In addition to fulfilling university requirements for admission to graduate status described in the chapter ''Graduate Education at UCSB,'' the applicant will normally hold a bachelor's degree in biology or a biological specialty area (such as biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, or genetics). Undergraduate class work should include one year each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, and physics. Upper-division courses should include biochemistry, genetics, and additional specialized electives relevant to preparation for graduate work in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.

The general test (verbal, quantitative, and writing) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. One of the three following subject tests is encouraged, but not required: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, biology, or chemistry. A GRE subject test is not required but may be submitted if desired to strengthen an application.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Exceptions to this requirement will be considered for those students who have completed 2 years as an undergraduate or graduate at an institution whose primary language of instruction is English. The minimum score for consideration is 550 Paper-Based Test (PBT), 80 Internet-Based Test (IBT) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Overall Band score of 7 or higher (if applicable). Tests must be taken within two years of application to UCSB.