5 San Diego programs skilling up life sciences professionals

Aug 05, 2022 - Kylie Alonso

Looking to grow your life sciences skills? Whether you’re interested in going back for your master’s degree or PhD, or just looking for an advanced certification, San Diego offers a wide variety of programs for mid-level life sciences and biotech professionals looking to level up their careers in 2023. Here are a few picks:

1. California State University San Marcos

CSUSM shines in its commitment to inclusion. Ranking 32nd nationally out of more than 1,500 schools measured in the eighth annual Social Mobility Index (2021), the university is an eight-year winner of INSIGHT Into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, based on its ability to support a broad definition of diversity on campus. Located along SR 78, a popular North County commuter corridor, CSUSM’s programs are especially convenient for professionals working at North County life sciences and biotech companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Genentech, and Gilead Sciences.

• Master of Biotechnology: Biotechnology
• Master of Science: Biological Sciences

2. UC San Diego

UC San Diego‘s proximity to biotech companies in La Jolla and Sorrento Valley make it an easy choice for professionals looking to bolster their life sciences skills. It’s known for its internationally-ranked programs—#4 for Applied Microbiology (U.S. News and World Report, 2022) and #9 for Biotechnology (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2020)—and for its inclusive student population. In fact, one in three female students at UC San Diego graduate with a STEM degree, three times the national average and the highest in the country (BestColleges.com, 2020).

• Master of Science: Drug Development and Product Management
• Joint Doctoral Program (UC San Diego and SDSU): Bioengineering
• Joint Doctoral Program (UC San Diego and SDSU): Biology
• PhD: Biomedical Sciences

3. UC San Diego Extended Studies

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies offers more than 4,700 courses and a wide range of certificates. In addition to its La Jolla location, it recently opened UC San Diego Park & Market downtown, a 66,750-square-foot, four-story, mixed-use building to engage more than 10,000 regional members through community programs, exhibitions, and events.

• Certificate: Therapeutic Discovery and Development
• Certificate: Healthcare Informatics
• Certificate: Applied Bioinformatics
• Certificates: Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs

4. San Diego State University

Ranked in the top 100 in the nation for social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2022) SDSU offers a wide array of advanced degrees and certifications toward life sciences skills and complementary areas of professional growth. And for transitioning military members, SDSU also ranks among the nation’s veteran-friendly schools (U.S. Veterans Magazine, 2021).

• Master of Science: Regulatory Affairs
• Advanced Certificate: Regulatory Affairs
• Joint Doctoral Program (SDSU and UC San Diego): Biology
• Joint Doctoral Program (SDSU and UC San Diego): Bioengineering

5. MiraCosta College

With 56 certificate programs and four North County locations, MiraCosta College offers accessible opportunities to grow your life sciences skills and advance your career. With its bachelor’s program in Biomanufacturing, MiraCosta is one of just 15 California community colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in an in-demand field.

• Bachelor of Science: Biomanufacturing
• Certificate: Biomedical Equipment Technician
• Class: Quality Assurance Basics for Manufacturing