To gain admission to the Biotechnology Certificate Program (the BCP), you must submit a University application and a departmental application as outlined below.
Application Deadline
- Fall Semester Admission only: Applications and Documents due May 1.
University Application and Required Documents
- Complete a University Application online at Cal State Apply.
- Pay the nonrefundable University Application Fee (at the time you apply).
- Mail official transcript(s) to Enrollment Management, Cal State East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542.
- Complete a Departmental Application (see below).
Departmental Application and Required Documents
- Before you complete your online Departmental Application, make sure you have the following documents and information ready:
- Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages). Save as a word or PDF file. For tips on how to write your statement of purpose, see below.
- Unofficial Transcript. A scan or print screen of your unofficial transcript from your degree granting institution is sufficient. Save as a JPEG or PDF file.
- List or table of science courses taken. Save as an Excel, Word or PDF file. Include all Biology, Math, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics courses taken. Indicate institution, course #, descriptive title, grade, and year taken.
- Name, title, work and email address for three individuals that can comment on your academic record, research experience (if any), ability to work as a team and your integrity in the form of a letter of recommendation.
- You DO NOT need to take the GRE.
- With your document files on hand, begin the departmental application. The application first asks you to choose your program of interest. Choose BCP only.
- Finally, have three letters of recommendation sent to the graduate coordinator, Dr. Maria Gallegos.
- For letters that will be emailed (preferred), ask your letter writer to craft a letter on official letterhead and email to maria.gallegos@csueastbay.edu from a work email address. Letters from gmail or equivalent will not be accepted.
- For letters that will be mailed, send them to Attn. Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biological Sciences, Cal State East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542
Please note that your application packet may not be reviewed until it is complete and submitted by the deadline (including both the University and departmental applications).
Writing a Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose should clearly convey your reason for choosing to pursue an M.S. degree. You should be able to address what you hope to achieve from the program and how the skills and breadth of knowledge gained will enable you to pursue future academic and/or career goals. Your statement should include reference to previous academic and research activities that have prepared you for the rigors of a graduate level degree. You should also describe your current research interests and how they might parallel some of the ongoing research projects currently underway on or off-campus.
Who to Contact about Admission Questions
- International applicants with University application questions or concerns (including VISA questions), should email* the International Admissions Office at iao@csueastbay.edu (CC: the graduate coordinator).
- Domestic applicants with University Admission questions or concerns, should email* gradadmission@csueastbay.edu (CC: the graduate coordinator).
- Applicants with departmental admission questions or concerns, should email* the graduate coordinator: maria.gallegos@csueastbay.edu.
