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
View eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and application instructions for prospective Independent Research Track students.
Current Masters Students
View academic and thesis requirements for MS students in the Independent 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
View eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and application instructions for prospective Specialization in Biology Education Research students.
Current Masters Students
View academic and thesis requirements for MS students in the Specialization in Biology Education Research.
The Specialization in Pathways to Health Professions offers a rigorous, structured curriculum designed to prepare students for admission to health professional schools and careers in healthcare fields such as allopathic medicine (MD), osteopathic medicine (DO), dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, and physical therapy.
The program strengthens foundational knowledge through integrated coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, emphasizing case-based learning to cultivate critical thinking. Students also develop essential interpersonal and professional skills through a Foundations of Clinical Practice course, while elective options allow them to address prerequisite gaps and prepare for standardized entrance exams such as the MCAT, GRE, DAT, and PCAT.
Current Undergraduate Students
View eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and application instructions for prospective Specialization in Pathways to Health Professions students.
Current Masters Students
View academic and thesis requirements for MS students in the Specialization in Pathways to Health Professions.
