Graduate

The Department of Biological Sciences offers Masters of Arts (MA) and Masters of Sciences (MS) degrees in Biological Sciences. Three concentrations are offered in the MS degree including Ecology and Evolution, Molecular Biology & Microbiology, and Physiology. 

*Beginning Fall 2025, the Molecular Biology and Microbiology and Physiology concentrations will be combined. The new program will be the MS Biological Sciences: Molecular, Microbial, and Physiological Biology

*The department is not currently accepting MA students

The department also offers special masters programs, including the Masters of Biotechnology (MBT) and Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory Based Learning (SCILL) Programs.

For more information about the graduate programs, please contact the Department Graduate Coordinator.

• MA Biological Sciences

• MS Conc: Ecology and Evolution
• MS Conc: Molecular Biology & Microbiology
• MS Conc: Physiology

• Master of Biotechnology (MBT)
• Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory Based Learning (SCILL)

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students

• Which programs are accepting applications for Spring 2025?

  • The MS in Biological Sciences with Concentrations in Ecology and Evolution, Molecular and Microbiology, and Physiology will be accepting applications from domestic applicants only for Spring 2025. Fall 2025 admission will be open to both domestic and international applicants.

• What are the application open and close dates for Spring and Fall admission cycles?

  • For the MS in Biological Sciences degree programs, applications for Spring enrollment open August 1st and close October 1st of each year. Documents such as transcripts are due October 20.

    Applications for Fall enrollment typically open October 1st and close March 1st. However, the Molecular and Microbiology Concentration is merging with the Physiology Concentration to become the Molecular, Microbial, and Physiological Biology Concentration. We expect applications for admission to open upon program approval, likely early- to mid-December 2024. Applications will close March 1st. Applications for the Ecology and Evolution Concentration will continue to open October 1st.

• What are the department-specific requirements for acceptance?

  • When applying, you will need to submit a personal statement and a CV or resume.

    Two letters of recommendation are also required; up to three are accepted. Letter writers will be able to upload their letters using a link that is sent out when you apply via the application portal. Letters should be on official letterhead and written by someone that can speak to your abilities and potential for success in the graduate program you are applying to (e.g., research advisors, professors, work supervisors if the field is related to the degree program).

    Agreement by a faculty member to accept you into their research lab is required for acceptance into the MS in Biological Sciences degree programs.

    The department does not have separate GPA requirements from the University Requirements. The GRE is not required for MS and MA in Biological Sciences degree programs. The MBT and SCILL programs have additional requirements.

• How do I get accepted by a faculty member?

  • Applicants are only accepted when a faculty member notifies the Graduate Coordinator that they agree to serve as an applicant’s research mentor. Applicants should reach out to faculty by email or come by during office hours to see if the faculty member will be accepting new students. It is good practice to explain why you are interested in the faculty’s research when reaching out. Faculty that are accepting students may then ask to set up a meeting to get to know you better and to see if you would be a good fit for their lab. It is a good idea to reach out to multiple faculty to find the best fit for you and your goals.

• Where can I find more information about the application process and admissions requirements?

  • https://sjsu.edu/cgs/prospective-students/how-to-apply.php

    https://www.sjsu.edu/admissions/graduate/want-to-apply/index.php

• Am I able to apply for an application fee waiver?

  • SJSU does not provide fee waivers for graduate applications.

• Are there teaching or research fellowships available?

  • The Department of Biological Sciences offers a variety of teaching assistantships that cover tuition at the in-state rate and provide a small monthly stipend. However, they are not guaranteed.

    Some labs that have external grant funding may be able to hire research assistants during the academic year and/or the summer. 

    The Department, Graduate Studies, and CSUBiotech have scholarships and research fellowships that eligible students can apply for.

• What is the cost of tuition?

  • You can find the tuition and fee costs on the Bursar's website: tuition and fees. Click on the semester you wish to view tuition for. If you are an out-of-state student, make sure to read the information below the fee tables.