University of California, Berkeley
Online Master’s in Molecular Science
and Software Engineering at UC Berkeley
Advance your science or engineering career with Berkeley’s MSSE and master computational methods, machine learning, and AI to solve real-world challenges in drug discovery, biology, materials science, chemistry, and physical sciences.
Who Should Apply to MSSE
MSSE is designed for students and working professionals with a background in the physical or life sciences and engineering who want to add software engineering, machine learning, and computational skills to their expertise, as well as engineers who want to apply their skills to computational science and scientific research.
Life Science Graduates
Biologists, biochemists, and other life scientists: Gain the computational, machine learning, and software engineering tools needed to translate biological data into actionable discoveries in genomics, drug development, and health technology.
Physical Science Graduates & Engineers
Chemists, physicists, and engineers: Gain the software engineering tools, machine learning capabilities, and computational methods needed to simulate complex physical systems, accelerate materials discovery, and scale scientific workflows.
Working Scientists & Engineers
Upskill without leaving your job. The 2-year part-time track is designed for professionals who need flexibility.
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Program at a Glance
A Berkeley-Quality Education
Graduate from one of the world’s top public research universities. Berkeley’s Colleges of Chemistry and Engineering are consistently ranked among the top in the nation and the world.
Flexible Online Format
MSSE is a 100% online degree program. There is also an optional bootcamp with one-week spent in-person on the Berkeley campus.
Industry Capstone
Apply your skills to a real-world problem through a capstone project with an industry partner included in your 29-unit curriculum.
Full-Time or Part-time
Full-time students complete the degree in as few as 9 months; part-time students can complete it in 2 or more years.
Careers and Outcomes: Transform your science degree into a rewarding career
MSSE graduates possess rare, highly sought-after skills in advanced ML, simulation, and software engineering, making them very competitive across a wide range of science-based industries.
Common Job Titles Include:
Machine Learning Engineer
AI Engineer
Software Engineer
Computational Chemist
Computational Biologist
Bioinformatics Engineer
Data Scientist
Where MSSE Graduates Make an Impact
MSSE Graduates can go on to work in a wide range of important and dynamic industries, including:
Curriculum: From Molecular Simulation to Machine Learning
The 29-unit MSSE curriculum covers the technical and leadership skills needed to
create or lead science- and engineering-based enterprises. Core areas include:
Machine Learning
Molecular Simulation
High-Performance Computing
Mathematical Modeling
Data Science
Scientific Python
Computational Chemistry
Leadership & Management
Industry Capstone
Explore the MSSE Program
Ready to Apply to the MSSE?
Applications for Summer and Fall 2027 open in late September.
Join UC Berkeley’s online program in computational molecular science
and software engineering — no GRE required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from prospective students about the UC Berkeley MSSE program.
What is the UC Berkeley MSSE program?
professional master’s degree that trains scientists and engineers in computational molecular
science, machine learning, software engineering, and high-performance computing.
Students complete the program through online coursework plus a capstone project with
an industry or government lab partner.
How long does the MSSE program take to complete?
approximately 2 years part-time. The part-time option is designed for
working professionals who cannot take a career break.
Is the MSSE program fully online?
bootcamp at the start for Fall admits, and one week optional but highly encouraged on-campus at UC Berkeley for the
leadership bootcamp at the end of the program. All other coursework is completed online.
Does the MSSE require GRE scores?
All applicants must submit transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, and a Personal History
Statement. International applicants may need to provide English language proficiency scores.
Who should apply to the MSSE?
chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, or other physical or life science disciplines.
Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Basic Python or programming proficiency is required for Fall admits; Summer admits can
build this skill during the program.
What careers does the MSSE prepare students for?
engineering, scientific software development, and research roles at biotechnology companies,
pharmaceutical firms, national laboratories, and technology companies. The program also
provides leadership and entrepreneurial skills for founding science-based ventures.
What is the MSSE capstone project?
The capstone is included in the 29-unit curriculum and is a defining feature of the
program’s practice-oriented approach.
When is the MSSE application deadline for 2026?
The priority deadline for grant consideration was January 22, 2026. Applications received
after the priority deadline may still be considered for admission.
Start your MSSE application here.
How many units is the MSSE degree?
capstone project with an industry partner.
What is computational science?
What is molecular science?
What is computational molecular science?
As computational power continues to grow rapidly and as more advanced software tools and techniques become available the importance of computational molecular science to industrial and academic research will continue to grow.
What is high performance computing?