Graduate Studies
MCB faculty train Ph.D. and M.S. students through the Quantitative and Systems Biology (QSB) graduate program, from molecules and cells to whole systems.
Applications for Fall 2027 are open
The priority deadline is December 1, 2026, and the general deadline is December 15, 2026. We encourage everyone to apply by the priority deadline.
Source: Quantitative and Systems Biology graduate program, qsb.ucmerced.edu.
¡Bienvenidos! A Message for Prospective Students
Meet QSB graduate students Laura García López (in Spanish) and Andie Venegas as they share their research and graduate experience.
Degrees and Concentrations
QSB brings together experiments, data and modeling to study living systems. Students can tailor their training with an elective concentration that appears on their diploma.
Ph.D. in Quantitative and Systems Biology
Most students rotate through two to three QSB labs in their first year and then choose an advisor. Students who already know their lab can apply through the declaration track.
M.S. in Quantitative and Systems Biology
Choose a thesis track, a course track, or the 4+1 path that lets UC Merced undergraduates continue straight into a master’s degree.
Molecular and Cellular Biology Concentration
Build graduate-level expertise in molecular and cellular biology alongside MCB faculty, from gene regulation to cell signaling.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration
Focus on ecological and evolutionary processes, from populations to ecosystems.
Computational and Theoretical Biology Concentration
Train primarily in computational, mathematical and theoretical approaches to biological research.
Graduate Resources
Find a Faculty Mentor
Explore MCB labs and research areas, and reach out to faculty whose work interests you.
Current Students
Registration, courses and degree requirements for students already in QSB.
Apply to QSB, or reach out with questions about graduate study in MCB.
