Dr. Richard Muller

Professor

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Biography

Richard Muller received his B.A. degree from Columbia University and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, where he worked with Luis Alvarez. He joined the faculty at Berkeley in 1978 and has been a fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His awards include the Texas Instruments Founders Prize, the NSF Alan T. Waterman Award, and the MacArthur Foundation Prize Fellowship. Muller's research interests began in elementary particle physics but shifted to astrophysics, focusing on cosmic microwave background anisotropy and supernova cosmology, as well as geophysics, addressing questions like the origin of Earth's magnetic flips and glacial cycles. He prefers experimental work but acknowledges the need for theoretical foundations. His current projects involve studying lunar impacts, the cycles of ice ages, and the Permian/Triassic extinctions. He has published extensively, including a book titled “The Ice Ages Astronomical Origins” and continues to research various significant scientific questions.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.