximum based on your Household size provided in the below table. Household size is determined by the number of people you report or claim on your income tax forms for the previous year. If you are claimed as a dependent, your household size is determined by the total number of people claimed on your tax form (IRS 1040). A copy of this form must be submitted for eligibility verification. If you are independent and have no earned income, you must document how you supported yourself for the past year and why you do not have sufficient funds to pay the application fee.
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Household Size |
Gross Income Maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,728 |
| 2 | $38,952 |
| 3 | $49,176 |
| 4 | $59,400 |
| 5 | $69,624 |
| 6 | $79,848 |
| 7 | $90,072 |
| 8 | $100,296 |
Required Documentation
- Federal Aid - Provide a copy of your letter from a financial aid officer at the institution you are currently attending or a 2026-27 Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from your current FAFSA. The document must include your Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Financial Hardship - Attach a copy of your most recently filed Federal Income Tax Return. Please provide IRS Form 1040 if you are not claimed as a dependent or a copy of the Federal Income Tax Return on which you are listed as a dependent. Please remove your Social Security Number by blacking the numbers before providing these forms to our office.
Graduate Preparation Program
If you are a current or recent participant in any of the eligible graduate preparation programs, you may qualify for an application fee waiver to one graduate program at UC Riverside. For those who visited our booth at ABRCMS and SACNAS, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to request your application fee waiver.
Fee Waiver Request
Only U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents may request a waiver for the application fee. If you are currently in a graduate program or recently completed one and your graduate preparation program participation was from your undergraduate program, you are not eligible for a fee waiver.
- Complete the first three sections of your online application.
- Complete and submit the fee waiver request form. Further instructions on proof of participation required are provided in the that form.
Please refer to your online application for the required deadline submission or program's noted priority deadline posted on their website. Make sure to submit the Application Fee Waiver Request form a minimum of 5-7 business days prior to the appropriate deadline. Our office will not be able to process a fee waiver without the submission of the request form and saved application.
Eligible Graduate Preparation Program
- Cal Poly Pomona Bridges to Doctorate Program
- California Alliance for Maximizing Potential (CAMP)
- California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) Bridge Program in Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering (Cal-Bridge)
- California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program
- California Diversity Forum (The California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education) - For 2026 attendees, you will only receive a $40 discount on the application fee.
- College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) STEM Pathway Program
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS)
- The National (GEM) Consortium - Applicants must list UCR among their top 3 schools on the GEM Fellowship Program application to qualify for a complete application fee waiver.
- Guardian Scholars Program
- Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) Fellows
- Math Alliance: F-Gap
- Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUF)
- McNair Scholars Program
- Mentoring Summer Research Internship Program (MSRIP)
- Questbridge Scholars
- Roya Zandi's Bridge2PhD
- Rutgers Summer Institute for Diversity in Philosophy
- Summer Institute for Emerging Managers and Leaders (SIEML)
- Transfer STEM Fellows
- UC Historically Black Colleges and Universities Initiative (UC-HBCU)
- UC Leadership through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS)
- UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) Reciprocity
- UCOP Growing Our Own Scholars
If you don't see your program, please contact grdadmis@ucr.edu to determine if it is eligible. Currently, we do not offer fee waivers for AmeriCorps or Peace Corps applicants.
Application Fee Waivers - From the Program:
The program does not offer application fee waivers for domestic or international applicants.
Applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to faculty in the program. In some cases, faculty have funds to help cover application related expenses. While this is not guaranteed, it is sometimes possible. If you decide to pursue this option, we recommend:
- Identify faculty whose research aligns closely with your interests.
- Write a concise, polite email to them explaining your situation (including your academic background, research interests, and the financial challenge).
- Ask whether they might be able to assist with the application fee.
Start Your Application Today!
Sign-In: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply
We recommend that you contact the Graduate Student Services Advisor, Anthony Dominguez, if you have questions about the admissions process or the GGB Graduate Program.
University of California, Riverside
Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics Graduate Program
900 University Avenue
1140 Batchelor Hall
Riverside, CA 92521