Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics

The Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics (GGB) 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 program has separate entry requirements for applicants coming from a genetics/molecular or bioinformatics/computational background. Occasionally, students enter the GGB 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. 

Admission to the GGB program is recommended by the GGB Admissions Committee. Admission is based on a number of factors, including the academic degrees and record, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores and relevant experience. The appropriateness of the applicants goals to the degree program and its relationship to the research interests of the faculty is also considered.

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, your application must be completed by January 5th. 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 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 web site 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.

Please apply here. This site has detailed information about the application process for admission and financial aid.

Application deadlines for admission and financial aid are listed at the UC Riverside Graduate Division site.

GGB FUNDING CONSIDERATION PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS:  
December 1 (January 5 is the application deadline for Fall but applications completed by December 1 will receive priority consideration for funding and admission.)

GGB FUNDING CONSIDERATION DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
January 5 (applications should be complete by this date in order to receive consideration for funding and admission)

The Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics GRE code is 0210.  The TOEFL code is 06.  The UCR institution code is 4839.

Letters of Recommendation:  At least two letters should be from ladder-rank faculty (assistant, associate, or full professor); preferably all three. If you have a professional reference you feel is more pertinent, this can be the third letter. You may submit no more than five letters total.

We recommend that you contact the GGB Student Services Advisor, John Herring, or the Admission Graduate Advisor, Dr. Weifeng Gu, if you have questions about the admissions process or the GGB program.

Please mail your application materials to:
Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics
1140 Batchelor Hall
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521