Please see below for answers to Frequently Asked Questions for the Master of Environmental Data Science program. If you have any other questions or would like additional information, please reach out to us at admissions@bren.ucsb.edu.
We accept applicants from any major with strong coursework (at least 4 classes) or a degree in an environmentally-related field. Examples of fields include, but are not limited to,
- Environmental Science
- Earth Science
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Geography
- Political Science
For additional details, please see the Admissions Eligibility page.
Yes. One calculus-level math course and one statistics course are required. See the Admissions Eligibility page for full details.
If you are lacking preparation in a prerequisite area, you are still eligible for admission to the program if you include a supplemental memo to your application that outlines your plan to complete missing coursework before enrolling. A clear plan strengthens your application.
No. We are not accepting GRE scores for this admissions cycle.
Applications are due December 15, 2025. Required materials:
- UCSB Graduate Application
- Application fee (waived for MEDS applicants who submit the waiver form by December 1, 2025.)
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Resume or C.V.
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Prerequisite Verification Form
- Transcripts
- English language exam (if applicable)
Full details are on our How to Apply webpage.
December 15.
Yes. The deadline for both is December 15.
You can apply to both, but you may only enroll in one.
Yes. The fee is waived for all MEDS applicants who submit the waiver form by December 1, 2025.
Most students receive funding through Recruitment Fellowships, awarded to about 78% of the current class. Awards range from partial to full tuition. All applicants are automatically considered; no separate application is required. Additional support may be available through the UCSB Graduate Division and Financial Aid Office. You can see additional details on our Tuition and Finance page.
No. Coding or programming experience is not required.
No. Applications open in September and close on December 15.
Late July or early August.
No. All courses are in-person.
Yes, though highly uncommon. A two-year option is available with pre-approval. These students must work closely with us to craft a Program of Study that allows them to meet the degree requirements while also accommodating their schedule.
Program prerequisites require at least one math course at the calculus level (or higher) and one statistics course, but you don’t have to be a math expert. Environmental data science does involve using statistics, calculus, and algebra to tackle quantitative problems, so we expect prospective students to be ready and excited to learn these tools. There will be plenty of instructional support along the way!
MEDS courses teach geospatial analysis using both R and Python. Esri's product, ArcGIS, is not covered.
The program is full-time. Part-time work may be possible depending on your workload, but it is not designed to be completed while maintaining full-time employment.
Summer bootcamp is at UCSB’s NCEAS center in downtown Santa Barbara. Fall, Winter, and Spring courses are at Bren Hall on the UCSB campus.
MEDS focuses on applying data science to environmental problems. MESM provides a broader interdisciplinary foundation. For greater detail on the differences between the two programs, please see our program comparison.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as data analyst or data scientist across government, consulting, non-profits, and the private sector. Explore alumni careers on our student explorer.
MEDS is an accelerated master's program and the required courses constitute a full workload — 12 to 16 credits per quarter. Although MEDS students are eligible to take non-EDS courses both at Bren and in other departments (subject to instructor approval), additional coursework is uncommon.