Bachelor’s-to-Master’s in Biology
Bachelor’s-to-master’s programs are linked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in which the two degrees are conferred sequentially. The BA in Biology provides students with a breadth of understanding across the full range of biological disciplines as well as an opportunity to explore one of several specialized areas in greater depth. Combining the BA with the MS provides students with additional skills and expertise to enhance their opportunities for employment in the growing life sciences job market or for further education, including both graduate programs and professional schools. Ordinarily, students will complete the BA-to-MS program in Biology in five years—or 10 terms—but the program can be completed in less time.
Students in this bachelor’s-to-master’s program must complete all bachelor’s degree requirements before enrolling as master’s students, although they may take graduate courses while enrolled as undergraduates. Students must register for and earn a minimum of 24 units while enrolled as master’s students. Students may apply up to 8 units (500 level or above) from the undergraduate degree to the master’s degree, subject to any conditions described below. For this bachelor’s-to-master’s program, the bachelor’s degree is conferred by the College of Arts & Sciences and the master’s degree is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Students should consult with the Financial Assistance office to learn how entrance into this bachelor’s-to-master’s program might impact their financial aid.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles spanning the breadth of biology and demonstrate academic mastery in one of three areas of biology: ecology, behavior, and evolution; neurobiology; or cellular and molecular biology.
- Demonstrate expertise in the scientific method, including experimental design and critical assessment of the scientific literature.
- Attain the qualifications and advanced technical and/or analytical skills required for postgraduate education in biology or health-related fields or employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to the life sciences.
Requirements
Students must complete all requirements for the BA in Biology or any of the Specializations in Biology.
Students must also complete all requirements for the MS in Biology, with the following exception: students who complete one of the Specializations in Biology as part of the BA are not required to specialize in one of three subfields (cellular and molecular biology; neurobiology; and ecology, behavior, and evolution) for the MS. Instead, such students will complete a coherent set of courses chosen in consultation with their departmental advisors.
Up to 8 units from the undergraduate degree may be applied toward the master’s degree. Courses applied to the master’s degree must be passed with a grade of at least B–, and students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 in their graduate courses. Please visit the Biology Department website for more information on courses accepted for the MS portion.
Admissions Information
Information about application requirements and deadlines for bachelor’s-to-master’s programs can be found at the graduate school’s Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs information website.
Students apply to the Bachelor’s-to-Master’s in Biology program in the spring of their junior year.
