Apply To MSSE

MSSE accepts applicants for a Fall start each year. Applications for a Fall 2025 program start will open September 2024. Explore this page to learn more about eligibility, academic preparation, and application materials.

Eligibility

The Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering program is designed for both recent science or engineering graduates and individuals with several years of professional experience. To qualify for admission, you must meet the following requirements. If you have any questions about eligibility, please email msse@berkeley.edu.

All applicants must hold or expect to hold, prior to the beginning of classes, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US school or the equivalent from another country. The MSSE degree is intended for those with a STEM degree, including but not limited to: biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, physics, engineering, math, and computer science.

All applicants must have formal coursework in chemistry, materials, or physics. MSSE courses teach machine learning and software engineering skills in the context of these fields. The degree program is intended to allow you to combine your previous science coursework in one or more of these areas with computing.

All applicants are required to have taken math coursework through at least Calculus II or equivalent. Other high-level mathematics coursework is strongly encouraged. Multivariable calculus and linear algebra are essential prerequisites for MSSE courses in advanced machine learning, parallel computing, numerical algorithms and data science courses. It is recommended to have taken these courses prior to starting the MSSE degree, but students can be admitted if they demonstrate strong math skills through their coursework. Please review the “Required Academic Preparation” section below for more information on meeting prerequisites without formal coursework.

All applicants must have a minimum advanced grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale. Instructions on how to calculate your GPA are included in the Application Guide.

Required Academic Preparation

MSSE is an interdisciplinary degree designed for students from a wide variety of backgrounds. To account for these differences, MSSE differentiates between “Eligibility Requirements” and “Required Academic Preparation.” Students must demonstrate proficiency in the below subjects before beginning MSSE coursework, but not necessarily before applying. Proficiency in these areas is essential to success in MSSE courses. Formal coursework or informal experience in these areas will be considered in the application review process, but a lack of experience in these areas should not deter you from applying if you are willing to complete these requirements after admissions and before the start of the first semester. If you have any questions about these requirements, please email msse@berkeley.edu.

All accepted students must be proficient in a high-level language such as Python, Java, or C/C++. Students must be familiar with variable assignments and control structure (for loops, if statements, logic) in one of these languages.

You may satisfy this requirement through prior coursework, personal or professional experience, or through additional study after admission. Here are some courses that could be used to fulfill this requirement. This list is not exhaustive.

Linear algebra is a preqreuisite for several MSSE courses. Formal coursework in linear algebra is encouraged, but not required. Motivated students may meet this requirement through self-study. You can review the recommended self-study materials here.

Multivariable calculus is a prerequisite for several MSSE courses. Formal coursework in multivariable is strongly encouraged, but not required. Motivated students may meet this requirement through self-study. You can review the recommended self-study materials here.

Admission Materials

Below is a general outline of the materials required to apply. We do not require GRE scores. For detailed instructions, please refer to our Application Guide.

  • Resume or CV
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Application fee ($135 domestic, $155 international)

Admission Decisions

Applicants offered admission will typically be notified by late March or early April for the fall semester. Applicants who are not offered admission will be notified as the admissions committee makes its decisions. After admission, students will be required to pay a $500 dollar non-refundable deposit to secure their spot in the program.