University of San Diego

What you'll study

The programme centres on cellular and molecular principles that explain how organisms develop, respond to their environment and maintain homeostasis. Students take core courses in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and physiology, supported by foundational coursework in general biology, chemistry and calculus or statistics.

• Core laboratory modules: hands-on laboratory courses in microscopy, cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis and quantitative data analysis.
• Advanced topics: electives covering signal transduction, developmental biology, immunology, neurobiology, genomics and proteomics.
• Research and capstone: opportunities for independent research projects under faculty supervision, senior seminars and an undergraduate research capstone or honours thesis.
• Interdisciplinary coursework: options to take classes in bioinformatics, computational biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and ethical, legal and social implications of biotechnology.
• Experiential learning: internships and partnerships with local research institutes and biotech companies, field courses where applicable, and study-abroad opportunities to broaden scientific perspectives.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record. Recommended preparatory subjects include biology, chemistry (including inorganic and organic if available), mathematics (calculus or pre-calculus) and physics. Admissions typically consider the overall transcript, personal statement, letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities demonstrating sustained interest in the biological sciences.

Advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or other college-credit courses in sciences and mathematics are recognised and may be used to fulfil introductory requirements. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications where required.

Career prospects

Graduates with a cellular biology background pursue diverse careers across research, healthcare and industry. Common pathways include:

• Research technician or laboratory scientist roles in academia, government or private-sector labs.
• Employment in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in roles such as assay development, quality control or regulatory support.
• Further professional training for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science or allied health professions (often requiring additional certification or graduate study).
• Postgraduate research (MSc, PhD) leading to positions in academic or industrial research, science policy or research management.
• Science communication, education and outreach roles in museums, schools, publishing or non-profit organisations.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego combines a liberal arts education with opportunities for substantial undergraduate research and close faculty mentorship. Small class sizes enable personalised instruction and easy access to faculty investigators. The campus’s proximity to a major regional biotechnology and biomedical research cluster provides strong internship and collaboration opportunities with research institutes and industry partners.

Students benefit from modern teaching and research laboratories, structured research programmes for undergraduates, and a curriculum that emphasises both technical skills and ethical, interdisciplinary perspectives. The university’s emphasis on service, community engagement and global learning also provides avenues to apply cellular biology knowledge in societal and public-health contexts.