Post-baccalaureate students are those taking undergraduate coursework after completing a bachelor’s degree. Post-baccalaureate students pursue second bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, and graduate certificates.

The post-baccalaureate Biology and Microbiology programs are appropriate for those with a previous science degree who need to enhance their science GPA for a graduate or pre-professional school. Although the post-baccalaureate program is available to all, a second bachelor’s degree in Biology or Microbiology is more appropriate for anyone whose first degree was non-science and who would like to complete their credentials for graduate school or pre-professional schools like medical school.

While pursuing the post-baccalaureate, you should work closely with your academic advisor and grad/pre-professional school admissions officers to plan your courses and discuss other aspects of the graduate or pre-professional school application process.

Since you have a previous Bachelor’s degree, you will not need to meet the liberal arts, foreign language, and other university bachelor degree requirements. If you haven’t already, you will be required to meet all sciences necessary for a modern biology/microbiology curriculum that will prepare you for graduate and pre-professional schools.

1. Must meet all of the major requirements for incoming catalog year, which includes the departmental entrance requirement. Biology major and microbiology major requirements are listed on the degree sheets, which are available in our main office or on our website (see Degrees link to the left).
2. Must meet department residency requirement of 20* hours.

*If your first degree is from another school or is in a non-science major, you have the option of completing 10 additional hours (over the min 20) to meet a 2nd bachelor’s degree. USF BMS students may not receive a double-major or 2nd degree in Biology or Microbiology at USF, but are eligible for the post-baccalaureate option.

If you are a current USF student, you can update your record so that once you graduate with your first degree you will stay continuously enrolled as a USF student in a post-baccalaureate program. You would not need to submit an application. Please see the biology academic advisors for more assistance. However, if you have not taken coursework at USF for three consecutive semesters, you will need to reapply to USF as a returning student. However, if you graduate prior to declaring your post-baccalaureate intentions, you will need to reapply to USF as a returning student.

Students with a prior Bachelor’s degree seeking a second undergraduate degree or post-baccalaureate certificate can be admitted once they apply to USF as a transfer or returning student. On the undergraduate application for admission, you should indicate that you are a 2nd Bachelor's student. You may apply to USF in any semester. Students may begin the post-baccalaureate work any semester since the coursework is offered throughout the year.

You are strongly encouraged to meet with your advisor prior to your first semester at USF for planning and registration help. You will be required to follow the same process as our incoming transfer students. Please see our incoming transfer student webpage for more information.