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Major/Minor

Major Information

The undergraduate curriculum in the School of Biological Sciences emphasizes biological processes and systems examined at molecular, biochemical, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem scales. With a solid foundation of understanding in these areas, future careers and further training in any area of biology is possible, from genetic counseling to biotechnology, from medicine to epidemiology, from veterinary science to environmental policy. The UC San Diego campus is a world class life science research institution surrounded by others in close vicinity including the Salk Institute of Biological Studies, the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology, the Scripps Research Institute, and the J. Craig Venter Institute. Together these institutions offer our students opportunities for research participation that are among the very richest in the nation.

Change of Major

Biology majors may switch among the biology majors that are available based on a student's term of admission to UC San Diego. Biology majors may request a change of major as long as they are enrolled in a current or upcoming fall, winter, or spring term.

Minor Information

The Division offers those not pursuing a major in biology, the option to obtain a Minor in General Biology. The School of Biological Sciences offers one minor without discipline specialties.

Contiguous BS/MS Program

The School of Biological Sciences offers a Contiguous BS/MS Program leading to a Master of Science in Biology. The contiguous program is designed specifically for selected UC San Diego undergraduate students who are enrolled in any of the biology majors offered by the School of Biological Sciences. Qualified students apply to the program early in their final year as an undergraduate student. Students admitted to the program who successfully complete all requirements can earn the M.S. within three-to-five quarters following receipt of the BS.

Learning goals for biology majors

UC San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Interested in how your curriculum is built? View an  Inventory of Educational Effectiveness Indicators (PDF). You can find out more about accreditation and WASC at UC San Diego Accreditation.