Apply To MSSE

MSSE accepts applicants for a Fall start each year. Applications for a Fall or Summer 2025 program start are open now and close Thursday, January 23rd 2025 at 8:59 PT. 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.

Additional Academic Preparation

MSSE is an interdisciplinary program designed to accommodate students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. To address these differences, the program distinguishes between “Eligibility Requirements” and “Additional Academic Preparation”:

  • Eligibility Requirements: These must be met for admission to the program.
  • Additional Academic Preparation: These must be fulfilled either before or after admission if you start the MSSE degree in the fall semester. They are not required if you start the MSSE degree in the summer semester. A lack of experience in the areas listed under Additional Academic Preparation should not discourage you from applying.

Students starting the MSSE degree in the fall must have basic proficiency 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.

Students starting in the fall must satisfy this requirement through prior coursework, personal or professional experience, or through additional study after admission but before their fall classes start. Here are some courses that could be used to fulfill this requirement. This list is not exhaustive.

Students starting the MSSE degree in the summer do not need to demonstrate proficiency in programming before they begin their coursework as the summer courses cover these requirements.

Linear Algebra is a prerequisite for several MSSE courses. Students who start the MSSE degree in the fall semester need to demonstrate proficiency in Linear Algebra. 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.

Students starting the MSSE degree in the summer do not need to demonstrate proficiency in Linear Algebra before they begin their coursework as the summer courses cover these requirements.

Multivariable calculus is a prerequisite for several MSSE courses. Students who start the MSSE degree in the fall semester need to demonstrate proficiency in Multivariable Calculus. Formal coursework in multivariable calculus is strongly encouraged, but not required. Motivated students may meet this requirement through self-study.You can review the recommended self-study materials here.

Students starting the MSSE degree in the summer do not need to demonstrate proficiency in Multivariable Calculus before they begin their coursework as the summer courses cover these requirements.

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.