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Introduction
Graduate studies in the School of Social Sciences at UC Irvine are imprinted with the School’s original dedication to diversity, quality and relevance.
Graduate education is thriving in the UC Irvine School of Social Sciences. Reflecting the tripartite mission of the University of California--research, teaching and community service--social sciences students are already assuming leadership roles in academia, education, science and society.
Graduate Program Excellence
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Diversity
The School of Social Sciences has an enormous diversity and range of research and instructional enterprises and is distinguished by its multi-disciplinary approach to research discovery and training. The school is also committed to the diversity of its graduate student body, and has dedicated faculty mentors who focus on our intellectual and social climate.
Quality
The school’s open atmosphere allows for easy interaction between students and faculty. Globally recognized for its excellence, the faculty include 15 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Science, as well as cutting-edge junior scholars whose work is creating new fields, from cognitive robotics to the anthropology of virtual worlds. The doctoral programs rank at the top of their fields; an achievement due in no small measure to the quality and commitment of the school’s graduate students. Indeed, graduate research is front and center of the agenda. Working with the school’s distinguished faculty, graduate students have seized the opportunity to shape their fields.
Relevance
Research in the social sciences ranges from basic, pure research to applied, action-oriented research. From findings that will change how disabled veterans receive care and action-oriented policy contributions aimed at creating community park space for health awareness, to explorations of the interconnections made possible by Internet technologies and their impact for international security, cultural transformation, the arts and education, faculty and graduate student research makes an impact on the communities the university serves.
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Funding
The UC Irvine School of Social Sciences provides a detailed overview of the costs
associated with graduate education, outlining key expenses students should anticipate—including
tuition and fees, textbooks and supplies, health insurance, housing, transportation,
and other living costs. While actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances
and lifestyle, understanding these financial obligations is essential for effective
planning and budgeting throughout one’s graduate career. To support this, the school
offers links to campus-wide financial tools and resources to help students estimate
their total cost of attendance. In addition, the UCI School of Social Sciences offers
a range of financial support packages aimed at making graduate education more affordable
and enriching. While funding is not guaranteed, most graduate students receive support
through a combination of extramural sources—such as the National Science Foundation,
Army Office of Research, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and private foundations like
the Russell Sage and Arnold Foundations—and intramural opportunities provided by UCI
and the school itself. Students also have a strong track record of securing competitive
research funding, including prestigious campus-level fellowships like the Public Impact,
Fletcher Jones, and Chancellor’s Club fellowships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Before You Apply
Before You Apply
The first step in the application process involves choosing an area of study that is closely aligned with the applicant's background and academic interests and goals. When making this decision, you will want to keep in mind the following...
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Application Process
Application Process
We will begin accepting applications in October for Fall admission. The following items are required in support of each application for PhD and Master's degree admission...
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Is the GRE Required?
Is the GRE Required?
The GRE test scores are required for some programs. We will accept the GRE General Test at home test version. To send an official GRE test score to UCI, please select institution code 4859.
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Application Status
Application Status
Applicants can check the status of their applications through the application portal.
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Campus Housing
Campus Housing
UC Irvine guarantees an offer of on-campus housing to newly-admitted, full-time Fall Ph.D. students who meet application, Statement of Intent to Register and fee payment deadlines.
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How do I apply for financial support?
How do I apply for financial support?
All applicants are automatically considered for financial support as teaching assistants, graduate student researchers or fellows, and are not required to apply separately for financial support.
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Top-Ranked Programs
From digital play to gender pay, our top-ranked graduate programs in social sciences
allow students to specialize in programs that create positive change in societies,
economies and for human well-being.
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Quick Links
Application Deadlines
Outlines application timing (fall quarter only), key deadlines, required admission
conditions (including English proficiency), and the overall process for applying to
master’s and doctoral programs.
Admitted Students
Outlines key information for newly admitted graduate students—such as how long one
may wait to accept an offer, the process for deferring admission, and steps for enrollment,
housing, and fee payment.
Forms and Applications
Provides downloadable forms and procedural documents for students, faculty, and staff—including
academic, diversity, and employment‑related materials.
TA Assignments
Offers tools and resources—such as academic policies, student forms, and advisement
information—specifically geared toward enrolled graduate students.
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Latest News
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Fei Yuan named one of ten global China Times Young Scholar Fellows
Competitive honor recognizes the UC Irvine anthropology Ph.D. student for research on China's elder care dynamics
Minding the gapMaira Delgado Laurens, UC Irvine global and international studies graduate student, researches one of the world's most dangerous migrant crossings
Economics for social goodUC Irvine economics graduate student Cassie Zhang - who earned her undergraduate degrees in economics and international studies as an Anteater - aims to help consumers and support students
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