There are two applications, A University Application (Cal State Apply) and a Departmental application.
Application Deadline
- Fall semester Admission: University and Departmental Application is due April 1 (Late applications will be considered after April 1 if space is available).
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).
- Have all official transcript(s) emailed to electronictranscripts@csueastbay.edu (preferred method) or mail to Enrollment Management, Cal State East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542. See this link for detailed instructions.
- Current CSUEB students do not need to send their CSUEB transcripts. That said,
- Any student who graduated from CSUEB more than a few years ago should email Grad Admissions to double-check that they can see the transcripts in their e-files (see bottom of this page for email addresses)
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.
- General GRE scores. A scan or print screen of your general GRE scores is sufficient. Save as a JPEG or PDF file (NOW OPTIONAL!).
- 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. If you already have a thesis advisor (on or off-campus), this person should be included as one of the three individuals and should submit a letter of recommendation that indicates that he/she is willing to supervise your Master of Science research.
- With your document files on hand, begin the departmental application. The application first asks you to choose your program of interest. For Fall admission you can choose MS, MS+BCP or BCP only. You should choose MS+BCP if you are interested in
- pursuing an MS degree in the broad area of cell and molecular biology,
- you plan to take all the BCP courses (see BCP curriculum).
- you plan to take the BCP exam at the end of the year to obtain a BCP certificate.
- 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 the following address:
Attn. Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biological Sciences,
California State University, 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.
Finding a Thesis Advisor
If you are interested in the Master of Science degree program, we strongly encourage you to identify a Biology faculty member that will agree to serve as your research advisor before you submit an application to the department. If you have not done this, it is never too late. If you find a thesis advisor after you submit your departmental application, simply email the graduate coordinator (maria.gallegos@csueastbay.edu) to update your application.
The research interests and contact information for CSUEB Biology faculty actively involved in research can be found here.
To secure an agreement, contact a faculty member of interest by email or stop by during their office hours. To make your email stand out, briefly highlight your strengths in the body of your message, explain why you are interested in the faculty member's research then attach a print screen of your general GRE scores, your personal statement and your unofficial transcripts. This is a must read for more tips on how to "Nail the Inquiry Letter".
If you are successful in finding a thesis advisor in this way, add this information to your departmental application and ask this individual to write a letter of recommendation for you that mentions this agreement. If you are not successful, you should still submit your application. Faculty space and needs can change.
Alternatively, you may do your research off-campus (i.e. at a biotech company, other university or research institute). You should first discuss this possibility with your prospective off-campus thesis advisor and hand them this letter explaining their responsibilities. In brief, an off-campus thesis advisor is subject to approval and must have a PhD. This individual must also agree to act as your primary supervisor and is amenable to having your research published in a University thesis that will be available online. If you are successful in finding an off-campus thesis advisor, add this information to your application and ask this individual to write a letter of recommendation for you that mentions this agreement.
The research interests and contact information for CSUEB Biology faculty actively involved in research can be found here.
If you are successful in finding a thesis advisor in this way, add this information to your departmental application and ask this individual to write a letter of recommendation for you that mentions this agreement. If you are not successful, you should still submit your application. Faculty space and needs can change.
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.
