Graduate Admissions

Admission to the PhD in Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition and PhD in Molecular Toxicology programs is based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement and relevant experience. Applicants with a background in the biological sciences and lab experience are best suited for the NST programs. While there are no set prerequisites, we look for the coursework in calculus, general and organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, etc. Because this program is designed to develop research scientists, it is also important that applicants are familiar with an experimental lab setting.

Application Guide

Application deadline for Fall 2010 is December 3, 2009. (We do not accept applications for Spring semester.) Your application and all the supporting documents should arrive prior to the deadline.To apply to one of our graduate programs, please submit:

1. Application


Submit Online Graduate Application during the period of September 10th through December 3d. When completing your application, make sure to include the following:

  • the names of NST faculty whose research is of particular interest to you
  • the list of other graduate schools to which are applying
  • Statement of Purpose. In your statement, describe any relevant research experience and your vision for the graduate school. In addition, please address the following question: "What challenges do you foresee for yourself in graduate school, and how do you plan to overcome them?"

2. Transcripts


All applicants must submit one set of official undergraduate transcripts. If you are an international student, please read the university requirements for what we require for international transcripts.

3. Letters of Recommendation


Three (3) letters of recommendation are required to support your application. The letters should come from persons who have supervised your research or academic work. Recommenders should use Form G in addition to their letter. The Form G can be obtained on the Graduate Division's website. Letters of recommendation may be uploaded electronically to the Graduate Division's website or mailed directly to our department by the Recommenders. Alternatively, they can be sent by the applicant with other necessary materials in separate envelopes, sealed and signed by the recommenders. We do not accept emailed or faxed versions.

Please, mail your transcripts and letters of recommendation to:

Graduate Affairs Office
Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology
124 Morgan Hall #3104
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-3104


Additional Requirements

Graduate Requirement Examination (GRE)


We do not require a subject test – only general GRE. Your scores should be submitted no later than the December 3d application deadline and be no older than 5 years. We have no minimum score requirement. All scores are viewed competitively on a year-to-year basis. For information about the GRE, please go to the GRE website

  • The institution code is 4833
  • The department code is 0214

English Proficiency Requirement


Applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not received a degree from an English language institution, are required to show proficiency with the English language. The applicant must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 570 for the paper test or 233 for the Computer Based Test (CBT) or at least 68 for the Internet-based test (iBT). Further and more complete information on this requirement can be found on the Graduate Division's Admissions Requirements webpage. Tests taken before September 2007 will not be accepted even if your score was reported to Berkeley. The department code is 77.

If you have any questions, contact us at .