Co-Op Program
- About
- Student Co-Op
- Contact
Co-Op Program Overview
The School of Biological Sciences Co-Op Program at UC San Diego is a prestigious, nationally distinctive opportunity for undergraduate students of any major to spend one full year in a paid, professional role at a leading life sciences company while completing concurrent, accredited career development coursework.
As one of the first and only life sciences co-op programs in the country, our Co-Op Program goes far beyond a traditional internship, preparing students with real-world industry experience, corporate mentorship, and the professional skills employers expect.
Students gain hands-on responsibility, mentorship, and support within San Diego's thriving life sciences ecosystem. Graduates of the program emerge confident, career-ready, and highly competitive, with the experience and network needed to launch a meaningful, long-term career in the life sciences industry.
Students
As a student in the Co-Op Program, you’ll power your career path with hands-on, real-world experience.
- Earn While You Learn: Turn your passion into earnings with paid work experience
- Skill-Up with Credits: Elevate your expertise with top-tier professional training plus academic units
- Connect with Industry Pros: Network with influential leaders and like-minded peers in your field and gain a mentor
- Blaze Your Trail: We’ll help guide you through the dynamic landscape of the life sciences industry
- Launch Your Career: Forge a path with purpose and make a lasting impact in your field
Corporate Partners
As a BioCAP partner, you’ll shape the future of the life sciences industry by empowering emerging leaders and building relationships across the university and beyond.
- Unlock UC San Diego Excellence: Dive deep into the talent pool of one of the world's consistently top-ranked universities
- Hire Workforce-Ready Talent: Access a diverse cohort of students equipped with robust scientific knowledge and essential soft skills, primed to make an immediate impact in your organization
- Elevate Your Brand: Gain high-level visibility across campus and within the thriving life sciences community, positioning your company as a leader and influencer
- Make a Difference: Join us in creating transformative opportunities for UC San Diego students and leave a lasting legacy in shaping the next generation of industry trailblazers
Co-Op Student Backgrounds
60%
Identify as female
59%
Identify as a person of color
60%
Are from a low-income background
Get Started
Choose the program relevant to your prospective status.
Students
As a student in the Co-Op Program, you’ll power your career path with hands-on, real-world paid work experience and valuable career development training.
Corporate Partners
Shape the future of the life sciences industry by empowering emerging leaders and building relationships across the university as a BioCAP partner.
Questions? Contact Melissa Hoon, Director, Corporate Relations and Professional Development at mhoon@ucsd.edu.