Skip to Content
Certificate

Regulatory Affairs for Drugs and Biologics

About the Regulatory Affairs for Drugs and Biologics Program

The Specialized Certificate in Regulatory Affairs for Drugs and Biologics provides professionals with the knowledge and applied skills needed to navigate the regulatory requirements governing the development, approval, and post-market oversight of pharmaceutical and biologic products. Offered fully online, the program is designed for scientists, researchers, and other life science professionals seeking to advance or transition into regulatory affairs roles, as well as individuals entering the field who want to establish a strong career pathway in the life sciences industry.

Through applied, practice-based coursework taught by experienced industry professionals, participants gain a solid foundation in U.S. and global regulatory pathways, IND and BLA submissions, regulatory compliance, and interactions with health authorities. Drawing on UC San Diego’s strong ties to the San Diego biotechnology and life sciences community—one of the nation’s leading innovation hubs—the certificate prepares graduates to contribute effectively to the development and regulatory oversight of safe, high-quality therapies in a global regulatory environment.

Online
9 -15 Months
Varies by student and courses taken per quarter.
$3,550
not including textbooks

What You'll Learn

  • Explain the role and scope of regulatory affairs within the life sciences industry, including the ethical, legal, and scientific principles that guide product development and approval.
  • Describe key regulatory frameworks and processes governing drugs and biologics in the U.S. and globally, with emphasis on FDA and international regulatory agencies.
  • Develop and organize core components of regulatory submissions, including Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, Biologics License Applications (BLA), and other market authorization documents.
  • Evaluate regulatory strategies that align scientific, business, and compliance objectives across the product lifecycle—from preclinical development through post-market surveillance.
  • Communicate effectively with regulatory agencies, applying best practices for agency interactions, meetings, and correspondence to facilitate timely product review and approval.
  • Apply practical knowledge and critical thinking skills to real-world regulatory challenges, supporting compliance and innovation in drug and biologic development.

Who it's Designed For

  • Scientists and life science professionals working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industries
  • Individuals seeking to advance into or transition toward regulatory affairs roles
  • Early-career professionals and recent graduates building foundational regulatory knowledge
  • Professionals in clinical, quality, manufacturing, or research roles who work with regulatory teams

Regulatory Affairs for Drugs and Biologics

Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Download Course List

Required Courses

Electives

Five Units Required

Advisory Board

Shrenik Desai, M.S.

Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality
IDRx

Margie Holmes, MAS

Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
Actio Biosciences

Amanda Lee, Ph.D., RAC

Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs
CARGO Therapeutics

Malcolm Lloyd-Smith, M.Sc

Chief Regulatory Officer and Chief Integration Officer
Neurocrine Biosciences

Geetika Mathur, Ph.D., RAC

Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Inari Medical

Ruth Waterman, M.D.

Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology
UC San Diego

Related Programs

ADMET in Drug Development

Gain in-demand ADMET skills to improve drug success with practical training in PK, metabolism, toxicity, and R&D strategy.

Biotechnology Project Management

Gain specialized skills to manage biotech projects from discovery to launch in this online certificate for science and pharma professionals.

Clinical Trials Design and Management Program

Since 1997, this program has trained clinical trial professionals at all levels and meets ACRP and SoCRA education requirements for certification.