University Requirements (essential):
The CSU requirements are described in detail here. In brief, the applicant must- Possess a 4-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited Institution.
- Possess an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater (A=4.0).
- Possess a GPA of 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
Departmental Requirements (essential):
- Complete the General GRE exam (NOW OPTIONAL*)
- Possess a degree in any field in the biological sciences.
- Complete* undergraduate coursework equivalent to those required of biological science majors at CSUEB:
- a year of introductory biology
- a year of general chemistry
- a quarter/semester of organic chemistry
- a quarter/semester of calculus
- a quarter/semester of biochemistry
*Any missing coursework will be treated as a course deficiency and must be completed in advance.
Departmental Requirements (recommended):
- Attain general GRE scores that rank 30% or higher in all categories (NOW OPTIONAL*).
- Possess an overall GPA greater than 2.75 in all undergraduate work.
- Possess a GPA of 3.0 or greater in upper division biology courses.
- Gain the written support of a faculty member in the Biology department that is willing to serve as your major thesis advisor (see below).
NOTE: Students who do not satisfy these requirements may be denied admission to the Master of Science degree program.
*The department has decided to make the submission of GRE scores optional. We advise that if your GRE scores will like enhance your application (i.e. you need to overcome deficiencies elsewhere) that you should submit your scores. Otherwise they are not necessary.
*The department has decided to make the submission of GRE scores optional. We advise that if your GRE scores will like enhance your application (i.e. you need to overcome deficiencies elsewhere) that you should submit your scores. Otherwise they are not necessary.
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. 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.
