Watch the video to learn what it’s like to be part of the Transportation Technology and Policy Graduate Group!
We are delighted that you are interested in joining us as a graduate student at the leading university center in the world on sustainable transportation. The Transportation Technology and Policy (TTP) program takes an interdisciplinary approach that transcends the boundaries of traditional engineering-based studies and draws on a multitude of academic disciplines. It provides students an opportunity to do the interdisciplinary research needed to address pressing transportation challenges facing California, the U.S., and the world from the standpoint of environmental, economic, and social outcomes.
Our TTP students have come from undergraduate majors as diverse as physics, economics, business, geography, anthropology, sociology, history, and English, as well as various engineering majors. They have come from across the U.S. and from countries around the world, bringing a diversity of ideas, issues, cultures, and backgrounds. This diversity is one of the strengths of our program, as the blending of experiences and perspectives helps to foster creativity and innovation.
The TTP curriculum allows flexibility in creating a course of study crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students complete three core courses in Transportation Technology, Transportation Policy, and Data Science and choose one of three tracks in which to specialize: Vehicles & Fuels, Demand & Behavior, or Infrastructure & Operations. The program gives students the flexibility to develop high-level skills in disciplines of their choosing to best support their interests and career goals.
TTP is made up of more than 30 faculty and researchers and more than 50 graduate students. Many of our students are actively engaged in funded research at the M.S. and Ph.D. level, and fellowships are available each year for outstanding applicants.
The TTP degree gives students the tools and ability to pursue leadership roles in government, academia, NGOs and industry.
Transportation graduate students at UC Davis kick off their enrollment with a five-day field trip/adventure, Mobility Quest, where they learn firsthand about transportation trends and issues. The cost of participation is covered by the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies. You can learn more about MobQuest, or if you have questions or need assistance, contact ITS-Davis Graduate Program Coordinator Annemarie Schaaf, at aschaaf@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-0247. For general program questions and advice, contact Dr. Gil Tal, Professional Researcher, ITS-Davis and TTP recruiting and admissions leader, at gtal@ucdavis.edu.
Admission to graduate studies requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students are generally admitted for the fall quarter, but exceptional cases for off-cycle admission can be considered. The application deadlines for admissions are:
Applicants who submit their application to the graduate program by the Priority Deadline will receive priority review for admission. These applications will also receive the highest priority in consideration of funding opportunities. We strongly encourage applications for any form of financial aid by this date as well.
Applicants who apply by the General Deadline (but after the Priority Deadline) will have their files formally reviewed for admission by the graduate program but will not be reviewed on a priority basis.
Applicants who apply by the Space Available Deadline (but after the General Deadline) are not guaranteed to have their application reviewed by the graduate program. Their application will be reviewed only if the graduate program determines that they have additional space available.
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OUR DEPARTMENT IN ORDER FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED
The Personal History Statement provides an opportunity for applicants to tell the Admissions Committee something about their unique backgrounds and personal histories. It may include information about other pursuits and interests of the applicant. It may give some details about any obstacles or disadvantages the applicant had to overcome, or inspiration for their pursuit of a graduate degree.
The graduate application only accepts letters received electronically through our online application portal. Applicants are encouraged to submit professional letters of recommendation, but at least one letter should be from a professor who can assess your potential for advanced academic work. However, if a letter from a professor is not possible, it is permissible for employers, supervisors, co-workers and co-associates to write these letters. What is crucial is that you select individuals who can best discuss your academic strengths, as well as speak to your potential of successfully completing a graduate program.
UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended or are currently attending.
Not needed for the application.
If applicable.
Send prerequisite listing to Annemarie Schaaf (aschaaf@ucdavis.edu) AFTER you have submitted your online application (Prerequisite Frequently Asked Questions) Also, please provide this information in the Prior Coursework section of your online application. If you have deficiencies in any of these areas, you will need to complete them in your first year of study.
If you have questions or need assistance, our Graduate Program Coordinator, Annemarie Schaaf, can be reached at aschaaf@ucdavis.edu or at 530-752-0247.
For general program questions and advice, contact contact Dr. Gil Tal, Professional Researcher, ITS-Davis and TTP recruiting and admissions leader, at gtal@ucdavis.edu.
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