SAN DIEGO -- Commencement ceremonies were held Saturday for 1,700 students at California State University San Marcos, and 400 more graduated at the University of San Diego Law School.

The graduating class for Cal State San Marcos included the first seven candidates in a joint doctor in education program with UC San Diego, and 211 master's candidates.

The North County school's first undergraduate degrees in anthropology, mass media and biotechnology were awarded in ceremonies at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Dr. Al Kern, who helped develop the biotechnology program at CSUSM, was given an honorary doctor of science degree by President Karen Haynes.

Kern, the executive vice-president of Mycogen Corp., also helped create the CSUSM Foundation, Haynes said.

The USD law students heard from Thomas P. O'Brien, the U.S. attorney for the central district of California, and a 1993 law alumnus.

Another 1,800 students will graduate next weekend at USD in the Jenny Craig Pavilion.

San Diego State University's commencement ceremonies begin Thursday and run for four days in Cox Arena.

UC San Diego students will graduate on June 21.