In North San Diego County, a new kind of college experience is underway—one that begins in high school, fast-tracks students to a college degree, and launches them directly into one of California’s fastest-growing and highest-paying industries: biomanufacturing. Through an innovative dual enrollment partnership between Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD) and MiraCosta College, students can now earn free college credit and even an associate degree in biomanufacturing by the time they graduate from high school. For motivated students, the pathway continues seamlessly into MiraCosta’s Bachelor of Science in Biomanufacturing, preparing them for success in a field that is reshaping healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, and more.

Biomanufacturing is more than an industry; it is a national economic driver. San Diego County alone employs over 71,000 people in the life sciences sector and contributes more than $54 billion in annual economic output (Biocom California, 2025). However, the demand for trained, entry-level biomanufacturing professionals continues to outpace supply. A recent labor market analysis revealed that the region sees over 1,100 job openings annually in biomanufacturing and biomedical technology, yet only around 50 local graduates are available to fill those roles.

MiraCosta College is answering that call.

As one of the original 15 community colleges in California authorized to offer a bachelor’s degree, MiraCosta’s Bachelor of Science in Biomanufacturing is a direct response to regional workforce needs and a transformative opportunity for students.

Since its launch, the program has maintained outstanding employment outcomes: 

• 91% employment rate for the graduating classes of 2019, 2020, and 2022. 
  
  
• 93% employment rate for the graduating class of 2021. 

Many graduates are hired by local biotech firms before they even complete their degree.

The program was developed in close collaboration with regional biotech employers. Together, MiraCosta and industry partners shaped a curriculum rooted in academic rigor and hands-on training with industry-standard equipment. Students benefit from paid internships, mentorship, and earn-and-learn opportunities, ensuring they are workforce-ready from day one. Graduates also prepare for national certifications in biomanufacturing, making them highly competitive candidates in the job market.

A key part of that preparation happens inside MiraCosta’s state-of-the-art Chemistry and Biotechnology Building, a $42.5 million facility funded by the 2016 voter-approved Measure MM bond. Equipped with industry-grade labs and cleanroom environments, the building mirrors the settings students will encounter in real-world biotech jobs. It provides access to the tools and technologies used by regional employers like Genentech. By training in facilities built to industry standards, students gain confidence and hands-on experience that translates directly into career readiness.

MiraCosta is committed to expanding access to this high-demand field. Recognizing that Black and Latino individuals make up just 28% of STEM jobs nationally, and that women remain underrepresented, the college has invested in targeted support programs. These include financial aid, academic counseling, mentorship, and inclusive classroom practices. In 2022, MiraCosta was recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity as one of only 77 community colleges nationwide for its efforts to promote STEM equity and inclusion.

While the biomanufacturing pathway is generating attention, it builds on the long-standing success of OUSD and MiraCosta College’s dual enrollment offerings. High school students across the district can already earn college credit in a variety of subjects, including business, psychology, film, early childhood education, and more, all without leaving their campus. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) courses, students do not need to take an external exam to receive credit; they simply need to pass the course.

As the biotech sector continues to grow in California and beyond, MiraCosta College’s innovative approach to dual enrollment and bachelor's-level workforce education is setting a new standard for how educational institutions can respond to local economic needs.

“This is not just about earning a degree,” said Dr. Sunny Cooke, superintendent/president of MiraCosta College. “It’s about transforming communities, expanding access to opportunity, and preparing students to thrive in the industries of tomorrow in San Diego County.”