Contiguous BS/MS Degree Tracks

The Independent Research Track within the Contiguous BS/MS program of the School of Biological Sciences serves UC San Diego Biology majors who are interested in an enhanced education and research experience.

The program allows UC San Diego Biology majors and Scripps ESYS-EBE Majors who are seriously engaged in research as undergraduates to continue their research as graduate students, complete a research-based thesis, take graduate-level courses, and acquire a MS in Biology within 1 year after finishing their undergraduate degree.

The research experience that students acquire in this program makes them more competitive when seeking jobs in the biotech industry and when applying to advanced degree programs (medical, dental, pharmacy schools and PhD programs). For students who are interested in college-level teaching, a Master's degree in Biology opens the doors to pursue teaching careers in Community Colleges.

Current Undergraduate Students

Current Masters Students

View academic and thesis requirements for MS students in the Independent Research Track.

The Specialization in Life Sciences Research and Technology provides students with a streamlined program of research-based coursework, where students learn essential lab techniques, network with Life-Sciences professionals, and create a thoughtful research narrative that will prepare students for positions in the Life Sciences Industry and future graduate, health sciences, or professional programs.

This program allows UC San Diego Biology majors to pursue novel research developed in BioSci labs through graduate level research training courses, allowing students to acquire a MS in Biology with a Specialization in Life Sciences Research and Technology within 1 academic year after finishing their undergraduate degree. MS students in this program take a comprehensive final examination that will assess their understanding of the research content discussed throughout the academic year.

Current Undergraduate Students

Current Masters Students

View academic and thesis requirements for MS students in the Specialization in Life Sciences Research Track.

The Specialization in Biology Education Research provides an opportunity for students who wish to pursue projects on discipline-based education research. This research is guided by the teaching professors in the School of Biological Sciences and encompasses topics such as: how students learn concepts in biology, what misconceptions impede their learning, how instructor's teaching methods influence students' learning, etc.

The program allows UC San Diego Biology majors and Scripps ESYS-EBE Majors who are seriously engaged in education research as undergraduates to continue their research as graduate students, complete a research-based thesis, take graduate-level courses, and acquire a MS in Biology with a Specialization in Biology Education Research within 1 year after finishing their undergraduate degree.

The research experience that students acquire in this program makes them more competitive when seeking jobs in the biotech industry and when applying to advanced degree programs (medical, dental, pharmacy schools and PhD programs). For students who are interested in college-level teaching, a Master's degree in Biology opens the doors to pursue teaching careers in Community Colleges.

Current Undergraduate Students

Current Masters Students

View academic and thesis requirements for MS students in the Specialization in Biology Education Research.