MCS Admissions Overview

The minimum graduate admissions requirements are:

1. Expect to or hold a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution.
2. A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale.
3. A minimum of three years of professional work experience prior to the start of the program

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement

You must hold, or expect to hold, a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) prior to the start of classes from one of the following:

• A U.S. accredited institution recognized by a regional accrediting agency*; or

• An accredited international institution with a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

* Recognized U.S. regional accrediting agencies include:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges

• The Higher Learning Commission

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

• WASC Senior College and University Commission

If you have questions about degree equivalency, please contact Graduate Admissions.

Required Application Records

For Applicants with U.S. Degrees:

• Upload unofficial transcripts (scanned copies) from every post-secondary institution attended, including undergraduate, community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.

• Do not upload transcripts from non-matriculated programs (e.g., certificate programs).

For Applicants with International Degrees:

• Upload a scanned copy of your transcript and degree certificate for each institution attended after high school.

• If your records are in a language other than English or Spanish, submit one of the following:

  • A certified English translation by a translator from the American Translators Association or your country’s Ministry of Education. Degree names and grades must be transcribed, not converted to U.S. grade equivalents.

  • An official World Education Services (WES) International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation . To submit electronically, select the address below as the recipient:
    University of California at Berkeley – Graduate Admissions,
    318 Sproul Hall #5900,
    Berkeley, CA 94720-5900 

These skills and abilities can be demonstrated in academic and/or professional performance through your resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and essays.

All applicants must demonstrate quantitative aptitude for success in the MCS program. If your academic transcripts or work experience do not clearly show a strong foundation in quantitative skills, you are strongly encouraged to submit a quantitative resume. This document gives you the opportunity to highlight relevant quantitative experience in academic, professional, or research settings. A concise, straightforward format is preferred.

Please read the Quantitative Resume webpage carefully and follow the instructions. Make sure to follow the template for proper formatting.

Resume Requirement

Please submit a professional resume as part of your application.

• Your resume should include your educational background, work experience, and relevant skills.

• Do not submit an academic CV – the format must follow the example linked below.

• For any part-time roles, clearly indicate this by writing “Part-time” or specifying the FTE percentage next to the position title.

• This requirement is especially important for international applicants, who may be more familiar with submitting detailed CVs. The MCS program requires a concise, professional resume format.

Reference Sample:
View the UC Berkeley Haas Resume Sample with Formatting Instructions to guide your resume preparation.

The application requires at least two letters of recommendation, with at least one from a professional reference (e.g., a current or former supervisor). Recommenders should provide insight into your intellectual abilities, professional skills, character, previous work quality, and potential for success in the Master of Climate Solutions program at UC Berkeley.

Important notes:

• Inform your recommenders of your chosen application deadline.

• You may waive your right to view recommendation letters when submitting the recommender invitation.

• The Graduate Division may verify the authenticity of letters with the issuing institution or recommender.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants who earned their degree in a country where English is not the official language must submit official proof of English language proficiency. This includes degrees from countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, most European countries, and parts of Africa.

You may satisfy this requirement by taking one of the following standardized tests:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

TOEFL Requirements

• We accept TOEFL iBT and iBT Home Edition; we do not accept TOEFL ITP or Duolingo.

• Minimum score: 90 on the internet-based test (iBT).

• TOEFL scores must be sent directly from ETS to UC Berkeley (Institution Code: 4833).

• MyBest Scores are not accepted.

• For Fall 2026 admissions, TOEFL tests must be taken after June 1, 2024.

More information: TOEFL Website.

IELTS Requirements

• We accept IELTS Academic Module only.

• Minimum overall band score: 7.0 (on a 9-point scale).

• Scores must be sent electronically directly from the testing center. No institution code is required.

• For Fall 2026 admissions, IELTS tests must be taken after June 1, 2024.

• UC Berkeley identification:
  Graduate Division,
  Sproul Hall Room 318, MC 5900,
  Berkeley, CA 94720.
  
  Do not mail physical copies of your score report.

More information: IELTS Website.

TOEFL/IELTS Exemptions

You are exempt from TOEFL/IELTS if you meet any of the following:

• Earned a basic degree from a country where English is the official language.

• Completed a degree at a U.S. institution (or U.S.-accredited institution abroad) where English is the language of instruction.

• Completed one full academic year of coursework with grades of B or better at a regionally accredited U.S. institution.

Note: ESL courses, non-English instruction, nonacademic coursework, or courses completed after applying do not qualify for an exemption.

GRE/GMAT Policy

GRE and GMAT scores are optional and not required for the MCS application.

• To submit GRE scores: Send via ETS to UC Berkeley (Institution Code: 4833).

• To submit GMAT scores: Email a PDF copy of your score report to applyMCS@berkeley.edu.