Application Deadlines - Fall Admission only
- The Departmental Application is due April 1 (Late applications will be considered after April 1 only if space is available).
- The University Application is due June 1.
Departmental Application Instructions
Before you complete your Departmental Application, make sure you have the following documents and information ready:- 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 for uploading.
- Applicant Statements (For now, write your answers to the following questions (1, 2 and 3) on a docx or pdf file to upload. Soon . . . to be pasted directly into the online application):
- Briefly describe your near term goals (i.e. 5 years from now) that explain why you want to pursue a biotech certificate and/or MS degree in the Department of Biological Sciences at CSUEB (up to 250 words).
- Briefly describe your research experience (if any) obtained from lab courses, independent study and/or a job (up to 250 words).
- Briefly describe your current research interests. If you have not yet settled on a thesis advisor (on or off-campus), include the names of faculty at CSUEB that interest you (up to 250 words).
- General GRE Scores (OPTIONAL). If you think your general GRE scores will help your application, please scan or print screen your general GRE scores and save as a JPEG or PDF file for uploading.
- List of science courses taken but NOT included in the unofficial transcript (if any). Save as an Excel, Word or PDF file. Include all Biology, Math, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics courses taken but NOT included on the unofficial transcript provided above. Indicate institution and year (where and when taken), course #, descriptive title, and grade.
- Name, title, work and email addresses for three individuals willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Ask them to comment on your integrity, academic record, research experience (if any), and ability to work as a team 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 state in their letter of recommendation 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
Please note that your departmental application will not be reviewed until it is complete.
- 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.
Please note that your departmental application will not be reviewed until it is complete.
University Application Instructions
- Complete a University Application online at Cal State Apply and pay the nonrefundable University Application Fee.
- Arrange to have all your official transcript(s) emailed to electronictranscripts@csueastbay.edu See this link for more 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).
Finding a Thesis Advisor
While it is not essential, we strongly encourage you to identify a Biology faculty member that will agree to serve as your Master of Science 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.
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.
Who to Contact about Admission Questions
- International applicants with University application questions (including VISA questions), should email* the International Admissions Office at iao@csueastbay.edu (CC: the graduate coordinator).
- Domestic applicants with University Admission questions should email* gradadmission@csueastbay.edu (CC: the graduate coordinator).
- Applicants with departmental admission questions should email* the graduate coordinator: maria.gallegos@csueastbay.edu.
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