Overview
To facilitate the development of JDP trainees who, upon graduation, are capable of conducting high caliber, high impact and meaningful substance use research to reduce the impact of problems related to substance use and co-occurring diseases.
Upon graduation JDP graduates will:
- Apply and build upon extant social science theories and conceptual models related to
substance use research - Lead new avenues of research to prevent initiation of substance use and addiction and
- Develop and evaluate applied prevention and harm reduction programs related to substance use and misuse and associated health and societal outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a master’s degree is required. Any related field is acceptable, but foundational research experience (e.g., peer reviewed publication and graduate level recommended research courses) is required.
The minimum TOEFL score is 80 for iBT test or 550 for the PBT test. The scores must be recent, within the past two years. Click on TOEFL for more detailed information.
As of 2020, the JDP IRSU no longer requires the GRE as part of the application package. For any questions regarding the GRE or the admissions process, please contact us at: [email protected].
Yes, applicants will now apply to both UCSD and SDSU during the same application window. The UC San Diego application should now open and close on the same dates as the SDSU application. The UCSD application fee will continue to be waived.
Applicants will be responsible for submitting complete applications when they apply to both campuses. UCSD will continue to require unofficial transcripts at the time of application. For matriculating international JDP students, the international evaluation will be waived to ensure our application requirements remain aligned with SDSU.
Language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or DET) will still be required for applicants required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Click on TOEFL for more detailed information.
Please note that JDP applicants will now be provisionally admitted when their nomination is processed. Once we receive their official academic materials, our team will finalize their admission. This update aligns JDP programs with graduate admissions procedures for all other programs at UCSD.
We accept students for Fall admission only. We do not have Spring admissions.
No, we require full-time attendance and participation.
Acceptance is determined by multiple factors and is based on the entire application package; your prior research experience, recommendations, publications, and prior coursework all factor into our decision.
After submitting the Cal State Apply application, you will be prompted to complete a supplemental application.
Applicants will be emailed a direct link to their supplemental application, with information already preloaded including their program, contact information and prior schools attended already integrated into the application (saving time and avoiding applicant reconciliation challenges).
Students will view a customized list of items that they need to submit according to the requirements of their program (letters of recommendation, test scores, personal statement, etc.).
No, contacting a professor directly about your application will not better your chances of being accepted. It is, however, appropriate to contact professors ahead of time to find out more about their research if you are considering applying to work with them.