Dear Prospective Graduate Student,

Thank you for your interest in our graduate program in Biological Sciences. Our faculty have worked very hard designing a program that will provide students advanced knowledge and training in biology.  Graduates with an M.S. in Biological Sciences will be prepared to continue study at the Ph.D. level, to pursue careers in private industry or government affiliated labs, and/or to teach at the community college level.  In addition to course work, the student will participate in original research culminating in a written thesis, its defense, and a public presentation.

We are very excited about this program and are pleased that you are interested in joining us.  Some of the special features of this program include:

• Research-based MS degree that includes a written thesis and oral presentation
   
• Close, individual guidance by highly trained faculty
   
• Incorporation of science pedagogy and teaching experience.
   
• Close partnerships with the private and public sector. With appropriate approval, students will be able to conduct their thesis research off campus in a partnership with a company or governmental agency.
   
• Extremely well-equipped, modem laboratory facilities
   
• Access to numerous field sites in the area

Because our degree is research based, each student is paired with a faculty advisor in the area of their interests.  Prospective students are highly encouraged to contact faculty members directly before applying to the program to discuss research opportunities.  The ability of a faculty member to take on new graduate students changes frequently, and space may be limited in the program.

In order to pursue the Master of Science Degree in Biology, you must make separate applications to, and be accepted by, both the University and the Department. Applications to the University and information on admission requirements may be requested from the Office of Admissions, (760) 750-4848. Send the University application and fee, one set of official transcripts, etc., directly to the Office of Admissions.

In addition to the prerequisites for entrance to CSUSM as a graduate student, our program requires the following: 1) a bachelor's degree in the biological or related sciences with minimum coursework similar to that required for our minor in Biological Sciences at CSUSM; 2) an undergraduate GPA in all completed science and math courses of at least 2.75 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 35 semester units of science and math; and 3) scores from the GRE Subject Test in Biology or the Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology. 

In order to be accepted into the Masters Program in Biology, you must also apply directly to the Biology Program. To do so, please complete and return the items listed below. The Departmental application deadline is March 15 for the following Fall Semester. We do not accept Spring or Summer applicants.

To apply, please submit the following items:

• Completed Department Application Form for admission to the Master's program in Biological Sciences. Note that this form requires a statement of interests and educational and career goals.
   
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including CSUSM. Please provide a worksheet summary of your GPA for all mathematics and science courses and a summary of your GPA in the last 35 semester units of mathematics and sciences.
   
• Score reports for the GRE Subject Test in Biology or Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology. (and TOEFL/TWE, if applicable).
   
• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's performance in the classroom and potential for independent research.

Send all application material to our Program Assistant: Catalina Huggins; Department of Biological Sciences; California State University; San Marcos, CA 92096.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (760-750-8017; traceyb@csusm.edu or Catalina Huggins (760) 750-4103; chuggins@csusm.edu).  Thanks again for your interest in joining us in this new adventure.

Sincerely,
Tracey K. Brown, Ph.D.
Graduate Advisor