Continue Your UC Merced Journey
APPLY HERE by February 15, 2026.
UC Merced is piloting a new Direct Admission pathway that allows high-performing undergraduate seniors to move seamlessly from a Bachelor’s degree into select Master’s programs.
This pilot program is designed to make it easier for motivated students to continue their education, deepen their expertise, and accelerate their professional and research goals without barriers.
Why this pathway?
Through Direct Admission, eligible UC Merced seniors can:
- Apply through a streamlined process
- Use just one letter of recommendation
- And, if they meet the academic criteria, be automatically approved for admission
This pathway recognizes the strength of UC Merced students and the close relationships they have built with faculty and programs on our campus.
What programs can I apply to?
The Masters programs participating in this pilot include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering
- Environmental Systems
- Management of Complex Systems
I qualify to apply to several programs. How many can I apply to?
You are only allowed to apply to one program.
Who can apply?
All Seniors will be eligible to apply based on:
- Their undergraduate major
- The participating Master’s programs
While we welcome applications from all seniors, only those in select Masters programs qualify for "automatic admission" if they have GPA of 3.5 or above. See below.
What does “automatic admission” mean?
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Applicants who meet the published GPA threshold are eligible for automatic admission,.This allows strong students to move quickly and confidently into graduate study. Check your eligibility in the table below to verify if you qualify for automatic admission.
What do I need to submit?
Qualified students will submit:
- Their UC Merced transcript
- One letter of recommendation
What happens after I’m admitted?
- Complete their Bachelor’s degree
- Maintain good academic standing
- And meet University and Graduate Division requirements
Once these conditions are met, students may begin their Master’s program in the following semester.
Can my offer be withdrawn?
Yes. As with all graduate admissions, the University may deny, rescind, or revoke an offer if concerns arise related to:
- Academic performance
- Information in a recommendation letter
- Student records or University policies
- Degree completion or eligibility
Does Direct Admission include funding?
No. Admission through this pathway does not guarantee financial support, assistantships, or fellowships.
Can I defer if I am admitted?
Deferrals are not guaranteed and depend on program and Graduate Division approval.
Important Admissions Information
Direct Admission is a special pilot pathway designed to expand access to graduate study for UC Merced students. While the process is streamlined, all admissions decisions remain subject to review and final approval by the admitting graduate program and the Graduate Division.
The University of California, Merced reserves the right to deny, rescind, or revoke an offer of admission if information becomes available that raises concerns about a student’s academic readiness, professional conduct, or eligibility for graduate study. This may include information from recommendation letters, academic records, or University files.
All offers are conditional upon completion of degree requirements, continued academic performance, and compliance with University policies.
Questions? Email the Chair of the program of interest:
