Admissions Overview

The UC Berkeley School of Information’s online master’s programs offer three start dates throughout the year (January, May and September). Applications are reviewed as they are received, so you are encouraged to submit your completed application as soon as possible. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

May 2021 Admission Deadlines

May 2021 Admission Deadlines
Deadline Date
Early Action Deadline December 9, 2020
Priority Application Deadline January 6, 2021
Final Application Deadline February 3, 2021
Classes Start May 3, 2021

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Application Requirements

To complete your application, you must submit the following:

  • Online application
  • Official transcripts from all educational institutions attended
  • Statement of Purpose and additional admissions statements
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • TOEFL Scores (if applicable)
  • Application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $140 for international applicants
  • GRE or GMAT scores (optional)

Admissions Requirements

Applications are evaluated holistically on a combination of prior academic performance, work experience, essays, letters of recommendation, and goals that are a good fit for the program. The UC Berkeley School of Information seeks students with the academic abilities to meet the demands of a rigorous graduate program. To be eligible for the online master’s programs, you must meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree

You should have a superior scholastic record — normally well above a 3.0 GPA. The recognized equivalent to a bachelor's degree is also accepted, if earned from an accredited institution.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, please specify that your transcript(s) be sent to the address below as this will expedite the delivery of your transcript(s) and the completion of your application.

Cybersecurity (MICS): appsvcs@cybersecurity.berkeley.edu
Data Science (MIDS): applicationservices@datascience.berkeley.edu

If you would like your transcripts to be sent by mail, please use the following address designated for your program of interest below:

Cybersecurity (MICS)

UC Berkeley School of Information (I School)
Application Processing Center
cybersecurity@berkeley
PO Box 30096 018-002
College Station, TX 77842

Data Science (MIDS)

UC Berkeley School of Information (I School)
Application Processing Center
datascience@berkeley
PO Box 30096 018-001
College Station, TX 77842

A high level of quantitative ability

This should be demonstrated by at least one of the following qualifications:

  • Work experience that demonstrates your quantitative abilities
  • Academic coursework that demonstrates quantitative aptitude

A problem-solving mindset

A high level of analytical reasoning ability and a problem-solving mindset as demonstrated in academic and/or professional performance.

A working knowledge of fundamental concepts

For the MIDS program, this includes knowledge of data structures, algorithms and analysis of algorithms, and linear algebra. Applicants who lack this experience in their academic or work background but meet all other requirements for admission will be asked to complete a bridge course before enrolling in the Applied Machine Learning course.

For the MICS program, this includes an understanding of - or, a proven aptitude for and commitment to learning - data structures and discrete mathematics which can be demonstrated by at least one of the following qualifications:

  • Completed coursework in data structures and discrete mathematics.
  • Work experience that demonstrates understanding of data structures and discrete mathematics.
  • Proven technical aptitude, demonstrated by high level technical work experience or academic coursework.
  • Proven commitment to learning concepts, demonstrated by review of MICS self-assessment and preparatory resources, and clear indication in application of progress made towards gaining this foundational knowledge.

The ability to communicate effectively

This should be demonstrated by at least one of the following qualifications:

  • Academic performance
  • Professional experience
  • Strong essays that demonstrate effective communication skills

Programming proficiency

MIDS: Proficiency in programming languages, such as Python or Java, should be demonstrated by prior work experience or advanced coursework. Applicants who lack this experience in their academic or work background but meet all other admission requirements will be required to take the Introduction to Data Science Programming course in their first term.

MICS: Knowledge of at least one, and ideally two, programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, Java, Javascript, or machine/assembly language as demonstrated by work experience or coursework. Applicants who lack this experience in their academic or work background but meet all other admission requirements will be required to take the Programming Fundamentals for Cybersecurity course in their first term.

Test scores

  • Not required: GRE/GMAT. As of Fall 2020, we have eliminated the GRE/GMAT requirement. We recommend you put your time and effort towards the required application materials. Read more about our decision to drop the GRE/GMAT requirement.
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for applicants whose academic work has been in a country other than the U.S., U.K., Australia, or English-speaking Canada

Test Codes

Test Codes
Test Code/Dept Valid For
GRE 1634/0404 5 years
GMAT N2V-Q0-28 5 years
TOEFL 4833/99 18 months
IELTS TRF 1 18 months
1 Test Report Form must be sent directly from IELTS Return to footnote reference

Frequently Asked Questions

For any questions, please download and read our FAQ (PDF, 221kb).


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Contact an Admissions Counselor today with any questions, or fill out a brief form to request more information.