Three letters of recommendation are required. You will be asked to submit the names of your recommenders as part of the online application. We strongly recommend that you use the UC Berkeley’s online letter of recommendation system instead of having your recommenders send their letters through the mail. You will still be able to log in to the application and manage your letters of recommendation after you submit your online application. When seeking recommendations, please allow sufficient time for the letter to reach us by the deadline.

This statement should discuss personal motivations for pursuing a Master of Development Engineering. It is also important to discuss any personal and leadership experiences with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Maximum Word Limit: 1,000 words, roughly 2 pages, single-spaced

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience with complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Depending on background and experience, this may include examples of community development, design work, products, services, entrepreneurial endeavors, course projects, research artifacts, creative works deployed in the field and other creative or technical pursuits that are valued and celebrated by the intended users and other communities of practice.

Your portfolio will be reviewed by a broad array of faculty and practitioners and, therefore should be accessible to a general audience. Portfolios are expected to include both images and supporting text. They should convey the context from which the project arose, the impact or outcome of the work, and for whom the project was intended for. Collaborative work is encouraged, but please credit all authors and detail your specific contribution. Similarly, academic, professional, and personal work are all welcome, but please differentiate these types of work.

Strong portfolios describe a limited selection of projects in depth, rather than account for a large breadth of projects superficially. We suggest highlighting between 3–5 of your most compelling exemplars of creative work. The most important role of a portfolio is to clearly communicate your skills, experience, and perspective.

Your portfolio must include your name and contact information and be submitted as a stand-alone PDF formatted document.

Any URLs or links to outside materials within your portfolio or elsewhere in your application will not be reviewed.

All applicants must submit unofficial transcripts for each prior college or university attended.  If your cumulative GPA is not clearly stated on your transcript, as is the case for some international university transcripts, download the following International GPA Calculator to calculate your GPA and upload it as part of your application

International students whose transcripts don’t list the degree awarded and conferred date must submit a degree certificate that lists this information along with their transcript.

1. Maximum length: Two pages
2. Font size: 12 point
3. Includes relevant experience from your undergraduate and any work experience or volunteering.
4. Excludes photographs and sensitive information (e.g., home address).

1. Highlight significant contributions that have added value to your team, organization, or community
2. Emphasize improvements you’ve initiated or been part of in your school, work, or volunteer team
3. Showcase instances where you’ve exceeded standard expectations

1. Demonstrating your career progression, including advancements and promotions
2. Detailing key achievements in each leadership position

You may submit a sample of a published or unpublished written work for the admissions committee to review as part of your application. Written work that is co-authored can be included as long as you directly contributed to them.

The MDevEng program does not require the GRE. 

Some students who have completed their undergraduate degree outside of the US may need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam to demonstrate english proficiency. View full details here.