Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

GPS has different application deadlines by degree program:

• MIA, MPP and MCEPA programs: Oct. 30 (early) and Jan. 15 (standard). After Jan. 15, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• MAS-IA program: Oct. 30 (early) and Jan. 15 (standard). After Jan. 15, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Concurrent Degree Programs: April 10.
• Joint Ph.D. program: Dec. 1.

Applying using one of the early deadlines allows you to receive an admissions decision sooner. The early application deadline is non-binding (unlike early decision programs). Our admissions committee applies the same review criteria and standards during all evaluation cycles.

Yes, all physical materials must be postmarked by your selected deadline. Your online application and all digital supporting materials must be submitted via the portal by 9:59 p.m. PT on the day of the deadline.

Yes, translations are required for all foreign academic documents. During the application process, you may use unofficial documents. If an applicant is admitted and accepts the offer, official documents are required.

Any final transcripts, degrees or letters of recommendation originally written in another language must be translated by an official translator (such as an academic institution, EducationUSA or a certified translator with a notary stamp). You do not need to convert your transcripts to a U.S. grading scale, but please include a grading key that describes the grade scale used at your degree granting institution.

GRE or GMAT requirements vary by degree program:

• MIA and MPP programs: Test scores are optional.
• MCEPA program: Test scores are optional.
• MAS-IA and Concurrent Degree programs: Standardized test scores are not required and will not be considered during review.
• Joint Ph.D. program: GRE scores are required.

To submit scores, your official reports must be sent directly to UC San Diego from ETS (institution code 4836). The highest score for each section will be considered if multiple score reports are received by GPS.

UC San Diego requires an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

• For the MIA, MPP and MCEPA programs: Exceptions to the 3.0 GPA minimum are rare and made entirely at the discretion of the admissions committee. We review applications holistically. While GPA is important, we also heavily weigh your academic preparation, relevant work experience, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
• For the MAS-IA program: Applicants must have an overall 3.0 GPA (or equivalent) and a minimum of five years of full-time, professional work experience.

Yes, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they hold a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction. Review the UC San Diego English language proficiency requirements.

You can satisfy this requirement by submitting scores from one of the following exams:

MIA, MPP and MCEPA applicants:

• The minimum TOEFL score required is 4.5 for the new internet based test (iBT) or 85 for the previous (iBT).
• The minimum IELTS Academic band score is 7.0.
• The minimum PTE Academic score required is a 65.
• The minimum Duolingo Academic score required is a 120.

MAS-IA applicants:

• The minimum TOEFL score required is 4.5 for the new internet based test (iBT) or 85 for the previous (iBT).
• The minimum IELTS Academic band score is 7.0.
• The minimum PTE Academic score required is 65.
• The minimum Duolingo Academic score required is a 120.

For the MIA, MPP and MCEPA programs: We require 3 letters of recommendation and prefer a balance of professional and academic references. We discourage letters from personal friends or relatives:

• One letter should come from a professor who can speak to your academic performance and graduate-school potential. It may be submitted by your college or university letter file service.
• Remaining two letters: may come from either a professional or academic source. If possible provide at least one letter from a supervisor who can speak to your workplace skills and motivation.

For the MAS-IA program: We require 1 letter. Choose a recommender that knows you well and can speak to your untapped potential.

Note: All letters must be submitted directly by the recommender via the online portal, or mailed to GPS in a sealed, signed envelope. Letters sent in by applicants will not be accepted.

There is no word length or required format for the statement of purpose. A statement of purpose can range from 1-3 pages in length. Applicants should consider their motivation for attending GPS specifically at this time and what they hope to gain from the specific degree program to which they are applying.

Domestic students must pay a $135 application fee to apply to UC San Diego graduate programs. You may submit only one application per fee.

International students must pay a $150 application fee to apply to UC San Diego graduate programs. You may submit only one application per fee.