Frequently Asked Questions
Below you can find many of the frequently asked questions we receive from prospective graduate students. If you still have questions that are not answered below, please email macss@berkeley.edu.
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Is the MaCSS program a STEM-designated program?
Yes! This is a STEM-designated program.
What is the Graduate Code for the program for the application?
ETS to the institution code for UC Berkeley is 4833 for Graduate Organizations. No department code is needed unless specified by the specific program. There is no specific code for MaCSS.
Do you have to have a Social Science background to apply?
The MaCSS program is specifically designed for students with a social science degree.
When is the Fellowship application deadline?
In order to be considered for the fellowship, students must apply by January 8th, 2024. If you miss this deadline, there are still other funding options available through the university graduate division.
Does the program offer a part-time schedule?
No, the MaCCS program is only available full-time and must be completed within the allocated year timeframe, with no possibility of extension.
What are the English language requirements/what are the requirements for TOFEL submission?
All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. The only qualifications for exemption are the following:
- Have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the official language is English.
- Have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution, in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English and the institution is accredited by one of the United States’ regional accrediting agencies.
- Have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a regionally accredited institution within the United States.*
- The following courses do not qualify for an exemption: courses in English as a Second Language, courses conducted in a language other than English, courses that will be completed after applicants submit their application, or courses of a non-academic nature.
The TOEFL or IELTS must be submitted by all applicants who do not meet the exemption criteria above.
Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?
Each year, we are able to accommodate only a limited number of application fee waivers. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident who demonstrates financial need or participated in certain programs. We regret to share that we are unable to accommodate other requests at this time. To apply for a fee waiver, please visit Requesting an Application Fee Waiver.