Biology University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Overview

The Biology programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides graduate students with a rigorous yet flexible academic framework. This Master of Science degree is designed to foster deep expertise in biological sciences through a combination of core requirements and interdisciplinary collaboration.

During the first year, students follow a structured curriculum of required courses while working under the guidance of a provisional faculty advisor. This foundation ensures that all candidates possess the essential analytical and theoretical skills necessary for high-level scientific inquiry and research methodology.

The second year allows for significant customisation, as students select from a wide array of elective courses and specialised seminars.

Why Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

Students benefit from the university's extensive network of interdisciplinary units and specialised research facilities. These include the Institute of the Environment, the Center for Tropical Research, and the UC Natural Reserve System, providing unparalleled field and laboratory opportunities.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is known for its collaborative environment, encouraging students to work across traditional academic boundaries. The programme also offers the Center for Society and Genetics as a resource for those interested in the broader implications of biological research.

Financial support is a key feature of the department, with many incoming master’s students receiving support packages. These typically include teaching assistantships that cover standard tuition and fees while providing a quarterly salary to assist with living expenses during the two-year course.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 36297 per year
• National fee: USD 36297 per year
• Local fee: USD 21115 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a balance of mandatory foundational knowledge and elective specialisation. Modules may include:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Ecology and Evolution of Medicine
• Biological Sciences

In addition to formal modules, students participate in departmental seminars and research-focused contract courses. The second year is primarily defined by independent research or advanced study leading to the final degree requirements.

Careers with Biology

Graduates from this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths within the life sciences and beyond. The rigorous training in research and communication skills makes alumni highly competitive for roles in academia, government agencies, and private industry.

Common career destinations include positions in environmental consultancy, conservation biology, and biotechnology research. Many students also use the Master of Science as a stepping stone toward doctoral studies or professional roles in healthcare and genetic research organisations.

The department emphasises the development of resiliency, teamwork, and high ethical standards. These attributes, combined with technical expertise, ensure that graduates can lead projects in field research, laboratory management, and scientific policy development.