UCSF Graduate Division

UC San Francisco's Graduate Division offers top-ranked programs in the biological, biomedical, pharmaceutical, nursing, and social and behavioral sciences. UCSF graduate students may conduct research in basic, clinical, social, and behavioral sciences. Their work ultimately will help to ensure the health of human beings, shape health care systems, and influence public education about the prevention of disease.

At UCSF, graduate students learn from and work alongside some of the most brilliant and productive scientists in the world. UCSF researchers have won the Nobel Prize; MacArthur Foundation genius award; the Gairdner International Prize for outstanding contributions to medical science; the Lemelson-MIT Prize for invention and innovation; and other prestigious awards.

UCSF scientists discovered oncogenes, prions, and the functions of the telomeres. They unlocked the secrets to recombinant DNA, the gene-splicing technique that launched the biotech revolution.

UCSF social scientists examine the distribution of health services to underserved communities, patient compliance with HIV treatments, the influences of culture on illness and health care, and other issues of importance to society. Their work informs public policy and social services.

UCSF received more research funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) than any other public institution in 2010, and ranked third among all institutions nationwide, according to figures released by the NIH in February 2011. The funding helps UCSF continue to strive for excellence amid state budget cutbacks.

In all, UCSF was awarded $475.4 million for research and training grants, fellowships and other awards in 2010, plus an additional $30.4 million in NIH funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last year. In 2009, UCSF ranked second in the nation, at $463 million.

UCSF research-doctorate programs rank among the nation’s best according to a survey released by the National Research Council (NRC) in September 2010.

The survey, the first of its kind since 1995, did not assign a single rank to any program, but intentionally placed the programs within a range in their fields, such as first to third. Based on the NRC analysis, 10 of the 12 UCSF programs fell within a range that included the top six programs in their fields, with three of those including the number one rank.

The top-ranked UCSF programs were nursing, biochemistry & molecular biology, and bioengineering. The range for three other programs included second place: neuroscience, biophysics and biomedical sciences. The range for cell biology started at No. 3.

The other five programs in which UCSF was scored – medical anthropology, chemistry and chemical biology, sociology, genetics, and oral & craniofacial sciences – also ranked among the nation’s best.

For all the luster and prestige of the campus, UCSF is open and welcoming. UCSF students have ready access to faculty members; work with people of all backgrounds, ages, and cultures; and hold impromptu meetings with renowned scientists in hallways and cafeterias. Students who enroll at UCSF can be assured that they will receive the respect and support of the faculty and professional staff.

The Graduate Division invites you to apply to UCSF.