Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Learn About Graduate Study
Graduate study in the STEM fields includes academic graduate programs like a Master’s or Ph.D. where you’d study a particular subject in depth for the purpose of advancing knowledge, or professional degree programs like medicine, biotechnology, forensic science, ergonomics or information technology which train you for a specific career path. There are also
Professional Science Master’s and Engineering
programs which are hybrids of both.
- Read our guide to Academic Graduate Programs summarizing the preparation and application process.
- Visit our library to read Peterson's Graduate Programs volumes covering Biological Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics and more
Get Experience & Prepare
To confirm your interest in a field, to develop the skills and knowledge needed for graduate study, and to prove your abilities to graduate schools, you’ll need to prepare academically and obtain relevant practical experience.
- Explore your field of interest through relevant classes, majors & minors at UCSD
- Talk to faculty and graduate students in your field
- Investigate – Is a Ph.D. Right For You?
- Pursue Research Opportunities on or off campus
- Get a relevant Job or Internship
- Consider doing an Academic Internship
- Investigate Engineering Internships
- Join Student Organizations or Professional Associations in your field
Apply to Schools
Most graduate school applications occur in the late fall/early winter of the adcademic year before you want to start. You will need to identify programs that match your interests and complete an application. Some steps take time so plan ahead!
- Schools & Programs – Use the links below to identify programs with a curriculum, faculty and facilities that match your interests. Consider your likelihood of admission and cost.
- Use GradSchools.com and Petersons.com to search by degree level, field and location (US or Int’l)
- Search by specialty:
| Animal Behavior | Animal Science | Archaeology |
| Biochem, Molecular, Cell Biology list and Guide | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Biomedical Engineering |
| Biophysics | Chemistry list and Guide | Cognitive Science |
| Computational Science | Computer Science Doctoral | Conservation Biology |
| Developmental Biology | Earth Sciences | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology |
| Engineering School list and Profiles |
Environmental Science & Studies | Exercise Science |
| Forensic Science | Human Factors/Ergonomics | Human Genetics list and Guide |
| Information Science | Marine Biology and Marine Science | Math Professional Master's |
| Mathematics list and Guide | Medical Physics | Medical Research and MD-PhD programs |
| Neuroscience list and Guide | Nutrition | Oceanography, Atmospheric Sci. and Meteorology |
| Operations Research | Orthotics & Prosthetics | Physics, Astronomy and other Physical Sciences |
| Physiology | Professional Science Master's list and Guide | |
| Science Master's | Sci., Eng., and Public Policy list and Guide | Sustainability |
| Vertebrate Paleontology |
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- Search for International Programs: Australia/New Zealand and UK/Ireland
- Attend our Graduate School Fair to learn about programs from school representatives
- Talk to faculty and graduate students in your field for program recommendations
- Do a literature review to see who's publishing books or journal articles in your specialty area
- Consult PhDs.org, the National Research Council, or field-specific Rankings
- GRE – Prepare, Study and take the Graduate Record Exam
- Letters of Recommendation – Get to Know Writers and Collect Letters
- Application Essay – Write your Statement of Intent and get a Critique
- Financial Aid & Fellowships – Know how to Pay For Graduate School
For additional help with your professional & graduate school preparation and application come into the Career Services Center or contact your Professional & Graduate School Advisors.
Field of Study
