Application Information for MS Program in Biology
To apply to the Master of Science degree program in Biology, two separate applications must be completed: 1) the University application, to be submitted using CSUMentor, and 2) the Department of Biological Sciences application. Note that the Departmental application may have an earlier deadline than the University application. Both applications must be accompanied by an official set of transcripts. All student must meet the University's minimum requirements for graduate studies.
Important Notice! Due to the California state budget crisis and its effect on the California State University system, many CSU programs are required to reduce their enrollment. It is best to apply as early as possible. You can visit the CSUMentor Application Status Filing Report to which CSU campuses are currently accepting applications, which majors are opened or closed, and to read any messages left by the campus.
The Department of Biological Sciences application procedure involves several components. In addition to the completed University application, you must
- complete a Departmental application
- identify a potential research advisor
- write a statement of purpose
- have three letters of recommendation sent to the Department
- have official transcripts sent to the Department
These requirements are described in more detail below.
The Department of Biological Sciences has a priority deadline of March 15. We will start reviewing applications and accepting students after that deadline. Late applications may be reviewed at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions committee on a case-by-case basis; however, qualified students whose applications arrive after the March 15 deadline will be admitted only if space is available.
Please carefully read all instructions below and on the application form and do not hesitate to contact the Department if you need more information. Only completed applications that are submitted by the deadline will be considered!
Department Application
Admission into the MS Degree Program in Biology is contingent upon review and acceptance of your application by the Department of Biological Sciences. The application form is provided below. Submit this application directly to the Department of Biological Sciences, Cal State LA, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8201.
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MS in Biology Application Form |
Identification of a Potential Faculty Research Advisor
Identifying a research advisor is a key first step in the departmental application process. Note that a successful department application requires either confirmation of acceptance into a research laboratory or evidence of completed interviews with three faculty members in your area of interest.
We recommend that you explore the research areas of our faculty using our Department Web Site. Then schedule an appointment with the faculty member of interest via email or telephone. If you are off campus, you may want to schedule all interviews for the same day. To prepare for the interviews we recommend that you read representative publications of the faculty members of interest and formulate a list of questions regarding the research field and research environment. Sample questions might include:
- How many graduate students has the faculty member supported?
- How many students are currently being supported?
- What funding is available for student support?
- Where have graduates been placed after completing the program?
- How much time will the faculty advisor have for you?
- How much time does it take to complete the Master's Degree?
In addition, you should be prepared to answer questions addressing:
- Your research interests
- Your expectations for the program
- Your immediate and long-term professional plans
Statement of Purpose
In your atatment of purpose, please comment on your specific research interests, your academic goals, and how our program can be of help to you. Comment on why you chose our program, what qualities make you a suitable candidate, and how you could contribute to our program. Please do not submit an essay about your general life experiences; the Department would like to know about your academic and scientific qualifications.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required as part of your application. Choose professional individuals (e.g. research supervisor, supervisor in science related employment, professors) who are best suited to comment on your intellectual talents, motivation, interactions with peers, work attitude and performance. Ask these individuals to make specific comments on your suitability for the degree program.
Official Transcripts
You need two sets of official transcripts for your application to the Graduate Degree program in Biology. One is for our Department and one is to be submitted to the University Admissions Office.