Graduate Admissions

Admission to the Chemical and Nano Engineering graduate programs are in accordance with the general requirements of the Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs, which requires at least a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in some branch of engineering, sciences, or mathematics; an overall GPA of 3.0; and three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the academic or professional competence and to the depth of the applicant's interest in pursuing graduate study.

For Fall 2025 admissions, submission of GRE scores is optional. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required for all international applicants. The university-wide minimum TOEFL score required for consideration for graduate admission is 64 for the Paper-delivered Test, and 85 for the internet based test (iBT). The university-wide minimum IELTS Academic Training exam score required for consideration for graduate admission is Band Score 7. The minimum PTE Academic score required for graduate admission is overall score 65. The minimum Duolingo English Test minimum total score required for consideration for graduate admission is 120. Students who score below the required scores are strongly encouraged to enroll in an English as a second language program before beginning graduate work. UC San Diego Extended Studies offers an excellent English language program during the summers as well as the academic year. More information on English Language Proficiency.

Applicants are judged competitively, and based on the candidate's background, qualifications, and goals. Chemical Engineering applicants should have an applicable chemical engineering background. For more information, please visit the graduate application for admission website or the list of admission frequently asked questions and answers.

Official transcripts and hard copy materials do not need to be sent to Graduate Admissions until an admission offer is made (please do not send documents to the department).

M.S. Application Opens: September 3, 2025, Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 (Early MS decision deadline: January 14, 2026)

Ph.D. Application Opens: September 3, 2025, Application Deadline: December 10, 2025

Master's Programs Information Sessions

Find out more about our Chemical and Nano Engineering Master's Degree programs by attending an upcoming information session. Click on the link below to register for one or more information sessions.

Check back later for updates on info sessions

Zoom information will be sent out the day before the information session.

The deadline to submit an MS application for a Fall 2026 start is July 15, 2026.  The deadline for an early MS decision is 1/14/26.

If you are unable to attend, please send your questions to NE-GradInfo@ucsd.edu

PhD Programs Information Sessions

More information to come--stay tuned!