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Academic Programs and Degrees

A graduate education may encompass coursework, research, and teaching and may be entered into immediately after completing a bachelor’s degree, or after working for a few years. The college allows students to focus on individual areas of interest.

Academic Programs

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Graduate Groups

Graduate groups allow interdisciplinary and collaborative study across multiple UC Davis departments.  
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Designated Emphasis

A designated emphasis is an area of specialization that overlaps with the traditional boundaries of a Ph.D. program.
Student and professor

Graduate Academic Certificates

A graduate certificate program is a sequence of courses that focus on a specialty not offered by a regular degree program. 

Master's Degrees

Only the Integrative Genetics and Genomics and Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology graduate groups allow admission into M.S. programs. All other CBS graduate groups allow students to exit with an M.S. if they choose not to complete a Ph.D. 

Time to completion

About 2 years

Costs

~$19,000 (2021-22 in-state tuition/fees, does not include living costs)

You may be expected to pay out-of-pocket. It’s also possible to offset your costs by working as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher.

Thesis

A thesis or capstone project is required

General information
  • More knowledge in your field of study
  • Specific, unique subject area
  • “Specialize” within a topic of your choice
  • Enhance problem solving and analytical skills
Types of Master's Degrees
  • Plan 1
  • A research-based master’s track that culminates with a thesis. Students work with a faculty mentor who helps guide their research. Students may choose to pursue a Plan I M.S. if they think they may want to pursue a Ph.D. in the future. Average time to degree for a Plan I M.S. is 2-2.5 years.
  • Plan 2

  • A coursework-based master’s track which culminates in a comprehensive examination. Students will work closely with an academic advisor to select coursework which fits their educational and professional goals. The M.S. Plan II is considered a terminal degree. Average time to degree for a Plan II M.S. is 1.5-2 years.

Doctoral Degrees

Time to completion

5 – 6 years

Costs

We pay you!

Full tuition, fees, health insurance, and a living stipend are provided for all admitted PhD students.

Thesis

Dissertation required

General information
  • Independent research
  • Traditional academic environment
  • Expertise within a specific subject area
  • Usually the highest degree you can attain in most fields