How to Apply for the MSBI Program?
The application portal is now open for rolling admissions. Thank you for your interest in the MSBI program.
Program Requirements
Students who have graduated with an undergraduate degree in the basic sciences or engineering will be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI). Transcripts from the bachelor's degree are required while GRE or MCAT scores are recommended but not required. If education in mathematics and computer science is unclear on the transcripts, it is strongly recommended to include a statement describing prior education/experience in these areas. Foreign applicants will be eligible under the same conditions but must meet further criteria listed by the UCSF Graduate Division to demonstrate English proficiency.
Tuition
The Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI) is fully self supported. Tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year are $49,438, which includes a range of services such as Health Insurance-GSHIP, Health Services, Millberry Union and Library privileges. The expected tuition for 2024-2025 is currently pending approval of UCOP. Part-time students pay a pro-rated amount that reflects 50% of program costs and 100% of university services. All graduate students will be provided benefits in accordance with UCSF Graduate Division policies.
Official Transcripts
UCSF policy requires verification of conferral of Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. University policy requires:
- Authenticity of transcripts must be verified by the graduate programs (sent by the institution or through a recognized service).
- For applicants from a US institution we require confirmation that a qualifying degree was conferred, the name of the degree, and the date of conferral.
- For applicants from foreign institutions we require one of three combinations*:
- Final official transcript with evaluation** (note: translation/English-language alone is not sufficient).
- WES evaluation of the final transcript, without the transcript itself (in this case other services will not be accepted).
- Final official transcript without an evaluation, with the unofficial transcript and its associated evaluation from the application.
- The Registrar’s office and the Graduate Division do not require the paper transcripts; verified electronic files are sufficient.
- Official Transcripts are required and should be sent to the attention of the program administrator.
* Other documentation may be considered at the discretion of the Graduate Division
** World Education Services is the preferred evaluator, but other services listed by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®) will be accepted: https://www.naces.org/members
Student Financial Aid
Submitting a Financial Aid Application
MSBI Need-Based Awards:
The MSBI Program annually awards a limited number of need-based financial awards to graduate students. These award amounts vary and are usually approximately $2,000 and are applied as a credit to tuition. To be eligible for these awards, an MSBI student need only complete and submit a UCSF Financial Aid Application. The UCSF Office of Financial Aid makes an assessment of need and ranks all students accordingly. The MSBI Program’s Need-Based Awards are determined based on this ranking and students are notified of these awards near the beginning of the Fall Academic Quarter each year.
Federal Work Study Program:
MSBI graduate students that complete and submit a UCSF Financial Aid Application and receive a United States Federal student loan are eligible for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program. This program permits students to earn up to $9,000 per year in part-time employment. The FWS Program pays 75% of the student’s hourly wage; the employer contributes 25%. This program is not open to international scholars. If you are interested in the FWS Program, you need to complete and submit a supplementary Work-Study Application to UCSF Office of Student Financial Aid. Once approved, you will then need to find a job on campus and the UCSF Office of Student Financial Aid will assist you in the hiring process. If you would like additional details about the FWS Program, please contact MSBI Program Administrator or the UCSF Office of Financial Aid.
Application Process
Applications are handled via our online application portal, which is currently open through February 29, 2024. Please go to the Graduate Division Application portal to apply.
Applicants will be required to submit the following information:
- General Information
- Undergraduate History/Transcripts (Transcripts from foreign institutions must be accompanied by a World Education Services (WES) Credential Evaluation.)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (current and valid - less than 2 years)
- Statement of intended course of study (i.e., Full-time v. Part-time enrollment)
- Research/Project Experience(1 page limit)
- Statement of Purpose (1 page limit)
- Two Letters of Recommendation (minimum)
- Application Fee (US residents $120/International $140)
Recommended information:
- GRE or MCAT scores are recommended but not required
- Description of education in mathematics and computer science (1 page limit)
Official GRE/TOEFL/IELTS Scores:
Scores should be sent to UCSF, institution code 4840. A department code is not required.
Official Transcripts/MCAT Scores:
Official Transcripts are required and should be sent to the attention of the program administrator. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be accompanied by a World Education Services (WES) Credential Evaluation. If you choose to submit MCAT scores, an electronic report should also be sent to the program administrator.