Non-Degree Program

Program Description
The Division of Biology offers the Non-Degree Program for those students who have already earned their Bachelor's degree but are interested in continuing their studies. Students who have applied to other graduate programs or to medical schools, but were not accepted, can use this program to supplement their undergraduate work in an effort to strengthen their applications.

Students accepted into this program have full-time graduate student status for one academic year and are eligible to take any graduate or undergraduate level course offered (subject to individual course enrollment limits and consent of instructor). Students can remain in this program for a maximum of one year.

Non-degree students do not receive financial aid from the Division of Biology and should seek out their own financial support. Students are not eligible for University Housing. Students are not assigned faculty advisors and must make their own academic plans. Thus, it is advisable for students to research the courses that are offered on our campus to see if they meet the individual's needs. In addition, laboratory space will not be provided for the non-degree student. Arrangements can be made between the students and a faculty member for laboratory space at their joint discretion, but this is not an obligation of the Division of Biology.

Admission Information
Qualified applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA in their upper-division courses to be accepted. Justification will not be made for those who fall below the GPA minimum.

The deadline for applying to the non-degree program is June 1 of the intended year of entrance, although applications and supporting materials should be submitted as soon as possible. You will need to complete and submit the UCSD Application for Graduate Study and all supporting documents, including official transcripts form all post-secondary institutions attended, official GRE score report, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. MCAT scores are acceptable in lieu of GRE scores.

Contact Information
To request an application or for further information please call or write to:

University of California, San Diego
Division of Biology
Graduate Admissions Office, Mail Code 0348
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0348
U.S.A.
(858) 534-3835
gradprog@biomail.ucsd.edu