What Is a Post-Baccalaureate Program, and Could It Be Right for You?
A look at what a post-bacc is, who it's designed for, and what you can expect from one.
A post-baccalaureate program, often called a "post-bacc," is a set of undergraduate courses you take after earning your bachelor's degree. Instead of leading to a graduate degree, it usually ends with a certificate. These programs are meant for people who know their academic or career goals but need more qualifications to reach them.
This gap can look different for everyone. For example, you might have studied English or business but now want to apply to medical school and need science courses. Or maybe your first degree's GPA doesn't show your true abilities. You might even be changing careers and need basic knowledge in a new field. Post-bacc programs are designed for all these situations. You also don't need a previous degree in your new field—that's the key.
How It Differs from a Master's Degree
A post-bacc program is not a graduate degree. The courses are at the undergraduate level, and finishing the program does not give you a master's or doctorate. Instead, it helps you get ready to apply for those programs. Think of it as a bridge to help you meet prerequisites, improve your academic record, or gain basic knowledge before you apply to a graduate program.
UC Irvine’s Three Post-Bacc Programs
UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education offers three post-bacc certificate programs, each catering to a different audience and set of goals.
The Premedical Studies program, offered by the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, is for non-science undergraduates who want to apply to medical, dental, or veterinary school. The curriculum is challenging and carefully planned and includes lab courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biological chemistry, which are required by health professional programs. It also focuses on the critical thinking skills needed for the MCAT. Cohorts are small, typically 10 to 15 students, and advisors give one-on-one support during the program and when you apply to graduate school. Domestic students usually finish in 24 months.
The Psychology post-bacc program offers a broad range of goals. It's a good fit for career changers who need a foundation in psychology, people preparing for a master's or doctoral program, or those who want psychology training for a medical school application. Participants get the same privileges as other UC Irvine Psychology students, including access to faculty, graduate students, weekly talks, and career panels with professionals and alumni. Faculty advisors help customize coursework for each student. Students can also use computer labs, get free career counseling through UC Irvine Division of Career Pathways, and apply for professional development awards of up to $1,600 for society memberships, conference fees, and career training.
The Computational Language Science program, offered by the UC Irvine Department of Language Science, is for people interested in graduate study in areas like computational linguistics, data science, machine learning, or natural language processing. The program combines computer science, AI, and linguistics, which is a mix that is in high demand but hard to learn independently. The courses focus on quantitative skills and scientific communication, taught by instructors with both academic and industry backgrounds. Domestic students can finish in as little as nine months or take up to 24 months. International students complete the program in three quarters.
What the Support Structure Actually Looks Like
In all three programs, students learn in small groups and have direct access to faculty advisors who help plan coursework based on individual goals. Free peer tutoring is available from students who have already finished the courses. All post-bacc students can also get free career counseling through UC Irvine Division of Career Pathways. Advising extends beyond academics and includes help with the graduate school application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post-baccalaureate program?
A post-bacc is a group of undergraduate courses you take after getting your bachelor's degree. The programs are designed to help you meet prerequisites, boost your academic record, or learn the basics of a new field before applying to graduate or professional school.
Who should consider a post-bacc program?
It's a good choice for people changing careers who didn't study the field as undergraduates, for students who need certain prerequisites for graduate or medical school, and for anyone who wants to show stronger academic performance before applying to an advanced degree program.
How is a post-bacc different from a master's degree?
A post-bacc is made up of undergraduate courses and typically leads to a certificate. You complete it as a preparatory step before applying to graduate school. A master's degree is a graduate qualification by itself.
How long does a post-bacc program take?
The length of a post-bacc program depends on the program and how quickly you complete the coursework. At UC Irvine, some domestic students finish in as little as nine months while others take up to 24 months. International students in the Computational Language Science program must finish in three quarters.
Can a post-bacc help me get into medical school?
A post-bacc can be an important part of your application. UC Irvine's Premedical program is made for non-science undergraduates who want to go to medical, dental, or veterinary school. Completing it covers the lab science requirements for those programs and helps with MCAT preparation.
Do I need a background in the field to apply?
No. All three UC Irvine post-bacc programs are made for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in their new field. Applicants come from many different academic backgrounds.
Is financial support available?
Psychology post-bacc students can apply for professional development awards of up to $1,600, which can be used for society memberships, conference registration, and career training fees. All post-bacc students also have access to free career counseling through the UC Irvine Division of Career Pathways.
What kinds of graduate and professional programs have UC Irvine post-bacc program graduates gone on to attend?
Graduates have been accepted into graduate and professional programs at institutions including Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Michigan, among many others.
How do I find out which UCI post-bacc program is right for me?
The best way to decide is to contact an enrollment coach. They can explain each program's requirements and help you figure out which one best matches your background and goals.