BAE Graduate Students Have Many Opportunities at UC Davis

Graduate Degrees

Graduate Degrees

Welcome to the Degree Requirements hub for GBSE graduate students. Below you’ll find a summary of each graduate degree offered, including an overview and detailed requirements. Select your program below to view coursework expectations, milestones, and degree completion steps.

Doctoral Degrees

Ph.D in Biological Systems Engineering

The Ph.D program in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering emphasizes the science or research features of engineering. Completion of this program is intended to provide students with the ability to assist in the furtherance of the fundamental knowledge of engineering biological systems. Those students entering the program with a bachelor's of science should expect it to take 5 years. For students with a master's degree, the typical program length is 4 years. In addition to the course work, the program culminates in a written and oral examination as well as a dissertation.

  • Course Requirements

  • The PhD requires a minimum of 40 units of graduate and upper division courses consisting of:

    Core Courses (13 units) - All students are required to complete the following core courses:

    • EBS 200 – Research Methods in Biological Systems Engineering (2 units)
    • EBS 265 – Design and Analysis of Engineering Experiments (5 units)
    • EBS 270 – Modeling and Analysis of Biological and Physical Systems (4 units)
    • EBS 290 – Seminar (1 unit, taken twice for a total of 2 units)


    Elective Courses (27 units) - Students will select graduate and upper-division courses relevant to their program of study in consultation with their Course Guidance Committee. Elective coursework must include at least the following:

    • 15 units of Engineering coursework, consisting of:
      • 3 units of graduate EBS courses
      • 3 units of graduate engineering courses
      • 9 units of graduate or upper-division undergraduate engineering courses
    • 12 units of graduate-level coursework relevant to the student’s program of study


    Life Sciences Requirement
    Students are required to include at least one course in Biological/Life Sciences if their prior training does not include coursework in biology or life sciences.

    Notes:

    • Students holding an MS degree in a related field awarded within the past 10 years may be eligible to substitute up to 17 units toward elective course requirements.
    • A minimum of 10 elective units must be completed at UC Davis.
    • To substitute coursework, students must submit an extended course outline for review and approval by a graduate advisor (not the major professor).
    • Only courses in which a grade of B– or better was earned may be accepted.
    • In all cases, at least 23 total units, including all core courses (EBS 200, EBS 265, EBS 270, and EBS 290), must be completed at UC Davis to satisfy degree requirements.
  • Qualifying Exam (QE)
  • All UC Davis doctoral students must pass the QE, which assesses readiness for candidacy, independent research, and the dissertation. The exam evaluates academic preparation, mastery of the literature, understanding of research methods, and the originality and clarity of the research proposal. Students have up to two attempts to pass.

    Learn more about the QE.
  • Dissertation

  • The doctoral dissertation is the culminating paper that synthesizes a student's years of learning, experience, research, and writing on a specialized topic within their field.  It is the final requirement for all doctoral students and, once approved and filed, signifies completion of the degree.  For almost all students, completing the dissertation will be an entirely new experience from anything they have undertaken before.  As the project develops, many student's research topic and questions change (sometimes drastically). 

    Learn more about dissertation requirement.

  • Exit Seminar
  • The exit seminar is a public presentation of your thesis or dissertation research, typically scheduled near the end of your degree. It’s your opportunity to showcase your work, share findings with the academic community, and celebrate the culmination of your program.

    Learn more about the Exit Seminar
  • Key Milestones
  • - Select Course Guidance Committee → End of 1st quarter
    - File Program of Study (POS) → End of 3rd quarter
    - Complete coursework (49 units minimum)
    - Take Qualifying Exam → By end of 3rd year
    - Advance to Candidacy → Within 1 month of QE
    - Exit Seminar & Dissertation Filing → Year 4–5

    Learn more about our GBSE PhD & MS Milestones
  • Designated Emphases

  • Students may also opt for a Designated Ph.D Emphasis in Biotechnology or Native American Studies.

    During the doctoral program, students have the opportunity to also apply for a designated emphasis. A designated emphasis (DE) is an interdisciplinary specialization, such as a new method of inquiry or an important field of application, which is relevant to two or more existing doctoral degree programs. The Graduate Program in Biological Systems Engineering offers two designated emphases.

    • Biotechnology

      The designated emphasis in Biotechnology provides a very effective multidisciplinary biotechnology concentration, which includes exposure to bioethics, business and legal aspects of biotechnology as well as a 3-6 month internship in a biotechnology company or research laboratory in another college or national laboratory. Dr. Kjelstrom, the Program Coordinator assists the students in locating internships, preparation of a strong cover letter and curriculum vitae, and the development of professional skills related to the business environment.

      Program Chair: Email Abhaya Dandekar

      Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about a Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology.

       

    • Native American Studies

      The designated emphasis in Native American Studies focuses hemispherically upon the indigenous peoples of the Americans, that is, upon the peoples, nations, tribes, and communities whose ancestors have lived in North, Central and South America from earliest times. This unique hemispheric approach includes attention to the increasing dislocation and diaspora of indigenous people throughout the Americas, and calls upon the authority of Native intelligence (Native voices, Native texts) in all its forms and manifestations to address the issues that concern Native peoples, including the creative strategies for continuance they have developed over the centuries.

      Program Chair: Email Justin Spence

      Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about a Designated Emphasis in Native American Studies.

Master Degrees

There are three options for master's degrees in Biological Systems Engineering within the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

M.S. Plan I - Thesis Option

The M.S. Plan I is designed for people who wish to further their fundamental knowledge of engineering. This plan emphasizes the science and research features of engineering. The work students complete in this plan will culminate in a research based thesis that is reviewed by a thesis committee.

  • Course Requirements

  • MS Plan I requires a minimum of 30 units of graduate and upper division courses consisting of:

    Core Courses (3 units) - All students are required to complete the following core courses:

    • EBS 200 – Research Methods in Biological Systems Engineering (2 units)
    • EBS 290 – Seminar (1 unit)
       

    Elective Courses (27 units) - Students must complete 27 units of elective coursework, structured as follows:

    • 12 units of graduate engineering courses
    • 5 units of graduate or upper-division courses that are not required for the UC Davis Biological Systems Engineering B.S. degree
    • At least 6 units of 290C, 299 Research
    • Other graduate or upper division courses for a total of at least 30 units
       

    Life Sciences Requirement

    Students who did not complete coursework in biological or life sciences as part of their undergraduate degree program must include at least one life sciences course as part of their elective coursework.

  • Thesis
  • A master's thesis is an original scholarly work, about a specific subject in the field, written under the guidance of the major professor. The thesis synthesizes the student's learning, research, and development in the graduate program. An eligible thesis committee reads and evaluates the thesis, and if approved, the student submits the thesis electronically to Graduate Studies.

    Learn more about thesis requirements
  • Exit Seminar
  • The exit seminar is a public presentation of your thesis or dissertation research, typically scheduled near the end of your degree. It’s your opportunity to showcase your work, share findings with the academic community, and celebrate the culmination of your program.

    Learn more about the Exit Seminar
  • Key Milestones
  • - Select Course Guidance Committee → End of 1st quarter
    - File Program of Study (POS) → End of 2nd quarter
    - Complete coursework (30 units minimum)
    - Advance to Candidacy → End of 4th quarter
    - Exit Seminar & Thesis Filing → End of Summer Year 2

    Learn more about our GBSE PhD & MS Milestones

M.S. Plan II - Comprehensive Exam Option

The M.S. Plan II is designed for those who want to strengthen their preparation either for the job marked for for further professional education. This option is well suited to highly qualified students who plan to pursue further graduate education and reduce overall time to graduate degree. However, without the research based thesis, funding your master's degree as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) is rare. Plan II students are still eligible for a limited number of TA positions within and outside the department. Additionally, this plan will culminate in an Oral Comprehensive Examination given before three faculty members.

  • Course Requirements

  • The MS Plan II requires a minimum of 36 units of graduate and upper division courses consisting of:

    Core Courses (3 units) - All students are required to complete the following core courses:

    • EBS 200 – Research Methods in Biological Systems Engineering (2 units)
    • EBS 290 – Seminar (1 unit)
       

    Elective Courses (33 units) - Students must complete 33 units of elective coursework, structured as follows:

    • EBS 290C – Seminar (3 units total; 1 unit per quarter for up to 3 quarters)
    • EBS 299 – Research (6 units)
      • Used to conduct the MS Plan II capstone research project
    • 12 units of graduate engineering courses
    • 6 units of graduate courses, in engineering or a related field
    • 6 units of graduate or upper-division courses that are not required for the UC Davis Biological Systems Engineering B.S. degree
       

    Life Sciences Requirement

    Students who did not complete coursework in biological or life sciences as part of their undergraduate degree program must include at least one life sciences course as part of their elective coursework.

  • Comprehensive Exam

  • The comprehensive examination is the culminating requirement for the MS Plan II degree and is satisfied through completion and evaluation of a written Capstone Project report.

    Examination Committee:
    At the time of advancement to candidacy, MS Plan II students must establish a Comprehensive Examination Committee consisting of two faculty members:

    • The GBSE faculty member who supervised the student’s Capstone Project
    • A second GBSE faculty member who was not involved in the project
      • The second committee member is selected in consultation with the project supervisor and the Graduate Advisor


    Examination Format:

    • The comprehensive examination consists of a written report based on the student’s Capstone Project.
    • The report must be a minimum of 6,000 words
    • The report must include properly formatted citations
    • The report must meet the standards outlined below based on the type of capstone completed
       

    Capstone Project Options:

    • Project Report (Small Project Option)
      Students completing a small project must submit a Project Report that includes:
      • An introduction providing context for the project
      • A description of methods
      • Analysis and discussion of results
      • A brief conclusion
         
    • Literature Review Report (Literature Review Option)
      Students completing a literature review must submit a Literature Review Report that includes:
      • An introduction providing context for the topic
      • A description of methods used to select and organize the literature
      • Analysis and discussion synthesizing peer-reviewed studies
      • A conclusion that includes critical evaluation and future direction


    Timing:

    • Students may complete the comprehensive examination after advancing to candidacy
    • The examination must be completed at or near the end of the student’s coursework, in accordance with the CCGA handbook
    • Students must be registered or in Filing Fee status at the time the program submits the completion form, except during the summer period between Spring and Fall quarters
       

    Evaluation and Outcome:

    • The written report is evaluated by the Comprehensive Examination Committee using grading rubrics developed and maintained by the GBSE Graduate Studies Committee
    • A minimum score of 80% on the rubric is required to pass
    • Students may revise and resubmit the report until the minimum passing score is achieved
    • A student who fails to submit a report meeting the minimum requirements by the 6th quarter of the program will be recommended for disqualification from further graduate study to the Dean of Graduate Studies
    • Upon successful completion:
      • The Master’s Report Form is signed by the Graduate Advisor
      • The form is submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies
      • The program must submit the form no later than one week before the end of the quarter in which the degree will be conferred
  • Key Milestones
  • - Select Course Guidance Committee → End of 1st quarter
    - File Program of Study (POS) → End of 1st quarter
    - Complete coursework (36 units minimum)
    - Advance to Candidacy → End of 3rd quarter
    - Comprehensive Exam → End of summer First Year

    Learn more about our GBSE PhD & MS Milestones

Master of Engineering

The M. Eng emphasizes design, analysis, economics, management, and labor. It prepares students with training useful for professional engineers. Work will culminate in a written report based on a project as well as an oral comprehensive exam before a committee of three faculty members.

  • Course Requirements
  • M. Eng. plan requires a minimum of 36 units of graduate and upper division courses consisting of:
     
    • Core courses (3 units)
      • EBS 200 Research methods in biological systems engineering - 2 units
      • EBS290 Seminar course - 1 unit
    • Elective Course (33 units):
      • 24 units of Graduate and Upper Division Units, excluding EBS 200, 290, 290C, and 299.
        • 18 of which must be graduate units
          • 12 of which must be graduate engineering units
          • Remaining 6 units can be graduate units within or outside of engineering
        • Remaining 6 units can be graduate or upper division courses within or outside of engineering, excluding courses required for the UC Davis Biological Systems Engineering B.S. degree. This restriction does not apply to EBS 165.
      • Remaining 9 units can come from EBS 290C, EBS 299 Research, graduate courses, or upper division courses within or outside of engineering.
        • For those students who did not take any life sciences classes during their undergraduate degree program, at least one course from life sciences should be included.
        • No more than 9 units of EBS 290C, EBS 299 Research can be used
        • Excludes courses required for the UC Davis Biological Systems Engineering B.S. degree. This restriction does not apply to EBS 165.
    • Written engineering report based on a project and oral comprehensive examination before a committee of three faculty members.
  • Engineering Report
  • More information coming soon!
  • Exit Seminar
  • The exit seminar is a public presentation of your thesis or dissertation research, typically scheduled near the end of your degree. It’s your opportunity to showcase your work, share findings with the academic community, and celebrate the culmination of your program.

    Learn more about the Exit Seminar
  • Key Milestones
  • - Select Course Guidance Committee → End of 1st quarter
    - File Program of Study (POS) → End of 2nd quarter
    - Complete coursework (36 units minimum)
    - Advance to Candidacy → End of 4th quarter
    - Engineering Report & Exit Seminar → End of summer Second Year

    Learn more about our GBSE PhD & MS Milestones

Integrated Degree (BS+MS)

The integrated BS and MS degree program for Biological Systems Engineers allows students to save time transitioning seamlessly to the master's degree program upon completion of their bachelor's degree. After the completion of a bachelor's degree the time to completion of a master's degree, under Plan I (Thesis) is 18 months and under Plan II (Comprehensive Examination) is 12 months. This compares to the regular master's degree program expected timeline of 24 months for Plan I and 18 months for Plan II. The program is competitive and rigorous standards are set to ensure students' eventual success.

Learn more about our Integrated BS+MS Program

📊 At-a-Glance Comparison

DegreeCourseworkResearch/CapstoneMilestonesTime to Completion
Ph.D.~40 unitsDissertationQE, Advancement, Seminar5–6 years
M.S. Plan I~30 unitsThesisAdvancement, Seminar2–3 years
M.S. Plan II~36 unitsCapstoneReport1-1.5 years
M.Eng.~36 unitsCapstoneReport, Exit Seminar1–2 years
BS/MSVariesThesis or CapstoneSame as M.S. I or II5 years total

Degree Requirement Documents

Resources

Documents